Kratom is illegal in Oceanside, California, even though it’s legal at the state level. This contradiction leads to confusion among Oceanside and San Diego County residents.
This article explains the complicated legal status of kratom in Oceanside, breaking down what the laws say, what residents of Oceanside need to do to purchase kratom legally, and what the future may hold for kratom in this small California city.
Is Kratom Legal in California?
Yes, mostly. Kratom is not federally regulated in the United States, which means that each state can decide whether or not they want to restrict kratom use.
California does not regulate kratom at the state level, but the cities of San Diego and Oceanside have banned it for purchase and possession inside their respective city limits. This means that residents of Oceanside cannot legally purchase or use kratom anywhere in the city.
Kratom Legislation in Oceanside
As per the Oceanside Code of Ordinances Article VII, kratom is illegal to buy, sell, or possess inside city limits.
The Oceanside city legislature subjects kratom to the same rules and regulations as synthetic cannabinoids and other “novel psychoactive substances,” banning its use entirely.
If convicted of possession, the penalty is up to a $1000 fine or up to six months in jail.
With more research available on kratom, its potential medical benefits, and the risks involved with consumption, it’s possible that kratom will eventually be more understood and acceptable. If this does occur, kratom might be legalized once again with Oceanside.
However, in the near future, legalization efforts pushed by pro-kratom organizations look bleak.
Related: Why Is Kratom So Controversial?
Can You Buy Kratom Online in Oceanside?
No, it is illegal to purchase kratom online and have it shipped to a residence within Oceanside city limits.
Buying kratom is illegal in Oceanside, even if the company you purchase it from is outside Oceanside. Perhaps more importantly, possessing and using kratom in Oceanside is also illegal, making it a moot point that buying it online is banned.
Some residents have located online companies who are willing to ship kratom to addresses within the city discreetly. However, companies that agree to break the law like this should be avoided, as there’s no telling what other shortcuts they’re willing to make when procuring and testing their products.
Is Kratom Legal in San Diego County?
Yes, kratom is legal in San Diego County, just not inside Oceanside or San Diego city limits. It is likely that legislation banning kratom in San Diego County will be considered at some point, so be sure to stay up to date with local laws to avoid legal trouble.
Residents of Oceanside can still purchase kratom online if they have it shipped to an address outside Oceanside. However, it should be noted that shipping kratom to an address outside the city and then bringing it within city limits is still illegal.
Other Cities in California Where Kratom is Legal
Where to Buy Kratom in San Diego County
If you live in Oceanside and want to buy kratom, you’ll have to leave the city to do so legally. It’s important to remember that even if you purchase kratom legally outside Oceanside city limits, bringing it back to the city is also illegal.
There are two main ways Oceanside residents can purchase kratom: from a local store outside the city or by purchasing it online and shipping it to an address — and using it — outside the city.
The closest regions to Oceanside that allow kratom include:
- Chula Vista (San Diego County)
- Escondido (San Diego County)
- Carlsbad (San Diego County)
- El Cajon (San Diego County)
- Vista (San Diego County)
- Mission Viejo (Orange County)
- Anaheim (Orange County)
- Santa Ana (Orange County)
- Irvine (Orange County)
- Huntington Beach (Orange County)
- Garden Grove (Orange County)
- Orange (Orange County)
- Fullerton (Orange County)
- Costa Mesa (Orange County)
While we still recommend ordering your kratom online, here are some of the best kratom vendors in San Diego County worth checking out:
1. Bumble Bee Botanicals
Bumble Bee Kratom
Located just outside city limits on Carlsbad Drive, Bumble Bee Botanicals is an all-purpose natural herb and head shop that sells high-quality kratom. Their selection is impressive, although limited compared to online vendors, and their prices are high, but their products are top-notch. The staff is welcoming and happy to help answer any questions.
2. The Kratom Store
The Kratom Store is a rarity among brick-and-mortar shops in that it specializes in selling kratom and kratom-related products. They have tons of popular strains at reasonable prices, and the employees are friendly and well-informed.
3. Smoke Shop
This unassuming smoke shop in Oceanside is simply called Smoke Shop, but they carry a surprising variety of kratom. Their prices are fair, and their staff is helpful, making them a great shop for people looking for the most popular strains. They’re located in Tri-City Crossroad in Oceanside.
Buying Kratom Online
Purchasing kratom from a local shop is convenient, but buying it online has several significant advantages.
Most importantly, online kratom retailers have their products rigorously tested by third-party labs, making it far safer to buy online. Independent testing leads to pure, high-quality products that are priced fairly and accurately labeled.
Online stores can afford to stock less common strains, giving customers access to niche items that are hard to find in local shops. Since internet-based kratom shops don’t have the same stock restrictions and can reach a wider audience, they don’t have to worry about their inventory sitting on a shelf for months.
If those aren’t enough reasons to buy kratom online, consider that most online kratom vendors have better prices despite selling higher-quality products. This is because they often have a direct relationship with kratom producers, allowing them to buy in bulk and save money, ultimately saving you money.
The only downside to shopping for kratom online is shipping costs and waiting. Nothing can beat the speed of buying from a local shop, but shipping costs are usually more than made up for by the savings you’ll find on the product itself.
Oceanside residents need to make special arrangements to have their kratom shipped to an address outside the city, and they must avoid bringing the product back into the city in order to remain in compliance with the law. Reputable companies won’t ship to addresses inside Oceanside to abide by local laws.
Related: Top 10 Kratom Vendors
Wrapping Up: Kratom in Oceanside
In Oceanside, California, kratom is illegal to buy, sell, or possess, even though it is legal in San Diego County and is not banned by California’s state government.
It is difficult to predict the future of kratom in Oceanside, but many people believe that it will eventually be banned in San Diego County as a whole. It is important for residents of Oceanside to remain up-to-date on kratom’s legal status to ensure they aren’t inadvertently violating any local laws.
Residents of Oceanside looking to purchase kratom need to either find a shop that sells it outside the city or have it shipped to an address outside the city.
Remember, even legally purchased kratom cannot be brought within city limits since possession and use are still illegal throughout the city.
