Kratom is legal in Chile.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) isn’t recognized by Chile’s anti-drug laws, so you can enjoy kratom when you’re visiting (or living) in Chile. The nation is also considering legalizing cannabis, which you can privately consume in your home.
Kratom Laws in Chile
Kratom is unregulated in Chile. It isn’t mentioned anywhere on the countries list of banned substances and there are no reports of users getting fined for being in possession of kratom.
With that said, kratom isn’t incredibly popular here. People who use kratom in Chile usually order it from the United States in bulk from companies like Kona Kratom or Star Kratom.
Comparing Chile With Kratom Laws Around the World
Kratom is legal in many parts of the world, including Chile, Brazil, Spain, and much of the U.S. A few states have banned or regulated kratom, but it remains unregulated in most of the world.
However, other countries have banned it, including Latvia, the U.K., New Zealand, and Russia. Make sure you pay attention to your local news to learn about any new kratom laws.
Kratom hails from Southeast Asia and grows naturally in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
In 1943, Thailand tried to rid itself of kratom by banning the planting of kratom trees. Some have stated that Thailand did this to control the opium market, but Thailand overturned its kratom ban in 2018.
Malaysia has a kratom ban, but it doesn’t seem to do much good. With kratom trees growing naturally throughout the country, it’s very easy for people to find and use.
Indonesia, however, is a country that everyone should keep an eye on. They decided in 2019 to make kratom illegal to sell, grow, or export. This law should go into effect in 2024. If this happens, the kratom market will be hit severely hard.
The WHO, Kratom, & Future Legislation
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reviewed kratom and concluded that kratom is safe and doesn’t need to be controlled. This statement is promising for kratom’s future since many governments base legislation on the WHO’s recommendations. Only time will tell how this decision will affect the laws.
Can I Buy Kratom in Chile?
Yes, you can buy kratom in Chile.
Although it’s not that popular, you can find a few different online vendors selling kratom in Chile. The last thing you want to do is purchase it from an illicit seller.
Kratom may also be available in smoke shops or at gas stations. Although this is an easy way to try it, you probably won’t get a very high-quality product. Instead, it’s better to buy from a respected online vendor.
Of course, you could get kratom from illicit sellers and the black market. Never use these methods, as they may be selling bunk or even adulterated kratom.
Why is Kratom Banned in Other Countries?
The reasons for banning kratom vary, but most countries have claimed to protect public health. Interestingly, kratom is typically well-tolerated and doesn’t seem to lead to many side effects.
In Southeast Asia, kratom has been used in religious and cultural ceremonies since at least the 19th century.
Anytime you hear a news story about someone who died with kratom in their system, pay attention to what else is said. Not only are there not very many deaths, but all of them seem to have had a mixture of highly addictive substances in their system.
In other words, kratom itself probably isn’t the problem; most kratom deaths involve opioids or other drugs.
Kratom may eventually become legal again in countries that have criminalized it, just as cannabis has — only time will tell.
Kratom Use: A Quick History
Opioid-based painkillers have caused a worldwide health crisis ranging from destructive addictive behavior, hospitalizations, and death.
Kratom has powerful opioid-like properties but a significantly lower threshold for addiction and lethal consequences. In fact, it helps people with opioid withdrawal symptoms.
This made people in the Western World pay attention to kratom in the early 1900s. By the 2000s, kratom had become immensely popular. It’s interesting to note that this was when some countries began banning it.
Southeast Asia has used kratom as traditional medicine since at least the 19th century. Locals claim that it helps treat insomnia, diabetes, and fevers.
Although some people in Southeast Asia have dealt with side effects, there are no known deaths from those who used kratom in religious or cultural ceremonies.
Known Side Effects of Kratom
Moderate users typically don’t experience side effects. They don’t last long and aren’t severe even if you do.
Some of the most common side effects of kratom are:
Even though it’s infrequent, kratom can be addictive [1]. It usually happens with long-term use and from not taking occasional breaks.
If you experience unpleasant side effects, use a smaller amount.
Is Kratom Dangerous?
Kratom itself isn’t dangerous. However, mixing kratom with another substance can become quite dangerous and even kill you. Kratom can slow down the metabolization of many medications and substances, causing increased risks.
Scientists have studied the link between kratom, opioids, and death [2]. They’ve found that mixing kratom and opioids is a very bad idea.
If you want to enjoy yourself and not worry about serious side effects, avoid mixing kratom with any other medications.
What is the Correct Dosage for Kratom?
Everyone’s body responds differently to kratom, so it’s best to start with 2 grams or less. As long as you don’t have any adverse reactions, you can safely begin working your way up from there. Just as everyone’s body responds differently, so will your risk.
Here are the common dose guidelines for reference:
- Low dose: 2-5 g
- Medium dose: 5-8 g
- Large dose: 8-12 g
It’s best to avoid large doses unless you’re dealing with chronic or severe pain, and even then, only do it occasionally.
Also see: How Long Does it Take for Kratom to Kick In?
How to Take Kratom Safely
Kratom comes in many different formats. You can take a kratom extract, use a capsule, or brew the powder into a tea. While kratom is safe, certain things can be dangerous.
- NEVER mix kratom with ANY other substance, especially opioids and other painkillers.
- Always avoid drinking alcohol and tobacco.
- Stick with safe methods of consumption. It’s not a good idea to smoke or boof kratom.
- Purchase kratom from a reputable online vendor, so you can be certain that you’re receiving actual, unadulterated kratom. If you’re interested in safety, this is the number one thing you should focus on.
Key Takeaway: Is Kratom Legal in Chile?
Yes, kratom is legal in Chile.
As in most of Latin America, kratom hasn’t caught on in Chile. However, a few online vendors are selling it, so residents must nominally recognize kratom.
You can enjoy it without much risk by being responsible with kratom (not exceeding 12 grams and not mixing it with any other substance).
Always make sure that you purchase kratom from a reputable online vendor, eliminating your risk of getting a contaminated product.
- Galbis-Reig, D. (2016). A case report of kratom addiction and withdrawal. Wmj, 115(1), 49-52.
- Henningfield, J. E., Grundmann, O., Babin, J. K., Fant, R. V., Wang, D. W., & Cone, E. J. (2019). Risk of death associated with kratom use compared to opioids. Preventive medicine, 128, 105851.
