Kratom Resources

This page collects trusted, independent sources on kratom: safety research, state laws and industry standards. We keep it updated so our customers can make informed decisions.

Kratom Safety and Research

The NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) publishes an independent overview of what is known about kratom, including its safety and side effects.

Kratom Laws by State

Kratom is legal at the federal level in the United States, but several states and cities ban or regulate it. For a current summary, see the LAPPA summary of state kratom laws, or read our own guide to kratom legality by state.

The American Kratom Association

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a consumer advocacy group that works on kratom legislation, including the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, and runs a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) program for vendors. You can find their news, congressional briefings and resources, and support their work, on their website.

AKA's Label Requirements

To take part in the AKA's GMP program, vendors follow their guidelines. Many of the guidelines cover labels:

• Labels, labeling and advertising should not make disease claims (claims about treating, curing, preventing or mitigating disease) or unauthorized health claims.
• Labels, labeling and advertising should not make structure/function claims.
• Labels, labeling and advertising should not reference research or clinical data.
• Each finished product label must include a batch or lot number.
• Each finished product should disclose its mitragynine and 7-OH alkaloid content.
• Each finished product label must advise consumers to consult a physician about serving information.
• Kratom products may not be sold to minors.
• The label should state that pregnant women should not use kratom products.
• All labels should include the statement: "This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition."

These requirements exist to protect both vendors and consumers. When you buy kratom online or in stores, read the label. Does it tell you what is in the product and how much to take? If it does, you can feel more confident in your choice.

A Short History of Kratom in the United States

Kratom has been part of daily life in Southeast Asia for generations, where the leaf was traditionally chewed or brewed into tea. It came to the United States in larger amounts in the late 20th century, and today millions of Americans buy it as powder, capsules and extracts.

Kratom's regulatory history has been eventful:

• 2012: the FDA placed kratom on an import alert, renewed in later years.
• 2016: the DEA announced a plan to place kratom's main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, in Schedule I. After more than 23,000 public comments, most opposing the plan, the DEA withdrew the notice.
• 2017-2018: the FDA issued public health warnings on kratom. Researchers and advocacy groups disputed parts of the FDA's analysis, and noted that many reported deaths involved other substances or adulterated products.
• Since then: several states have passed versions of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which sets age limits, labeling rules and bans on adulterated products, while a few states and cities have banned kratom.

One lesson from this history is the importance of buying pure, lab-tested kratom from a reputable vendor. Adulterated products, sold by some vendors mixed with other drugs, have caused serious harm.

For adults 21 and over only. Kratom is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Follow the serving information on the label, and talk to your doctor before using kratom if you take medication or have a health condition.