Is kratom legal in Rhode Island?

That’s an important question to ask before looking to buy kratom near you! The short answer, in the state of Rhode Island, No. Kratom is illegal to buy, sell and use in all parts of Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island.

There are several other states that have banned kratom, too – Wisconsin, Indiana, 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 Rhode Island?

No. Kratom is illegal to buy, sell and use in all parts of Rhode Island, for now. Since 2017 It has been listed as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. Buying, selling, or possessing kratom in Rhode Island is still a felony -- you could face time in prison, hefty fines, or both if caught with this herb. But recent legislation could change the legal status of this plant.

History of kratom legality in Rhode Island

The battle for kratom started when Rhode Island’s State Senate passed a law in 2017 that banned it statewide. This legislation classified the active alkaloids kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance among other prohibited drugs such as morphine and heroin. The 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. 

There have been many efforts at lifting the ban on kratom in Rhode Island. Between 2019 and 2022, there were over four attempts to pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act -- created to help regulate the industry and improve the safety of kratom products, but all bills failed to pass. Convincing legislators to ease restrictions on a Schedule I substance will not be easy, but kratom advocates are not giving up. 

The movement to legalize kratom in Rhode Island seems more determined than most other states where the plant is banned. The State’s House has shown support for the KCPA passing the act onto the next level of the judicial system. The next step is to get the State Senate and the governor on board with changing the laws. There is a positive outlook for kratom legalization for Rhode Island in 2023.

Is Kratom a Controlled Substance in Rhode Island? 

Kratom itself is not on the controlled substance list, but the two active alkaloids in kratom, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are considered Schedule I 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 legal. 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 Rhode Island. 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.