Kratom has gained significant popularity in the last few years, and millions of new users have been added to the Kratom consumer family. Remember, Kratom is not regulated in the US at the federal level, which means no government authority checks the product quality and safety.
Though there is no official ban on Kratom across the country, some states, counties, and municipalities have imposed a partial or complete ban on this botanical. This is why many people ask, “Where is Kratom banned in the US?”.
Kratom Banned States – States Where Kratom Is Illegal 2026
Out of 50, there are 7 states where Kratom is illegal 2026 in the US. Are you wondering whether you live in any of these states where you can’t consume Speciosa? Look at the Kratom banned states list below.
The discussion below talks about “states where kratom is banned 2026,” what the penalty could be if rules are not followed, how AKA plays a crucial role in regulating Kratom, and the future of this plant material in the country.
1. Alabama
It’s one of the states where Kratom is illegal 2026, it does not allow its residents to grow, sell, transport, or consume Kratom in any form. If you live or reside in Alabama, you won’t be able to enjoy Kratom anywhere across the state.
In 2016, Alabama’s local government declared that the two active compounds of Kratom – mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine – are Schedule I substances. A Bill, SB226 was proposed and passed against Kratom consumption. As a result, this substance was banned completely, leading to hot discussions about the Kratom ban in Alabama.
An appeal was filed in 2016 to lift the ban on Kratom, but it wasn’t successful. Later in 2017, there was a repeal, which couldn’t convince the state authorities to remove Kratom from the list of banned substances. So, you now have an answer to the question, “Is Kratom banned in Alabama?”
If you’re caught red-handed while having this substance for personal use, it’ll be considered a Class C felony, meaning you may have to pay up to $15,000 fine and stay in jail for 1 to 10 years.
Since the Kratom ban in Alabama in 2016, AKA has been trying to overturn this decision and regulate this herb with the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). It is spreading awareness regarding Kratom and educating the community.
For now, Kratom is banned in Alabama; the state may reverse its decision in the future due to continuous AKA efforts and further developments.
2. Arkansas
It’s also listed among the states where Kratom is illegal 2026. If you live in Arkansas or have visited there for some time, you won’t be able to take Kratom until you leave the state’s boundaries.
In 2015, Kratom was listed in the Schedule I substances by the state’s Board of Health, leading to a Kratom ban in Arkansas. Kratom belongs to the same family as heroin and fentanyl in this state.
As a result of the Arkansas Kratom ban, no one can buy, sell, or consume Kratom. A bill was presented in 2023 to lift Kratom ban Arkansas. It also made safety regulations mandatory for both sellers and buyers to ensure safe consumption. But this bill was not passed, so it had no impact on the ban.
Arkansas has set different penalties for consuming different amounts of Kratom.
- Class D Felony for Kratom consumption of up to 2 grams.
- Class C Felony for Kratom consumption between 2 and 28 grams.
- Class B Felony for consumption of over 28 grams. It covers up to $15,000 fine and 20 years in jail.
- Anyone consuming Kratom within 1,000 feet of schools and other public places may face an additional 10-year imprisonment.
AKA is trying to implement the KCPA across the state and bind sellers to attach proper labels on their products. As legislative efforts to legalize Kratom in Arkansas has failed, the future remains uncertain.
3. Indiana
The bad news for the residents is that Indiana is also one of the states where Kratom is illegal 2026 due to its active alkaloid components.
In 2012, Kratom was declared a controlled substance, restricting the sale and possession of this botanical. The Indiana General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 305 to place Kratom in the same family as other Schedule I substances, leading to a complete Kratom ban in Indiana.
Anyone found violating the state’s laws may have to face years in jail, and up to $5,000 fine. Bulk Kratom sellers or retailers may experience license suspension.
The American Kratom Association is putting sincere efforts to legalize Kratom in Indiana by implementing the state-specific KCPA. It supports bills like HB 1524 to allow for regular Kratom sales. AKA is providing reliable information to lawmakers to address the issues caused by misinformation.
As of writing this guide, no effort to legalize Kratom in Indiana has been successful. Still, there are hopes that AKA’s efforts will be fruitful and the state’s authorities may overturn their decision of Kratom ban in Indiana.
4. Louisiana
Is Kratom banned in Louisiana? Yes, Louisiana is one of the states where kratom is banned 2026. You cannot enjoy taking Kratom while living or residing in this state.
Senate Bill 154 was presented to criminalize Kratom in Louisiana. The state implemented the Louisiana Kratom ban on August 1, 2025. It restricted the distribution, possession, sale, and purchase of Speciosa statewide. This bill classified Kratom’s primary alkaloids – mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine – as Schedule I substances. According to this bill, Kratom belongs to the family of marijuana, heroin, LSD, and other similar substances.
