Colorado is generally perceived as socially liberal, especially regarding natural alternative medicine, supplements, and drugs. So it may surprise you that Colorado is one of the few states where, in 2023, Kratom isn’t entirely legal. In this article, you’ll learn where Kratom is legal in Colorado — and where it is not.

• What is Kratom?
• Laws and legislation of Kratom in Colorado
• The Colorado Consumer Protection Act
• Where can I buy Kratom in Colorado?
• The American Kratom Association

What is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and part of the coffee plant family. The farmers in Southeast Asia have become experts in growing and harvesting Kratom, and to this day, the highest quality Kratom available in the world comes from this region. Harvested Kratom has helped farmworkers manage long and arduous work days for centuries.

Kratom leaves contain two alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine—these Act on the opioid receptors in the brain. Depending on the strain and vein of Kratom and the dosage, Kratom can have stimulant effects, calming effects, or relief from discomfort. Traditionally, people chewed Kratom leaves or brewed them to make tea. Today, Kratom can be taken conveniently, including powder, capsules, and extracts.

Laws and legislation of Kratom in Colorado

Although Kratom is legal at a state level, it is currently completely banned in the towns of Monument and Parker. Additionally, within the city limits of Denver, it is illegal to use Kratom for human consumption. This law means that you can sell Kratom, buy it and possess it; it just can’t be labeled for consumption, and the vendor can’t provide consumption advice. In addition, all packaging must state “not for human consumption.”

The Colorado Consumer Protection Act

The Colorado Consumer Protection Act (KPCA) was passed in 2022 and will go into effect on July 2023. So what is the Colorado KCPA? The primary purpose of the bill is to protect Kratom consumers. The bill mandates that all Kratom products undergo lab testing, accurate labeling, and testing for mold, heavy metals, and foreign materials. In addition, the product label must state the amount of the two active alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The law prevents vendors from altering or adding alkaloids to raw Kratom without notifying consumers. In addition, by law, 7-OH can’t be more than 2% of the overall alkaloid percent found in natural Kratom powder.

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act is under consideration in more than 20 states. As of 2022, the KPCA has passed in the following states: Utah, Georgia, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Missouri, and Oklahoma. To see if Kratom is currently legal in your condition, please check out this interactive Kratom legality map.

Where can I buy Kratom in Colorado?

Sold in many head shops, smoke shops, and herbal shops, but many Coloradans still choose to buy Kratom from their favorite reputable online retailers. The only restrictions, of course, are that you cannot purchase or possess Kratom in Monument or Parker (and you can’t have it shipped there, either). While many people like the convenience of local head shops, online retailers are superior for their value, selection, and freshness. Some vendors, like Kingdom Kratom based in San Antonio, Texas, test all their Kratom for impurities and potency. Likewise, Kingdom Kratom products are harvested for strength, maturity, and purity.

The American Kratom Association

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a non-profit advocacy group established in 2014, committed to preserving and protecting the freedom of Kratom or Mitragyna Speciosa. Also, it advocates for regulation to ensure Kratom quality and also for research on the benefits of Kratom. The AKA continues to work tirelessly to have Kratom legal in every state. You can help in that effort by joining the AKA as a “protector” of Kratom. You’ll receive notification of any laws changes and advocacy needed. Join the email list here.

Working in concert with the AKA, the Botanical Education Alliance also dedicates itself to educating consumers, lawmakers, law enforcement, and the media about safe and therapeutic natural supplements, including Kratom. Its mission is to increase understanding to influence public policy and protect natural supplements.

To find out if Kratom is legal in your state, check out this interactive map, courtesy of the American Kratom Association.