Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant with a long history of use in Southeast Asia. It’s a plant with many uses — ranging from boosting energy to managing chronic pain and anxiety.
Despite its many uses and proven safety profile, kratom has been prohibited in a handful of states — including the state of Alabama. The state made national news in 2023 when a woman was arrested for possessing kratom. While this case is ongoing at the time of writing, it shows how serious Alabama is about kratom.
In this article, we’ll explore why kratom is illegal in Alabama and where the future is likely heading.
Is Kratom Legal In Alabama?
Unfortunately, kratom is illegal in Alabama. It’s considered a Schedule I substance, the same classification as cocaine or LSD.
According to state law (emphasis ours):
“Crimes involving controlled substances range from Class A to Class D felonies, punishable by substantial prison terms and/or fines, with enhanced penalties if controlled substances are sold to persons under 18 years of age or within a three-mile radius of campus boundaries of a college or school.”
In 2016, Alabama’s senate passed SB 226, adding mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the two active alkaloids in kratom, to the list of controlled substances. The government considers them synthetic.
Why Do Some Places Ban Kratom?
The medical community has taken an interest in kratom due to its extensive possibilities. There’s more available research now, and it suggests kratom is generally low-risk.
So, why is kratom so controversial? After all, it’s been used for hundreds of years in Southeast Asia as traditional medicine.
Many people still fear it due to its interactions with the opioid receptors. While kratom is an atypical opioid, it is far less dangerous than prescription medications. The World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed kratom in 2021 and determined it does not pose a threat to the public.
Hopefully, government officials will take an honest look at kratom and stop basing their decisions on fear and misinformation.
Where to Buy Kratom In Alabama
Unfortunately, you cannot buy kratom anywhere if you’re in the state of Alabama.
However, if you’re in a state that hasn’t banned it, your two options to buy kratom are online or in a physical store. In-store purchases carry several risks, which we’ll discuss. Be aware that you cannot access this substance in the state of Alabama. Possession and use carry steep penalties.
Buying Kratom Online
We believe that buying kratom online is the best option — for several reasons.
Given the federal and local government’s disinterest concerning this plant, users should take all precautions. The lack of oversight, even in legal states, means anyone can sell kratom. This leads to malicious people adulterating their products with potentially dangerous substances, usually increasing potency.
When you buy kratom online, you have access to:
- Certifications from third-party labs verifying quality and potency
- Sellers affiliated with the American Kratom Association (AKA)
- A wide variety of kratom strains
- Better prices
If you can buy kratom legally and wish to buy online, here are a few of the top vendors:
- Kona Kratom — Best value
- VIP Kratom — Premium kratom
- Star Kratom — Fastest delivery
Kona Kratom
Please note that no reliable vendor, including these, will ship kratom to Alabama or any other state where kratom is illegal.
Check out our following city guides:
Buying Kratom In-Store
If you’re in a legal state, you’ll get several nearby stores that sell kratom. This method of buying kratom, however, is far from ideal.
In-store purchases tend to subject you to:
- Higher prices due to overhead costs
- Inferior quality products
- Lack of AKA certifications
- A smaller variety of products
What to Look for When Buying Kratom
If you live in a legal state, you must consider several factors to ensure you’re buying quality kratom that gives the desired effects. This section will focus on the variables you need to consider.
AKA Certification
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is an excellent resource for kratom users. This private organization is in charge of granting certificates to vendors that meet its standards in quality control.
Kratom suppliers wanting to be endorsed by the AKA must undergo an annual audit. The AKA no longer recommends the vendor if its kratom fails to meet the criteria.
User Reviews
You must also do your part in ensuring the quality of the kratom you buy. User reviews give you access to valuable information regarding the company and its products.
Many users even take the time to provide descriptions of the effects of each strain; this is beneficial when deciding what you need.
You can find reviews for various retailers on our vendor reviews.
Kratom Strain Selection
There are many different kratom strains available, each with its own unique effect profiles.
The easiest way to categorize kratom is by the color of the vein, though this isn’t noticeable once ground. Each color, or strain, provides a different effect. The three primary kratom vein colors are red, white, and green.
Red Vein Kratom
The red kratom vein generates the most calming and soothing effects of the three. This kind of kratom is ideal for individuals looking for analgesic and anxiety-reducing effects. This strain offers results similar to opioids, especially at high doses, without the risk.
White Vein Kratom
White vein kratom acts as a stimulant. Most of its users notice an elevation in mood or an improvement in concentration and focus.
Green Vein Kratom
Finally, green vein kratom offers balance. Its effects are stimulating at low doses and sedative at higher doses.
What Are People Using Kratom for?
Kratom is a surprisingly versatile plant. It offers a wide range of uses, acting as both stimulant and sedative.
This section will look at the most common reasons people use kratom and tell you which one is best to use.
Energy & Focus
Kratom boosts energy and focus, much like coffee does. White kratom is best for this, though certain green strains also work. The ideal dosage for this purpose is low; 1 to 2.5g is an excellent place to start.
Related: Can Kratom Help ADHD?
Pain Relief
Kratom is an excellent pain reliever. Red vein kratom interacts with the same receptors as pharmaceutical painkillers but with fewer side effects.
We don’t recommend that anyone use kratom for pain without first knowing the cause. Pain is a signal saying something is wrong. It’s important to treat the root of the pain and not just cover it.
However, chronic pain is hard to live with and leaves many people suffering. Often, their only relief is strong painkillers. Kratom helps ease their discomfort, making everyday tasks more manageable.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are two psychological conditions that kratom can’t cure but undoubtedly helps.
Many users say red-veined kratom helps decrease anxiety. However, white vein kratom may trigger it, especially at low doses.
The white vein of kratom is probably the best choice if you only suffer from depression; however, a more balanced green strain is best if accompanied by anxiety.
Opiate Withdrawal
Withdrawal, especially from opiates, causes physical and psychological problems that can last for undesirably long periods.
Kratom can help people in this vulnerable situation because it interacts with the same receptors as opioids.
In high doses, red-veined kratom acts similarly to opioids, offering relief from withdrawal symptoms. A dose of more than five grams is probably necessary to alleviate them. These high doses can cause side effects, but they don’t come close to the devastating impact of opioid use.
Related: Can Kratom Cause An Overdose?
Is Kratom Safe?
Kratom is safer than most prescription medications that offer similar effects — however, there are possible side effects, as with any substance.
The best way to have a positive experience using kratom is to purchase it from a reputable vendor and use an appropriate dosage.
If either of these two requirements is missing, you may suffer adverse reactions.
Related: How Much Kratom is Too Much?
Side Effects of Kratom
Adhere to recommended amounts, use the minimum effective dosage, and don’t consume kratom more than five times a week; otherwise, you may experience some side effects.
Most users only experience some of these effects, and most often, they don’t appear at all, especially after the first few uses.
Some common side effects of kratom are:
- Brain fog
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Lethargy
Kratom is unsafe to use when pregnant or with other drugs or alcohol.
What’s the Future of Kratom In Alabama?
As of today, kratom is illegal in Alabama. Previous attempts to make it legal have been unsuccessful.
However, research on kratom is becoming more and more abundant, and its benefits are constantly coming to light. How long can a medicinal plant with so many uses be prohibited?
We don’t know, but pressure from users might help push legalization through.
Remember that if you live in a legal state, you can access kratom online from the comfort of your home through trusted vendors like Kona Kratom, VIP Kratom, and Star Kratom.
