Kratom Guides

How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Kratom?

The question is simple: how old do you have to be to buy kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)?

However, the answer is more complex. Some states don’t place an age limit, whereas others require you to be a certain age, and a few don’t allow kratom at all.

Find out what the laws are in your state, so you know what to expect.

Written by Wade Paul
Last Updated 1 year ago

Wade Paul

Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Wade Paul is the founder and editor-in-chief at Kratom.org.

Is There an Age Limit on Kratom?

Yes, but this limit varies substantially depending on where you live and what company you’re ordering from.

If you’ve looked at any online kratom vendors, you already know that this topic gets confusing.

Some sites want you to prove you’re at least 18. Others only want to do business with those who are at least 21. And, of course, some sites don’t ask at all.

Buying kratom in person can be even trickier.

In states with no age limit, you may still come across vendors that enforce an age restriction. But basically, the laws set the limit, assuming there are any; they dictate who can and cannot purchase kratom.

Of course, individual companies can impose age limits, too.

What is the Kratom Consumer Protection Act?

To keep kratom legal, the American Kratom Association (AKA) came up with some terms for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). Each state votes on its terms, which means they might not adopt all of the AKA’s suggestions.

Essentially, the KCPA regulates kratom by adding an age limit to purchasing kratom, along with labeling rules.

Many more states will likely adopt the KCPA in the coming years.

Where is Kratom Illegal?

We’ll dive into kratom’s legality by state. First, here are the states that have made kratom illegal.

  1. Alabama
  2. Arkansas
  3. Indiana
  4. Rhode Island
  5. Vermont
  6. Wisconsin

Where is Kratom Legal? Kratom Regulations by State

The following states allow kratom consumption. Pay close attention to the states that provide legal guidelines for purchase.

Alaska

It’s legal to buy kratom at any age in Alaska. Some stores restrict people below the age of 18 from buying it, though.

Arizona

Arizona passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in 2019. Kratom can be legally purchased by those 18 and over.

California

Unsurprisingly, kratom is legal throughout California, except for in San Diego and Oceanside. There do not appear to be any age limits on purchasing it, either.

Colorado

If you’re not in Monument or Parker, it’s legal to buy kratom in Colorado. Some restrictions are placed on vendors, but none involve the buyer’s age.

Connecticut

If you live in Connecticut, you have easy access to kratom. There are zero rules regarding the sale of kratom. Anyone can purchase kratom in this state.

Delaware

Much like Connecticut, Delaware has no restrictions on who can buy kratom.

Florida

You’ll be in good shape if you steer clear of Sarasota County. The Sunshine State currently has no restrictions. There is controversy, though. Keep an eye on Florida’s laws to ensure that kratom remains legal.

Sarasota, Florida, USA downtown skyline on the bay.

Georgia

Georgia protects the right of kratom buyers with the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. You must be at least 18 to buy, carry, or use kratom.

Hawaii

Kratom was almost banned in Hawaii in 2020, but the bill died. For now, this means that kratom is still legal for people of all ages.

Idaho

There was a push to enact the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in 2020, but it failed to become law. This is good news for those under the age of 21 who like to take kratom. Presently, there is no age limit in Idaho.

Illinois

As of 2014, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase kratom in Illinois. Three cities have banned kratom outright: Jerseyville, Alton, and Edwardsville.

Iowa

The state of Iowa tried to make kratom illegal in 2014, but it failed. You can buy kratom anywhere in the state, regardless of age.

Des Moines Iowa skyline in USA (United States)

Kansas

The Sunflower State tried to ban kratom, but they were unsuccessful. There are no laws regarding the age of the buyer. However, Kansas is considering the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, restricting anyone below 18 from buying it.

Kentucky

After standing up to two recent bills, kratom is still legal in Kentucky. There is no regulation within the state. Therefore, anyone is free to purchase kratom.

Louisiana

Louisiana is another state where there have been multiple attempts to ban kratom. All have failed, leaving kratom legal for everyone.

Maine

The Pine Tree State initially wanted to ban kratom. Activists changed the mind of local lawmakers, however. Anyone in Maine can purchase kratom.

Maryland

A bill threatened kratom buyers in Maryland recently, but ultimately, it didn’t pass. There are no restrictions on age, and you can find it in smoke shops and tobacco stores.

Massachusetts

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are very favorable toward kratom. As a result, there are no age restrictions in place.

Michigan

Lawmakers have repeatedly tried to ban kratom, but it’s still legal for everyone in the Wolverine State. Keep an eye on Michigan to make sure it doesn’t become illegal in the future.

Minnesota

With no bills filed against it, kratom appears to be very safe in Minnesota. Anyone can buy it, own it, or carry it.

Mississippi

The Magnolia State has banned kratom in 33 towns and counties, but it’s legal elsewhere. There are no age restrictions. It’s best to keep an eye out, though, as new cities and counties can ban it at any time.

Missouri

Two different bills to criminalize kratom failed in Missouri. There are currently no age restrictions. However, the Show-Me State is now considering the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. If this passes, only people 18 and older will be able to buy kratom.

