If you’ve ever wondered how old you have to be to buy kratom, the answer is that it varies. Currently, kratom is not a federally controlled substance in the United States. That means it’s regulated on the state, county, or even city level. As a result, the kratom age limit to purchase or use kratom will be different depending on your region.

Whether you’re an experienced kratom user planning to move to a new state or someone interested in buying kratom for the first time, it’s important to be informed about the kratom age limit. Knowing the legal age to buy kratom will help you use it safely and responsibly.

Let’s take a closer look at this complex question:

What is Kratom and Why Does it Have an Age Limit?

Let’s start with the basics. Kratom, also sometimes known by its scientific name Mitragyna speciosa, is a tree native to Southeast Asia. It’s related to the coffee plant, although it’s grown, harvested, and used differently than coffee. In Thailand and neighboring regions, indigenous people have used the leaves of the kratom tree in traditional medicine and religious ceremonies for centuries. 

Typically, the harvested kratom leaves are chewed, or dried and ground up for use in teas, powders, or capsules. When buying kratom in the United States, you’ll most likely find it as a powder or capsules containing a pre-measured volume of the powder. 

You’ll also find kratom available in different varieties, including green, white, and red. These colors refer to the age of the leaves when they were harvested, which results in different effects and potency.

The effects of kratom come from two compounds that naturally occur in the leaves: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds are known to affect specific neural receptors in the brain. Users report that kratom makes them feel brighter and sharper, more present and grounded, or generally uplifted.

Remember, kratom is not legislated at the federal level in the United States. It is not a Schedule I or Schedule II illegal drug, nor is it currently prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration. But because of the effects of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine found in kratom, some localities have banned it or imposed age restrictions on who can buy and use kratom.

Kratom Age Limits by State

As previously mentioned, kratom is not an illegal drug. Legislation known as the Kratom Consumer Production Act (KPCA) has been introduced to protect consumer choice and prevent the FDA from enacting harsher restrictions against kratom as compared to other foods, ingredients, or dietary supplements. It also provides a framework for a minimum legal age for kratom.

So how old do you have to be to buy kratom in your state? In the following states, you must be at least 18 years of age: 

• Arizona 
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Utah

In Tennessee, you must be 21 or older to purchase kratom. Other states have no legal age restrictions — or they ban kratom sales entirely. We’ll discuss those states in the next section.

It’s important to note that even if kratom is unregulated and has no age restrictions in your state, there may be legislation at the county-wide or city-wide level that governs who can buy and use kratom. For example, kratom is unrestricted in the state of California but illegal in the city of San Diego.

For more information about the current legal status of kratom where you live, visit the American Kratom Association (AKA).

States with Kratom Bans

Despite the efforts of kratom advocates to promote legislation like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, some states simply prohibit the sale of kratom to anyone — regardless of age. Although kratom is a pure, natural substance derived from plant leaves, some states have incorrectly categorized it as a synthetic drug and have prohibited it for use by members of the public.

Currently, you cannot buy kratom in the following states:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Indiana
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Wisconsin

In these states, it is illegal to buy, sell, possess, or use kratom and kratom products. Doing so may result in felony charges. 

How to Use Kratom Responsibly

Now that you know the kratom age limit for your locality, it’s important to keep in mind certain practices for safe usage. As with any natural substance, if you have medical conditions or currently use prescription medications, talk to your healthcare provider before using kratom. Listen to your body and discontinue use if you have any concerns.

We also recommend using kratom in a comfortable, familiar space where you can relax and be present with its effects. If it’s your first time trying kratom, make sure you have an opportunity to sit with the experience and discover how you respond to it. Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery.

Additionally, always start with the lowest possible dose. Give it some time to see how you feel. There’s no rush — you can gradually work your way up to stronger doses over time. 

If you’re cooking with kratom powder or adding it to teas and smoothies, always make sure you thoroughly wash your dishes afterward to eliminate any leftover powder or residue. This is extra important if you live with other people, especially children, as you wouldn’t want anyone to accidentally consume your kratom.

Choosing the Best Kratom 

If you meet the kratom age limit and live in a place where ordering kratom online is legal, make sure you choose a premium product that’s 100% natural with no fillers or additives. The best kratom is AKA GMP Certified and lab tested by a third party for independent quality verification. We also recommend buying fair-trade kratom that’s ethically sourced from small farms, guaranteeing the freshest and most potent products on the market.

At Joe’s Botanicals, our kratom meets all these standards and more. We offer the highest quality red vein, white vein, and green vein kratom in powders or convenient capsules. We’ve partnered with the best kratom farms in Southeast Asia for a product you can always rely on. Shop now!