Kratom legality: Where is kratom legal and where is it not?

(Updated: May 2025)

Is kratom legal where you live – or could you get in trouble for using it? The answer isn’t simple, and it changes from country to country. In some places, kratom is treated like a natural supplement. Read this article to find out exactly where it’s legal, banned, or in a legal gray zone.

Short summary:

Kratom is legal in some countries, banned in others, and unregulated in many. For example, it’s legal in the U.S. (with state-level exceptions), the Netherlands, and parts of Asia. It’s banned in countries like Singapore, Sweden, and France. Always check local laws before buying, using, or traveling with kratom.

What is the legal status of kratom?

Kratom is not regulated the same way worldwide. Some countries treat it like a dangerous drug. Others ignore it completely. Many are still deciding what to do.

Kratom as a controlled substance

Several countries list kratom as a controlled or banned substance. This usually makes it illegal to buy, sell, or possess.

• In Australia, kratom is a Schedule 9 substance (same as heroin).
• In Singapore and Malaysia, kratom is banned. Possession can lead to prison.
• In Poland and Sweden, kratom is also illegal under narcotic laws.

These countries cite health risks, addiction concerns, and lack of research.

Countries with legal gray areas

Some countries do not clearly regulate kratom. It’s not banned, but also not officially approved.

For example, in Canada and Germany, kratom can be sold online. But it cannot be marketed for human consumption. Sellers usually label it “not for human use” to follow the law. In these places, users should be careful. Laws may change without much notice.

Where is kratom legal?

Kratom is legal or unregulated in many parts of the world. In some places, it’s sold openly. In others, it's legal but harder to find.

North America

• United States: Kratom is legal federally but banned in some states.
• Banned states: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
• Legal with local bans: California (banned in San Diego), Florida (banned in Sarasota County).
• Mostly legal: Texas, New York, and many others.
• Mexico: Kratom is not regulated and is legal.
• Canada: Legal to possess. But sales for human consumption are not allowed.

Europe

Europe is a mix. Each country has its own policy. Here’s a summary:

• United Kingdom: Banned since 2016 under the Psychoactive Substances Act.
• Germany: Legal to possess. Illegal to sell for consumption.
• Netherlands: Legal and sold in smart shops.
• Austria: Legal, but cannot be marketed for ingestion.
• Czech Republic: Legal, but under political discussion.
• Italy: Banned in some regions like Tuscany, allowed in others.
• Spain: Legal but not approved for consumption.
• Portugal: Decriminalized for personal use.
• Belgium: Legal, under observation.
• France: Banned since 2020.
• Poland: Banned as a narcotic substance.
• Sweden: Banned since 2011.
• Finland: Requires a prescription.
• Denmark: Banned without prescription.
• Romania: Banned since 2023.
• Latvia and Lithuania: Fully banned.
• Slovakia: Listed as a psychoactive drug, banned.

The European Union is monitoring kratom. There is no EU-wide law yet, but more countries are considering restrictions.

Asia-Pacific

Ironically, kratom is banned in many countries where it naturally grows.

• Thailand: Legal again since 2021 for local use and farming.
• Indonesia: Banned.
• Malaysia: Illegal to possess or sell.
• Singapore: Fully banned, with harsh penalties.
• Vietnam: Not specifically regulated, but risky to import.
• South Korea: Banned and enforced strictly.
• Australia: Banned as a Schedule 9 drug.
• New Zealand: Requires a doctor’s prescription.

If you travel to Asia, check the law before carrying or using kratom. Penalties can be severe.

Other regions

• South Africa: Kratom is legal and available online.
• Brazil: Not regulated, but not widely available.
• Russia: Banned.
• Turkey: Legal status unclear, but possession can lead to trouble.

Where is kratom banned?

Many countries have banned kratom completely. Reasons include concerns over health, addiction, and lack of regulation.

Strict bans and criminal penalties

These countries have zero-tolerance laws:

• Singapore: Up to 10 years in prison or a $20,000 fine.
• Malaysia: Up to 4 years in prison or fines.
• South Korea: Strong anti-import and customs control.
• United Arab Emirates: Kratom is banned, including for tourists.

If you’re caught with kratom in these countries, the legal consequences can be serious.

Partial bans and local restrictions

Some places ban kratom at a regional or city level.

• U.S. cities: San Diego (CA), Sarasota County (FL), Denver (CO – past regulation).
• Italy: Certain provinces ban it, others allow it.
• India: No nationwide ban, but local states can set rules.

Why is kratom controversial?

Kratom has fans and critics. Some say it’s helpful. Others say it’s risky.

Health concerns and regulation

The U.S. FDA warns against kratom. It mentions risks like:

• Liver damage
• Seizures
• Addiction
• Contamination in unregulated products

A CDC report found 91 deaths linked to kratom between 2016-2017. Most cases involved other drugs too. Still, kratom is not classified as a controlled substance in the U.S., though that may change.

Advocacy and legalization movements

Groups like the American Kratom Association (AKA) push to keep kratom legal. They say millions use it safely for pain or opioid withdrawal. In Thailand, kratom became legal again after years of public demand. Locals had used it for generations before the ban.

Is kratom legal in my country?

That depends. Laws are changing fast. Some places update rules quietly. Others make sudden moves to ban or regulate it.

What to do:

1. Check your national drug agency’s website.
2. Follow kratom advocacy groups like AKA.
3. Don’t assume legality based on online stores.
4. If you travel, double-check import laws – when in doubt, don’t bring kratom with you across borders!

So, where is kratom legal and where is it not? It depends. In some countries, like the United States or the Netherlands, it’s legal or lightly regulated. In others – such as Singapore, Poland, or France – it’s banned completely. Many countries fall somewhere in between, with confusing or changing rules. That’s why it’s essential to check the law in your country or region before buying or using kratom. Don’t assume it’s legal just because it’s available online. When it comes to kratom, staying informed is the best way to stay safe.