Montana

There have been rumblings about state legislators in Montana making plans to try to ban kratom. Presently, though, it’s legal for everyone in the Treasure State.

Nebraska

Kratom hasn’t faced any legal challenges in Nebraska. People of any age are free to buy it, carry it, and use it.

Chimney Rock, Nebraska

Nevada

Nevada became the fourth state to adopt the Kratom Consumer Protection Act back in 2016. Anyone who is at least 18 years old can use kratom freely.

New Hampshire

As long as you’re 18+, you can use kratom everywhere in New Hampshire except for Franklin City. 

New Jersey

Lawmakers have introduced three different bills to make kratom illegal in New Jersey. So far, all the bills have failed. People of any age can legally obtain kratom.

New Mexico

So far, legislators have shown zero interest in regulating or banning kratom in New Mexico. It is legal statewide, and there are no age restrictions.

New York

Despite introducing three different bills, kratom is still legal for everyone to use in New York. Two of the three bills wanted to make it illegal for people under the age of 18.

North Carolina

Kratom is legal in North Carolina, but only for those who are 18 and up. Lawmakers tried to ban kratom outright, but they’ve failed multiple times.

Asheville, North Carolina, USA at twilight.

North Dakota

The Peace Garden State hasn’t tried to ban kratom. In fact, they haven’t offered any regulation for this substance. Therefore, anyone is allowed to buy it.

Ohio

Ohio kratom users are still legally able to obtain it, as long as they’re over 21.

Oklahoma

It’s currently legal for anyone to purchase kratom in the Sooner State. However, several bills are being considered, including one that would make it illegal for minors. Keep an eye on this state for further developments.

Oregon

Buying kratom in Oregon is legal for everyone. However, state legislators are considering taking up a bill to pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

Pennsylvania

There are no restrictions on kratom in the Keystone State. State lawmakers have been considering the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, though.

South Carolina

It’s legal to purchase kratom in South Carolina, but only if you’re at least 18. Buying it as a minor could lead to criminal charges.

Greenville, South Carolina, USA downtown cityscape on the Reedy River at dusk.

South Dakota

If you live in Sioux Falls, you must be 21+ to purchase kratom. Otherwise, South Dakota doesn’t have any age restrictions.

Tennessee

The Volunteer State legally allows people 21 or older to purchase kratom as long as it’s appropriately labeled and in its natural form.

Texas

The Lone Star State is considering adopting the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Until that happens, people of any age can buy kratom.

Utah

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act has protected kratom sales in Utah since 2019. No one under the age of 18 can buy kratom.

Virginia

There are no age restrictions in place in Virginia. However, some lawmakers are currently trying to make kratom illegal in the Old Dominion State.   

Richmond, Virginia

Washington

For now, anyone can purchase kratom. However, there is a push from within the industry to get Washington to adopt the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

West Virginia

People living in the Mountain State can purchase kratom, regardless of their age. There was one bill that attempted to ban kratom, but it failed.

Wyoming

Finally, Wyoming doesn’t have any laws against the purchase of kratom. Regardless of your age, you can legally buy it, carry it, and use it in the Equality State.

State Laws & Your Safety

As you can see, kratom is unregulated in most states. While it’s great, so many people have access to it, it can also be more dangerous.

If you aren’t careful about where you get the kratom from, you could end up with something that’s either dangerous or ineffective. Some vendors sell old kratom or mix it with other things to stretch it. Others add chemicals to make it seem more potent.

Because kratom is a natural plant product, there’s even the issue of having bacteria.

You can take steps to ensure the kratom you buy is of the highest quality. As long as you’re careful, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Where to Buy Kratom

If kratom is legal where you live, there’s bound to be at least one place near you selling it.

That might seem convenient but remember: no one knows what these stores actually sell unless your state regulates it.

The only assurance you have is if a certificate of analysis (COA) is attached to it. These COAs show the results of third-party lab tests and usually include any substances other than kratom and its potency.

Unfortunately, local shops are usually too small to test or act as an intermediary and sell for the manufacturer. Either way, it’s not likely the products went through testing, and if they did, they could be altered anywhere down the line.

These stores usually have a limited selection and higher prices, so they’re still less than ideal.

The best place to buy kratom is online. That might seem counterintuitive, but many kratom vendors not only back their products with tests, but they have a vast selection and competitive prices as well. If you don’t know where to start, check out this list of the top online kratom vendors.

Summary: Kratom & Age Limits in Each State

Keeping kratom legal in as many places as possible is what’s best for everyone.

Although most states don’t have any type of restrictions, there is increased pressure on lawmakers. Fortunately, legislators could use the Kratom Consumer Protection Act to make it legal only for people 18 and up (or 21 and up), rather than outlawing the substance altogether.

There are currently only six states that have entirely outlawed kratom. There is still time everywhere else to make your voice known.

And, if you happen to live in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Wisconsin, don’t give up hope. Even restrictive laws can change when people make their voices heard.

Whether there are regulations or not, take control of your health and only buy the best kratom. Check third-party lab tests, and don’t be afraid to shop around.

Further Reading