Kratom is an amazing nootropic that has been used the world over by countless people to treat pain, feel better and relieve anxiety. This plant-based product has been used by millions of individuals worldwide and is a fixture among traditional cultures in South East Asia. It is considered safe when used as directed and is seen as a useful tool in treating opiate withdrawal. Several countries have places restrictions on kratom use while others have outright outlawed it. It all started in Thailand where the government placed a ban on kratom use in the 1920s after they realized that the cheap price of kratom, a plant that grows in abundance and could sometimes be found for free, was cutting in on the government’s opium trade.
From 196 countries in the world, just 4 countries have made this plant completely illegal for human consumption under any circumstances. Only few countries have not banned it completely, but still have strict regulations on human consumption, and in most of the countries is legal available for human consumption, because of its importance.
United States: In United States, kratom is not banned. It is legal and allowed for human consumption but only in the states of Wisconsin, Vermont, Indiana and Tennessee have laws which forbid the use of kratom. You do not need a prescription to purchase it and it is not currently regulated by the FDA. Kratom has improved the quality of life for countless individuals living within the borders of these four states, and because of ignorant and uniformed state leadership, these American Citizens will no longer be able to legally benefit from this all-natural tree leaf. There are some states considered to be hotspots at least in terms of keeping this trade safe. Again, you should be proactive and ready to investigate or research of its current legal status before purchasing it from any sources. Some of these states, where kratom is watched include Vermont, Arizona, Iowa, Hawaii, and Louisiana.
.United Kingdom: At the moment, kratom is completely legal for purchase and use within the country. You can purchase Kratom in the UK without a prescription and it is not currently scheduled or restricted. Throughout the region, which include England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales — any user can purchase the herb over the internet, but this herb tend to be a lot more expensive than North American based retailers.
Canada: Kratom is completely legal in Canada and its expected to become the next big hub of Kratom use. With the statistics of Kratom showing optimistic figures, this herbal medicine is all set to become a global movement. Because this country has a progressive mentality regarding traditional medicine and healthcare and due to this fact it’s hardly surprising the herb is legal and safe to ingest.
Australia: Kratom is currently illegal in Australia at this time and is listed as a schedule 9 drug, because they believed it had the potential for abuse, despite the fact that the Committee recognized that no cases of Mitragynine abuse had occurred in Australia. Because this legal status is unreasonable and unjustified, followers of natural remedies have lost all hope.
Austria: Kratom is legal for consuming and purchasing in Austria.
Belgium: Kratom is not a controlled plant in Belgium and all of the alkaloids present in it remains unscheduled. It is categorized as completely legal drug and hence is available easily at the local vendors
Brazil: Kratom use is legal in Brazil where the leaves of the plant as well as Kratom extracts are sold by local vendors. Trade and consumption has no legal obligations here.
Denmark: Although the purchase and sale of kratom was legal until 2009, currently it is considered as a controlled substance in the country and is therefore a substance with a few restrictions on its use.
Finland: Kratom in not entirely banned, the country requires you to possess a valid prescription in order to be able to buy or import the drug for consumption. The herb is classified as a medicinal substance and its importation is prohibited by section 19 count 1 of the Medicines Act. Importing the plant to Finland is illegal, your shipment will be confiscated at the border.
Germany: Due to the fact that laws have recently changed, this country’s stand on this herb is a little vague. In the past, people could import and export the kratom with no legal repercussions. In these days, the plant is listed as an unlicensed drug due to the Section 73 of Medicines Act. The act says that entering the country with the drug on you, can get you problems at the border security check. The law also outlines potential penalties including fines and jail time for Germans who unlawfully order it online.
Greece: Kratom use is permitted in Greece. It is feely available to use without any prescription. Neither Kratom as plant or Mitragynine appear to be listed in Greece’s controlled substances law.
Hungary: While Mitragyna Speciosa leaves are illegal to human consumption, kratom leaves and extracts can be purchased at headshops sold as incense.
Indonesia: This country is a leading producer and exporter of Mitragyna products. It is legal to grow and sell in this country, and illegal to export it, but Indonesian strains continue to be sold and enjoyed around the world. It is reported that Indonesia has banned kratom for export, but we believe that it is not illegal inside Indonesia. In 2013, one visitor reports that a vendor in Indonesia shipped them kratom into the US without any problem.
Ireland: According to previous Irish Statute Law or in the Misuse of Drugs Act you could buy Kratom locally in Ireland. However, recently, the government has declared this herb as an illegal substance and its use an offence with a penalty of fine or punishment. It is a controlled substance under the Misuse Of Drugs act since 2011.
Italy: There are not sufficient proof supporting the current legal status of kratom in the country. Despite that, some if the Italian users claim that the herb is completely legal in their country and has no legal issues associated with its consumption. But, it will be best to consult an official for legit legal status of this substance.
Malaysia: If you want to sell kratom in Malaysia, it’s necessary to get a license issued by the government for the same. If you don’t posses this license, it is illegal to either plant, grow, sell or perhaps consume this herb for any purpose..
Myanmar: In Myanmar or Burma, is completely forbidden to sell or consume kratom.
Netherlands: Kratom is legal in the Netherlands, actually this country is a leading supplier of kratom and its supplements in the entire Europe. In the country it can be purchased from smartshops as well as from online Dutch vendors.
New Zealand: According to New Zealand new law if you want to consume kratom you will need prescription. According to the Medicines Amendment Regulations Act of 2009, Mitragyna Speciosa leaves and its products are categorized under Schedule 1 as a prescription drug. Thisact regulate that is illegal to buy or sell kratom in this country, unless you have this valid medical prescription.Who is found to be growing, selling or consuming this drug without a prescription is breaking the law and is accused of breaking the law and this actc results with a punishment.
Romania: Romania banned kratom (including Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine) on February the 10th, 2010. So obviously, it is prohibited to sell, buy, grow or even consume this drug anywhere in the country, otherwise, this act will be punished.
Russia: There are rules in this country that are not clearly understoond and hence this is a controversial topic. Some sources say that it is still legal while others cite a change in the law some time in 2011. Therefore if you want to consume kratom in Russia the best thing you can do is to consult a government official about its current legal status before consuming the drug in this country.
Sweden: In this moment, Mitragyna Speciosa leaves are illegal to use in Sweden and it is not listed on any drug schedules. However, there are indications that this law may change in the future.
South Korea: According to some reports, South Korea is another country that has outlawed Kratom use. It is heavily regulated with severe criminal penalties imposed against people who attempt importing this plant.
Thailand: Kratom tree is originated from Thailand, and was used by the ancestors of this country in many ways. Actually Mitragyna Speciosa leaves are commonly prepared as a tea and consumed as a drink similar to coffee. However, it is shocking that the country has still categorized it as a level 5 Narcotic, making it illegal to buy or sell this herb. It is interesting to know that the “Thai Kratom” product available online actually comes from Indonesia or other nearby countries.
Illegal:
These are the countries that prohibited kratom use:
- Australia
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Thailand
Strict Guidelines:
In these countries kratom is categorized as a Schedule 1 drug and has powerful regulations.
- Denmark
- Finland
- Germany
- New Zealand
- Romania
References:
-http://speciosa.org/
-http://kratomlegend.com/
-http://www.mitragyna.com/legality/