The Palmetto State, South Carolina, is typically seen as politically and socially conservative. However, when it comes to kratom and its use and legality, South Carolinians lean towards an individual’s freedom to make their own choices. Now, this isn’t to say that kratom hasn’t been a topic of intense debate and discussion here, but it hasn’t limited its availability. So, is kratom legal in South Carolina?
Is Kratom Legal in South Carolina?
The answer to this question is yes. Kratom is legal in the state of South Carolina. However, to fully understand kratom’s legality in SC, you’ll need to understand its complex history with the state’s lawmakers and learn about its current pending legislation.
The Legality of Kratom in South Carolina
In early 2023, South Carolina lawmakers introduced H3742 in an attempt to add kratom to the state’s list of Class IV Controlled Substances. While this wouldn’t have effectively banned kratom, it could have made it more difficult to sell, purchase, and possess. H3742 has stalled in committee and hasn’t progressed further.
In March 2024, South Carolina lawmakers introduced H5043, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). This bill seeks to:
- Restrict the sales of kratom to anyone under the age of 21.
- Ban the sales of adulterated products.
- Enforce the levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine at 2% or less.
- Labels should list all ingredients, a recommended serving size, and the full name and address of the manufacturer.
H5043 has been referred to the Committee on Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs. As of yet, it hasn’t progressed any further, but it is good news for kratom advocacy groups and those who enjoy the benefits that kratom provides. Most are hopeful that this bill will eventually be signed by the governor so that South Carolina can join the other states that have enacted the KCPA.
Kratom is legal and currently unregulated in South Carolina. While we cannot predict the future, we are leaning towards the state passing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. However, until the votes are tallied and it is enacted as law, your guess is as good as ours.
Need Proof That Kratom is Legal in South Carolina? Order MIT45 Products Online Now!
MIT45, a highly ethical vendor of kratom products, refuses to ship to any state that has banned the product despite our disagreement with these states’ decisions. Unfortunately, we will refuse all orders from Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Rhode Island.
Check out our wide assortment of kratom products, including:
Are You Interested in Becoming an Advocate for Kratom?
Simply because you live in a state where the sale and possession of kratom is legal doesn’t mean that you can’t join the fight to help combat the misconceptions about this product. Kratom has gotten a bad rap in other parts of the country, and despite its many benefits, some lawmakers are ignorant of the truth about it.
The first step in becoming a kratom advocate is to educate yourself about the plant and its benefits. Knowledge is power.
- Use your social media: Prepare informative posts about what kratom is and its many benefits. You can even post about how kratom has improved your life. Consider joining online kratom groups. There’s power in numbers.
- Sign the national petition: The American Kratom Association has put together a petition to show Congress that their constituents support a national Kratom Consumer Protection Act. You can sign the petition and tell your story on the Protect Kratom website.
Where to Buy Kratom Legally in South Carolina
Kratom is legal in South Carolina and should be pretty easy to locate. Many smoke and vape shops sell kratom products, but it’s a good idea to call ahead as not all of them carry kratom, or they may not sell your preferred product. Other options include convenience stores, especially those selling herbal products, and some gas stations.
If you’re looking for more of a social kratom experience but don’t yet have friends in the kratom community, many kava bars also have kratom beverages on hand. These establishments cater to like-minded people who enjoy sharing the kratom experience. Many of South Carolina’s larger cities have more than one Kava/Kratom bar to choose from.
Tips for Buying Kratom
Since South Carolina hasn’t yet passed the KCPA (our fingers are crossed that it passes soon), buyers should be careful with which kratom products they choose to purchase. Without legal restrictions, unscrupulous manufacturers can substitute pure kratom with synthetic alkaloids, and without the state requiring transparency, you could be duped.
With this in mind, it pays to do your research. Reputable online kratom vendors will be completely transparent with their products, and many can provide proof of their quality and safety. MIT45 is an American Kratom Association-approved vendor and adheres to their strict regulation policies. Our kratom products are third-party lab-tested to ensure quality and that they’re free of heavy metals, microbes, and other contaminants. Each of our products contains a lot number that can be checked on our website to prove that you’re purchasing a quality product.
Employment, Drug Testing, and Kratom
Even though kratom is legal in South Carolina, some fans of kratom are still concerned if it’s possible to show up on a drug test. The answer is both yes and no.
When an employer, or perhaps even someone in law enforcement, orders a drug test, it’s typically either a five or 10-panel screen that tests for known illegal substances. Even in one of the few states where kratom has been banned, it’s unlikely that kratom would be flagged in a routine drug test.
However, that’s not to say that drug tests can’t detect kratom, or more specifically, the kratom alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. The test would have to look for the presence of these alkaloids specifically, which is unlikely.
For further reading:
- Karunakara, Thiruventhan, et al. “The Chemical and Pharmacological Properties of Mitragynine and Its Diastereomers: An Insight Review.” NIH.gov. 24 February 2022
- Kruegel, Andrew C. et al. “7-Hydroxymitragynine Is an Active Metabolite of Mitragynine and a Key Mediator of Its Analgesic Effects.” NIH.gov. 29 May 2019
- South Carolina Legislature. “H3742 General Bill.” Scstatehouse.gov. 2023
- South Carolina Legislature. “H5043 General Bill.” Scstatehouse.gov. 2024
