Arkansas is one of the largest United States by area and has a natural beauty with a huge population. It is popular not only for its Diamond Crater Park, rivers, lakes, and hot springs but also for a herb that is becoming high in user demand; we are talking about Kratom. The laws about Kratom in Arkansas are confusing because the governing authorities have yet to decide clearly about this therapeutic. While Kratom is legal at the federal level, some states have their stand about this tropical plant. 

Let's have a comprehensive look at the legal status of Kratom in Arkansas and whether you can buy it here. Keep exploring!

What Is The Legal Status Of Kratom In Arkansas?

Presently, Kratom in Arkansas is not allowed. Kratom is a plant-based product the FDA regulated at the federal level, and some states have imposed restrictions on it. Arkansas is one of the six states in America that impose a statewide ban on selling, purchasing, and possessing Kratom.  Other states include Alabama, Indiana, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Vermont.

This act shows that you can't sell, buy or have it if you live in this state or plan to visit. Every state can decide whether or not to allow the tropical plant, and some states have made it legal while others have prohibited it. In 2015, Arkansas decided to prohibit the selling, buying, and possessing of Kratom throughout “The Natural State.” First, we’ll detail the Kratom ban in this state.

A Brief History Of Arkansas Kratom Ban

The authorities banned it in October 2015, and this was a turning point for Kratom in Arkansas. The act prohibits millions of residents from purchasing the traditional Southeast Asian plant in Arkansas. It also restricted vendors from selling Kratom within the state. Rather they announced sanctions for the violation of rules regarding this substance. 

After that, the health officials further started to observe all the incidences due to Kratom usage. In 2017, a few deaths were reported against Kratom's legality in the state. As a result of misunderstandings about this natural herb, FDA warned the nation about Kratom and banned it.

Penalties For Possessing Kratom In Arkansas

At the moment, individuals from all areas of Arkansas are not allowed to use this natural supplement.  The officials introduced the laws in 2015, declaring Kratom illegal. As a result, no Arkansas companies offer Kratom, and sellers are not allowed to deliver it to the state. 

In Arkansas, going against the laws of Kratom is a criminal offense and can lead to the following:

• Getting caught with the substance can cause a 20-year punishment in prison or a $15,000 fine.
• Walking around institutions such as parks, schools, bus stations, universities, college campuses, holy places, childcare centers, hostels,  public apartment buildings, or more can result in an additional ten years in prison. 

There is a lack of scientific evidence to back up the medical value of Kratom. The FDA has conducted various investigations and found no proof of health advantages.

Classification Of Kratom In Arkansas 

In 2016, the lawmakers classified its two active components, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, alongside other dangerous components like heroin, morphine, etc., in the Schedule 1 Substance list. 

This classification happened after a group informed the Arkansas Department of Health about Kratom's side effects. The Food and Drug Administration found no medicinal well-being advantage of Kratom and outlawed it in Arkansas.

Legality Of Kratom In States Surrounding Arkansas

Being a Kratom fanatic, you can go to a neighboring state to consume this herb without any restrictions. But don't bring it back within the boundaries of Arkansas. 

The nearby states include a few names like; Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas share a border with Arkansas. But, there is an age limitation to consume the botanical legally; you must be 18 or above in some states and 21 or above in others. Therefore, you should also check their laws regarding Kratom.

Can I Buy Kratom Online In Arkansas?

The answer is No! You can not purchase Kratom online since vendors cannot ship your order in restricted areas. The reason is the federal administration needs to have rules and regulations about Kratom. As a result, every state has its own opinion on this substance, and Arkansas has banned it on its premises.

Will Arkansas Ever Allow Kratom In Its Premises?

Currently, Kratom in Arkansas is not allowed. However, it is important to note that this situation will not persist for longer. Laws in the United States, including the Kratom ban in Arkansas, are always open to change. Therefore, this ban can quickly reverse at any time. 

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is the main supportive organization for Kratom and worked with hardcore over the past years to help adopt the American Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) at the state level. To help overturn the ban, one can show support for the KCPA. This act provides a basic regulatory framework for state regulation of Kratom and offers legal protections for vendors and users.

The KCPA ensures that the Kratom industry is regulated and that vendors follow proper standards for lab testing Kratom and provide clear user instructions. Although no KCPA bills are introduced in Arkansas, residents can still support other states in their efforts to pass Kratom legislation. Passing more state KCPAs can set a pathway for other states to follow and ultimately help legalize Kratom in Arkansas and across the United States.

Why There Is A Need For Kratom Regulations?

The reason behind regulating Kratom in Arkansas is to save the rights of both vendors and consumers. By regulating this substance, its safety, and quality can be ensured through policies such as:

• Testing for alkaloid concentration
• Checking for harmful contaminants
• Implementing procedures for processing and storage to prevent mold and degradation.
• Age restrictions for purchasing Kratom products 
• Packaging and labeling requirements for vendors that include ingredients and suggested serving sizes

Such policies will benefit everyone involved by making Kratom safer to consume and preventing misunderstandings that may arise when Kratom is adulterated. Kratom has enormous potential to benefit people throughout the United States similarly. That's why regulation is the best way to make this traditional remedy legal and to achieve its perks to the fullest without any issues.

Final Thoughts

We have discussed the current scenario regarding the legality of Kratom in Arkansas, but hopefully, the ban on this amazing plant will only persist for a while. Prohibition is not a matter of scientific reasoning. Instead, it's facing opposition from a group of individuals who don’t know that if Kratom is taken in a balanced way, it may bring exceptional benefits to their health. We hope this guide has helped you clear all your questions about Kratom legality in America.