Kratom products continue to rise in popularity around the world. However, a lack of universal regulations leaves many countries and states determining whether or not to place mandates on the botanical.
Kratom awareness and education are vital for lawmakers to make informed choices on how to protect the preferred products of kratom enthusiasts from the infiltration of bad actors. As science works to develop conclusive proof of the numerous potential benefits of kratom, international law continues to evolve.
In 2024, international changes in kratom legislation are few. However, many countries across the globe have enacted regulations or lifted strict updates in the past several years. American and global kratom advocacy groups continue to provide resources and promote safety measures for beginners and seasoned users alike.
Let’s dive into a brief overview of kratom and the varied international laws surrounding its distribution and use.
A brief overview of kratom
What is kratom?
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The tree (also known by its botanical name, Mitrgynine speciosa) is a member of the coffee family and has been useful for locals for centuries.
Natives to the region harvest kratom leaves to chew, smoke, or brew in teas, and incorporate it into spiritual ceremonies as well. Popular kratom products are also produced from leaf harvest and can be sold in many forms, including capsules, gummies, and kratom powders.
Potential benefits of kratom
Research scientists continue to work tirelessly to provide medical proof of the benefits kratom has to offer users. However, many kratom enthusiasts share personal accounts of the transformative results they’ve experienced after taking kratom.Â
The potential benefits of kratom may depend on the strain of kratom used in a product, along with individual physicality. However, the varied reported benefits among seasoned kratom users include:
Comfort
Energy enhancement
Relief
Relaxation
Soothing experiences
Uplifting feelings
Possible effects of kratom
As is true with any botanical, if kratom is misused or abused, it could possibly lead to adverse effects. It’s important to follow the recommended use and serving size of a kratom product to avoid unwanted side effects.
Unfortunately, along with industry-leading, reputable kratom brands like Golden Monk, there are bad actors in the kratom industry both in the U.S. and abroad. It’s a good idea to know the vendor behind the products purchased.
For purchases online or from a physical location, look for transparent product labeling and guaranteed kratom purity — products lacking either may include dangerous additives such as heavy metals that adulterate kratom.
Unwanted effects of kratom might include:
Constipation
Dehydration
Fatigue
Insomnia
Nausea
2024 kratom legislation in the U.S.
In many U.S. states, kratom is legal and largely unregulated. However, some states and regions have banned kratom use. Other states have enacted a version of the proposed federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) or have a regulatory bill currently under review.Â
The KCPA would mandate nationwide regulations and increase industry safety standards while also giving kratom users access to quality, pure products without the risk of dangerous additives such as heavy metals.
U.S. groups like the leading kratom advocacy organization, American Kratom Association (AKA), support the KCPA and safe products for all users.
In 2024, Colorado became the latest state to regulate kratom.
Kratom legislation around the world
There are no international laws surrounding kratom legalization. Nevertheless, many countries have evolved their stance on the production, distribution, and use of the botanical. Here are some highlights, by region, of kratom’s legal status in 2024.Â
Kratom legalization in Australia 2024
In Australia, kratom has been banned since 2005. The Australian government classifies kratom as a Section 9 prohibited product — a law that bans the distribution, production, and use of any product with the potential for addiction or abuse.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the ban will lift anytime in 2024. However, a change.org petition has been launched to get kratom legalized in the land down under.
Kratom legalization in Europe 2024
In 2024, many European countries differ on the issue of kratom legalization. For example, France and Italy have banned the botanical, and it’s regulated, yet completely legal in Germany and Spain.
The European Kratom Alliance (EKA), a European advocacy group with a heavily involved scientific committee, is working to standardize kratom regulations across Europe. The group also promotes education, safety, and access to kratom for every European citizen.
Kratom legalization in the U.K. in 2024
The United Kingdom banned kratom in 2016, and in 2024, the re-legalization does not seem as though it will come to fruition. However, as international legalization becomes more widespread, the U.K. legislature may rethink the ban.
Kratom was once legal and unregulated in the U.K., and if safe, reasonable industry regulations are introduced into law, kratom may become legal once again.Â
Kratom legalization updates in Asia 2024
In Asia in 2024, similarly to Europe, kratom legislation varies from country to country. Although kratom is native to Southeast Asian nations like Thailand, the tropical paradise had a ban in place for much of the 21st century.
Thankfully, Thailand decriminalized kratom distribution in 2021, and locals were once again allowed to use the botanical that was ingrained in cultural practices for many years. In late 2023, the president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, directly called for U.S. President Joe Biden to lift the FDA ban on kratom imports.
Although there are no anticipated Asian legalization updates in 2024, the kratom laws and regulations of each country are subject to change at any time.
How kratom advocacy may impact international legalization
Throughout the world, kratom advocacy groups and symposiums (such as the Third International Kratom Symposium) continue to raise awareness and education for both the general public and policymakers.Â
Groups like the aforementioned AKA and EKA, and the California-based Global Kratom Coalition (GKC), call on lawmakers to legislate kratom regulations and make the botanical safe and accessible to everyone.
In 2024 and beyond, these groups may influence legislation and regulations that support kratom users and raise industry standards.
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