Is kratom legal in Indiana?
That’s an important question to ask before looking to buy kratom near you! The short answer, in the state of Indiana, No. Kratom is illegal to buy, sell and use in all parts of Indiana, so you won’t find kratom from a local retailer or be able to have kratom shipped to you. But that could change, soon. Read on to learn more about the potential positive change to kratom laws in Indiana.
There are several other states that have banned kratom, too - Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Arkansas, Alabama, and Vermont have made kratom illegal. There are also some states that are divided within, making kratom legal in a state but not all cities, counties, or municipalities within that state. Because kratom is not federally regulated, it is up to each state to develop and enforce legislation.
What is Kratom?
This botanical has been used by the native peoples in this region for centuries as a part of their holistic well-being, for lifting spirits, relaxing the body, and liberating the mind. All kratom comes from the dried leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, a species native to Southeast Asia and a relative to the coffee plant. It thrives in hot, humid climates making Southeast Asia the world’s top Kratom source. You can learn more about the kratom plant and its benefits here.
Only after reaching their peak of perfection, leaves are hand-picked by Kratom farmers with years of experience selecting only the best Kratom leaves. After specialized drying techniques, the leaves are crushed and made into the kratom you can buy online today.
Can I Buy Kratom In Indiana?
No. Kratom is illegal to buy, sell and use in all parts of Indiana, for now. Since 2014 It has been listed as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. Buying, selling, or possessing kratom in Indiana is still a felony. You could face up to 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine if caught with this herb.
History of kratom legality in Indiana
The battle for kratom started when Indiana’s State Senate passed a law in 2014 that banned kratom statewide. This legislation classified kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance among other prohibited drugs such as morphine and heroin. Indiana lawmakers believed that kratom should be outlawed because very little scientific and medical studies have been conducted around the use of kratom, plus the FDA has stated that there are no proven medical benefits for using this natural solution, despite the many positive reports from users across the nation. In 2018 The law was amended to reclassify kratom as a Schedule I hallucinogenic substance joining the ranks of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and cannabis (marijuana).
There had been little to no activity on the legality status of kratom in Indiana until the 2023 legislative session, where multiple bills were filed that could potentially decriminalize kratom in the state of Indiana. House Bill 1500, besides decriminalization, would set up a framework to regulate sales -- something consumers and advocates say is vital to keeping kratom safe and effective.
Is Kratom a Controlled Substance in Indiana?
Kratom itself is not on the controlled substance list, but the two active alkaloids in kratom, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are considered Schedule I hallucinogenic substances, for now. This means you will face criminal charges if you are caught with kratom. It is treated like any other drug on the controlled substance list, until it becomes formally decriminalized. If you want to get the legal status of kratom in your state overturned, try getting involved with your local legislators regarding kratom. Your voice matters.
The AKA and The Fight to Make Kratom Federally Legal and Regulated
Founded in 2014, the American Kratom Association’s vision has always been to protect the rights and safety of kratom users across the nation. Since kratom is not being regulated at a federal level, each state is left to decide how they want to regulate this herb, plus there are no federal standards to keep manufacturers and distributors of kratom accountable for the purity and safety of their products. The American Kratom Association, also known as the AKA, is the consumer advocate group for kratom users throughout the United States.
Thanks to the AKA, not all legislative efforts that affect kratom users and kratom vendors are prohibitive. They are working to get all states on board with the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, even Indiana. This act will help regulate the kratom industry – keeping consumers safe and providing kratom manufacturers a set of safety standards to follow. The AKA actively monitors federal, state, city, and municipal legislation in the battle for kratom legality.
