Kratom remains legal in Pennsylvania, though it has not been without significant legal challenges. Known as the “Keystone State,” Pennsylvania is famous for the historic Liberty Bell and as one of the founding U.S. states. So, if you reside in Pennsylvania or plan to visit this, you’ll be pleased to know that kratom is legal to purchase, possess and distribute. In this article, you’ll find out why.

• What is Kratom?
• Laws and Legislation of Kratom in Pennsylvania
• How can I buy Kratom in Pennsylvania?
• The AKA and Kratom Advocacy in Pennsylvania

What is Kratom?

Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (of the Rubiaceae family) is a 20 to 40-foot-high tropical tree indigenous to Southeast Asia but now cultivated elsewhere. In Thailand, the tree and leaf preparations from it are called kratom. Traditionally, fresh or dried kratom leaves are chewed or made into tea and seldom smoked. Kratom has stimulant effects at a low dose and is used to combat fatigue during long working hours. At high dosages, however, it can have sedative effects. The main psychoactive components in the leaves are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, found only in Mitragyna speciosa.

Laws and Legislation of Kratom in Pennsylvania

There have been various efforts to regulate and ban kratom. In June 2022, the Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 2357, which would ban the sale of kratom to anyone younger than 18. In addition, businesses that violate the law would be subject to fines ranging from $100 to $500 for a first-time offense. The bill’s original version included quantity limits of certain alkaloids in kratom, a ban on synthetic alkaloids, and a ban on kratom products that included controlled substances. Today, kratom remains legal. The American Kratom Association hopes to introduce the Kratom Consumer Protection Act soon.

Where can I buy Kratom in Pennsylvania?

Kratom is relatively new in the U.S., and some companies may take that advantage to make money by selling low-quality, substandard, untested and sometimes adulterated products. Until the FDA or other laws regulate kratom, it’s therefore essential for you to do your research when buying it at a store or online.

Search the Internet for kratom suppliers and stores, read Google reviews, and consider the company’s longevity and return guarantee. The kratom community is passionate, and customers are very vocal about the sales, services, and quality of different Kratom companies.

The FDA does not recognize kratom, meaning vendors have no regulations to comply with besides their own. Unfortunately, incidents of contaminated or adulterated kratom sold on the market abound. Your best bet is to buy from a reputable vendor. Such vendors will provide fresh, 100 percent kratom, stand by their product and provide guidance and direction for your kratom. Kingdom Kratom, for example, has been in business since 2017 and is a Texas-based company that has become one of the leading suppliers of kratom in the United States. They focus on delivering the highest quality kratom, made using only all-natural, organic, sustainably sourced ingredients. Their products are lab-tested for purity and potency, so you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality product. Give their sample packs a try!

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. It advocates for continued regulation to ensure kratom quality and also for increased research on the benefits of kratom. The AKA continues to work tirelessly to have kratom legal in every state. You can help by joining the AKA as a “protector” of kratom. You’ll then receive notification of any legislative changes and any advocacy needed. Your help is critical to this effort, and you can join the email list here.

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KPCA) is legislation the American Kratom Association introduced that encourages advocacy for kratom education and research. It also sets legal guidelines for the industry regarding labeling, ingredients, and age restrictions. The Act prohibits the sale of adulterated or misbranded kratom. The KCPA would also create a voluntary certification program for Kratom retailers and manufacturers.

A spokesperson for the American Kratom Association says the Kratom Consumer Protection Act is under consideration in more than 20 states. The organization hopes Pennsylvania will soon join the eight other states where versions of the legislation have passed as of 2023. The KPCA has passed in Utah, Georgia, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

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