The penalties for violating the laws on the Kratom ban in Louisiana are severe. They vary depending on consumption levels. The authorities charge a fine of up to $100 for consuming less than 20 grams of Kratom. If you take more than 20 grams of Speciosa, the punishment would be up to $1,000 fine or up to 6 months of imprisonment. The penalty for sale or distribution is up to $50,000 fine or 1-5 years in jail.
AKA is doing the hard work for protecting consumers’ rights to get natural and safe Kratom in Louisiana. It runs powerful advocacy campaigns, spreads public awareness, and promotes the KCPA in this state.
Apparently, Kratom seems illegal in Louisiana in the immediate future. The reforms will not likely happen soon.
5. Rhode Island
It is one of the states where Kratom is illegal 2026, restricting the use, sale, and transportation of this botanical.
In 2017, the state officials added Kratom’s primary alkaloids to the list of Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act, banning the consumption and possession of this plant material.
Later, the state’s governor signed the KCPA into law in July 2025. As a result, it becomes the first state to reverse the ban on Kratom in the United States. This law will take effect on April 1, 2026. Till then, Kratom will remain illegal. According to this law, Kratom is legalized and regulated. Plus, the sale of Kratom to people under 21 is prohibited.
The penalties for Kratom consumption in Rhode Island include up to $500 fine for a first offense and $1,000 for a second violation. Years of imprisonment may also be part of the punishment.
The future is bright as the decision for the Rhode Island Kratom ban has been reversed, and this herb will be legally accessible to everyone in the state from April 1, 2026.
6. Vermont
It is also listed among the few states where Kratom is banned 2026. Kratom lovers often talk about lifting the Vermont Kratom ban.
In 2016, Vermont declared mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine (primary Kratom alkaloids) as Schedule I substances for the first time. Since then, this botanical have been illegal in this state. However, the state authorities are considering House Bill H.416 (the KCPA). It would reverse the ban on Kratom and develop a regulatory framework if passed.
Any sort of violation of the laws on the Vermont Kratom ban may lead to criminal penalties. Those selling unregistered Kratom products may be charged a fine of up to $5,000 per product or up to $10,000 for repeat violations.
Selling Kratom containing synthetic alkaloids or controlled substances may lead to 3 years in jail and a fine of up to $3,000. If any seller gives Kratom to those under 21, they may face 1 year in jail, up to $1,000 fine, or both for the first offense. Up to 2,000 fine, two years of imprisonment, or both are the penalties for the second offense.
The contribution of AKA to support Kratom in Vermont includes lobbying, promoting the KCPA, mobilizing grassroots support, and spreading awareness based on scientific evidence.
If the House Bill H.416 is passed, the future of Kratom will be bright in Vermont. Otherwise, you may have to wait for a long time until the laws change.
7. Wisconsin
Are you planning to visit Wisconsin in a few days? Searching for states where Kratom is illegal 2026 to avoid legal issues? You will be sad to hear about the Kratom ban in Wisconsin.
In 2014, the state labeled the main Kratom alkaloids as controlled substances. The state authorities banned this plant due to insufficient regulation. Since the FDA has not approved Kratom, even health professionals and doctors can’t prescribe this botanical.
Consuming Kratom in Wisconsin is a felony. The penalty for the first offense is up to $10,000 fine or up to 3.5 years in jail. Punishments for manufacturing and distribution are more severe.
There are ongoing debates on Kratom regulation in Wisconsin, making AKA’s influence more powerful. AKA is working on binding sellers to follow strict quality control guidelines and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
There is a pending Assembly Bill 393 that was presented to lift the Wisconsin Kratom ban instead of criminalizing it. If it passes, the future of Kratom in this state looks pretty bright.
Get Kratom in Banned States
Now that you know where is Kratom banned in the US, it is time to talk about how to get this botanical in states where Kratom is illegal 2026. To avoid legal issues, don’t forget to check the Kratom ban states before traveling.
If you are in a state where Kratom is banned, you won’t be able to find any local shop, gas filling station, or bar selling this plant material. Similarly, no online vendor will ship this botanical to such states where Kratom is illegal 2026. Therefore, always check the states that ban Kratom 2026 list before making any purchase.
The only way to enjoy your Kratom journey is to move to nearby states, order your favorite strain, give it a try, and come back home.
Conclusion – States Where Kratom Is Illegal
The US federal government has neither banned nor regulated Kratom. It is legal across the country except for seven states, which is why many people ask about “Where is Kratom banned in US?” The states like Vermont, Indiana, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin have imposed a complete ban on Kratom. If you want to take this botanical, you will have to leave the states where Kratom is illegal 2026.
