Is it Legal?

While Kava and Kratom are federally legal in the United States, a patchwork of state and local laws makes navigation tricky. This guide is updated regularly, but always check local laws before traveling.

Kava: The Global Citizen

Status: Legal in the vast majority of the world.

• USA: Legal in all 50 states.
• Europe: Legal to possess in most countries, but sale for human consumption is restricted in some (Poland, UK).
• Australia: Highly regulated. You can bring up to 4kg for personal use, but commercial import requires a strict permit.

Kratom: The Contested Leaf

Kratom faces more scrutiny. In the US, the battle is fought state-by-state.

The KCPA (Kratom Consumer Protection Act)

The “Good Guys.” These states have passed laws protecting access to Kratom but regulating it (age limits, lab testing requirements, banning adulterants).

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Nevada
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Utah
• Texas
• Virginia

The Ban List (Do Not Travel Here with Kratom)

Possession in these jurisdictions can lead to felony charges.

• Alabama: Felony possession. (Schedule I).
• Arkansas: Felony possession. (Schedule I).
• Indiana: Misdemeanor/Felony (Synthetic ban interpretation).
• Rhode Island: Banned.
• Vermont: Banned.
• Wisconsin: Banned (Mitragynine listed).

Specific City/County Bans

You can drive through a legal state and hit a banned city.

• San Diego City, CA: Banned (County is legal).
• Sarasota County, FL: Banned (Rest of FL is KCPA).
• Denver, CO: Labeled for “Human Consumption” prohibited (gray area).

International Travel

• Illegal: UK (Psychoactive Substances Act), Ireland, Poland, Malaysia, Thailand (Legalized recently but strict export laws), Australia (Prescription only).
• Legal: Canada, Mexico, Germany, Netherlands.

[!WARNING] TSA & Flying: Flying with Kratom domestically in the US is generally safe unless you are flying TO or FROM a banned state. Keep it in original, labeled vendor packaging. Do not bring unlabeled green powder in a ziploc bag.