Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a botanical with many promising health and wellness properties is, unfortunately, illegal in Alabama.
In 2016, the DEA announced its intention to add kratom to the list of Schedule I substances, which would make it illegal throughout the fifty states.
Fortunately, advocacy efforts by groups like the American Kratom Association (AKA) were successful, leading the DEA to withdraw its intent to ban kratom. While kratom remains legal in most of the United States, it is banned in six states. These states are:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Wisconsin
- Vermont
How Did Kratom Become Illegal in Alabama
Prior to 2016, kratom was available in gas stations and smoke shops across the state. However, in 2016, Alabama’s Senate approved SB 226, which classified mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—the primary active alkaloids in kratom—as controlled substances, categorizing them as synthetic by the government.
Alabama was the 6th US state to make the sale and possession of kratom or any product containing kratom illegal. If you’re caught with kratom, you face felony charges.
The Controversy Surrounding Kratom Legality
The legalities of kratom have been a hotly debated topic in the US for over a decade. In an article in The Hill, Dave Herman, chairman of the American Kratom Association, critiques the FDA’s stance on kratom. He argues against the FDA’s claims that kratom is dangerous.
Herman emphasizes that banning kratom isn’t the solution but rather regulation should be prioritized to ensure safe use. He references a letter from nine scientists disputing the FDA’s claims, stating kratom is not dangerously addictive and provides a safer alternative to certain substances.
Herman criticizes the CDC for its biased research methods and urges for genuine research and proper regulation of kratom to protect consumer safety.
