Rhode Island’s state motto of “Hope” is insightfully fitting when it comes to the legality of kratom in The Ocean State. Fans and kratom advocacy groups of this beneficial botanical have been battling lawmakers for quite some time, and it’s been an interesting journey packed with wild twists and turns. So, is kratom legal in Rhode Island? As of 2024, the answer is no. However, that’s all about to change.
Kratom Legality in Rhode Island
After a wildly rocky ride, kratom will be legal in Rhode Island, effective as of January 1, 2025. Let’s dive into the state’s battle with kratom.
The History of Kratom’s Legal Status in Rhode Island
In 2017, Rhode Island incorrectly labeled kratom’s two primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, as Schedule I Controlled Substances. By doing so, the state joined the ranks of a few others that have banned the sale and possession of kratom. This decision came as a blow to fans of the plant who had long enjoyed its many benefits.
However, this was all to change. The American Kratom Association, the country’s premier kratom advocacy group, went to work to change the minds of Rhode Island lawmakers and attempted to convince them that kratom shouldn’t be listed as a controlled substance. Their stance is that the problem lies in the fact that kratom had been unregulated in the state, allowing unscrupulous kratom processors to add synthetic alkaloids to the product that can be unsafe.
Fortunately, the state’s lawmakers agreed and voted to pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which will take effect in early 2025. H7231 amends its previous version and has the following key points:
- Kratom products can only be purchased by individuals 21 years of age or older.
- Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are removed from the state’s Schedule I Controlled Substances list.
- Bans the sale of adulterated kratom products.
- Product labels must include a recommended serving size, a list of all ingredients, and the manufacturer’s name and address.
This is a huge win for kratom enthusiasts and is a rare case of a state’s decision to reverse a statewide ban. If it weren’t for the American Kratom Association’s efforts, kratom would have remained illegal in Rhode Island. Sadly, kratom still remains illegal in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Order MIT45 Products Online Now!
Residents of Rhode Island will have to wait until January 1, 2025, to order directly from us, but after that date, kratom will be legal in the state. Fans of kratom who live in states where it’s legal can eliminate the hassle of going to a brick-and-mortar store to purchase their favorite products by buying directly from MIT45. Check out our wide assortment of kratom products, including:
- Liquid Shots and Gels
- Tasty Gummies
- Red, Green, and White Raw Leaf Powder
- Capsules: Raw Leaf and Extract Strength
Want to Become an Advocate of Kratom?
Fans of kratom in Rhode Island know all too well how painful it can be to have their state’s legislators ban something as natural as the leaves of a tree that has so many positive benefits. If you’re one of them and now see how there is power in numbers, why not join the many who are fighting the good fight to keep kratom both legal and safe?
- Sign the national petition: Our best bet to keep kratom legal and safe is by enacting a national Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Our friends at the American Kratom Association have a petition you can sign to support this project and let your voice be heard.
- Shout it from the rooftops: The power of social media can bring about change. You can help end the misconceptions about kratom by educating yourself and posting your insights to your social media accounts.
Where to Buy Kratom Safely
In January 2025, Rhode Island residents will be able to purchase kratom products from various establishments. If the states that border Rhode Island are any indication, kratom products will most likely be available in convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke and vape shops. Time will tell exactly what type of stores will offer kratom products in Rhode Island, and with its legality not too far off in the distance, we will soon find out.
Many kratom enthusiasts around the country prefer to buy their products online. Online purchasing eliminates the hassle of driving to a brick-and-mortar store and offers an easier purchasing experience. However, you’ll want to do some research and only purchase from reputable vendors.
You may be asking yourself, “How do I know if a kratom vendor is reputable?” The answer to this question can be difficult to determine if you are buying your kratom products directly from a store, especially if you live in a state where it is unregulated. States that haven’t yet passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act can’t force vendors and retailers to list their products’ ingredients, force them to lab test their products, or stop them from adding synthetic alkaloids.
Smart kratom users go directly to a vendor’s website and search to see if they are on the American Kratom Association’s list of approved vendors. MIT45 has been a long-standing member and is dedicated to serving the kratom community with products that have been lab-tested for purity and to ensure they’re free of microbes, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
Kratom, Employment, and Drug Testing
Any adult who enjoys kratom responsibly shouldn’t have any worries about it interfering with their jobs or the possibility of being drug tested. Although this is true, many are still curious if kratom will show up in a drug test. The answer to that question is both yes and no. Let us explain.
Typical drug tests that employers and law enforcement typically order are five- or ten-panel tests. They test for the presence of known illegal substances and can be done with urine, blood, or hair samples. These tests do not test for the presence of kratom, or rather, for the presence of its alkaloids. Therefore, a standard drug test won’t reveal any traces of kratom.
However, kratom use can be detected if the test ordered is specifically designed to detect the alkaloids in the leaves of the kratom tree. Fortunately, even in states where kratom has been banned, this type of test is incredibly rare.
For further reading:
- 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
- Legiscan. “Rhode Island House Bill 7231.” Legiscan.com. 2024
- Trakulsrichai, Satariya, et al. “Pharmacokinetics of Mitragynine in Man.” NIH.gov. 29 April 2015
