Virginia is one of the United States of America, attributed as the birthplace of the English nation and eight US presidents. VA has many breathtaking views and attractions, including its mountains and gardens. 

But being a native or tourist in Virginia, you might think about a special natural supplement gaining fame in “The Old Dominion State”; we are talking about Kratom. So the evergreen therapeutic is also added to the specialities of Virginia. 

This article will help all Kratom enthusiasts who want to know about the legality of Kratom in Virginia, whether there are any rules and regulations on the substance, and where you can buy its products in 2023.

Legality Of Kratom In Virginia

The state of VA allows users to consume Kratom within its premises, including in major cities such as Norfolk, Roanoke, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Alexandria.

The people of Southeast Asia use Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, to get various health advantages. These benefits may include reduced discomfort, more euphoria, a boost in energy, mood, and immunity. People across the globe use Kratom’s capsules, powder, tincture, sodas, gummies, dry leaves, and extracts. 

Despite all of these benefits, Kratom is very controversial plant due to the lack of research on it. The Kratom associations and higher authorities are continuously struggling, making it challenging to determine Kratom's legal status. Although the substance is not regulated at the federal level, some states have prohibited selling and cultivating Kratom, and others have age restrictions. Let’s look closely at the previous legislation about this traditional plant.

The Legal History Of Kratom In Virginia

As of 2018, the laws and bills about the legality of mitragyna products in Virginia were clear. Selling, possessing, and purchasing Kratom in Virginia is legal. Advocates of Kratom often face challenges related to the product's safety, as impure or contaminated Kratom can encourage those who want to have it banned.

The salmonella-contaminated Kratom played a significant role in pushing for its ban as it caused the deaths of some of its users, holding the plant responsible. However, a CDC report indicated that Kratom was present, but its purity was still in question.

Furthermore, research in 2016 suggests that Kratom may not cause respiratory distress to the same extent as morphine and other substances.

Pending Legislation About Kratom

A bill in committee currently seeks to ban Kratom from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. The VA HJR39 bill proposes to add mitragyna speciosa to the list of controlled substances.

The act cites 91 CDC reports of individuals exposed to Kratom or experienced an overdose, which initially implicated the medicinal herb as the cause. However, further investigation raised concerns about the purity of the substance they had consumed.

Kratom itself may not be responsible for the harm caused to these individuals, but rather some contaminant that led to their illness. The National Library of Medicine published an article on Kratom abuse potential and the associated factors, emphasising the need for regulations by the Food and  Drug Administration and the appropriate use of plant leaves. That is why it is important to ensure that one should use Kratom safely and responsibly to avoid harm.

The Role Of DEA And FDA Regarding Kratom

In 2016, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced to classify mitragynine, an alkaloid, as a Schedule 1 substance, to prohibit its use. However, they could not do so due to protests and the submission of 120,000 petitions from Kratom supporters who opposed the ban.

In 2017, the FDA official released a statement emphasizing the need for Kratom's uses to be supported by thorough research and appropriate evaluation of its potential for abuse.

He also noted that the FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the food supply, regulating herbal supplements, and overseeing other products in the USA.

What Is The Age To Buy Kratom In Virginia?

Although VA allows its residents to consume the substance throughout the state, certain age restrictions apply in specific areas.

Children and individuals under 18 could not purchase or use Kratom. However, if you are above 18, you can moderately ingest the traditionally used leaves for desired effects. 

What Is The Future Hold For Kratom In Virginia?

The Board of Pharmacy has to decide the destiny of Kratom in Virginia. If they brake Kratom as a risk, they can classify it as a controlled substance. As the substance is not regulated in VA and some other states, many vendors are taking advantage of selling contaminated kratom products that are defaming it.

However, the American Kratom Association (AKA) is a supportive group of the therapeutic, hopes that they will persuade lawmakers to consider the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) rather than banning it. With the help of KCPA, such vendors selling poor-quality products will be discouraged, and it will also ensure to supply of safe kratom products. Keeping a close eye on the legislation is crucial to avoid any penalties.

Where To Buy Kratom In Virginia?

Let us answer another important question: "Where can you get your favourite Kratom products in VA?”

You have two options for buying Kratom: online or from a local store. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.

Buying Kratom online is convenient and cheaper, but it takes time, and you may have to compromise on the quality of the products. To ensure the quality of the Kratom product, this is important to check if the website or vendor is AKA GMP certified, a program to assure the distribution of only pure products. Moreover, it's recommended to go through customer reviews.

One benefit of buying the substance from a nearby store is getting the product immediately and checking it before buying. Many smoke shops, vape stores, and gas stations offer different Kratom products. A few names of local vendors are listed if you are looking for kratom shops in Virginia.

Kratom Stores In Virginia Beach, VA:

• Pitbull Tobacco & More

Address: 154 S Rosemont Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, United States

• Tobacco, Vape, Kratom & Cigars

Address: 3501 Holland Rd STE 107, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, US

• Smoke Shop

Address: 315 N Great Neck Rd #356, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, US

Kratom Stores In Chesapeake, VA:

• Tobacco 4 Less

Address: 237 S Battlefield Blvd 14 D, Chesapeake, VA 23322, US

• 7 Cities Tobacco and Vape

Address: 236 Carmichael Way Suite 306, Chesapeake, VA 23322, US

• Smoker's World

Address: 1434 Sam's Dr #107, Chesapeake, VA 23320, US

Kratom Stores In Norfolk, VA:

• Area 51 Tobacco & Novelties

Address: 2374 E Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, US

• Papa Joe’s Smoke Shop

Address: 6602 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502, US

• Smoke Shack 12

Address: 3038 Ballentine Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23509, US

Final Thoughts About Kratom In Virginia

Although kratom in Virginia is easily accessible and legal, it is unregulated and uncertain. To keep kratom legal in VA, use the substance responsibly, in a balanced dose, with consultation from a healthcare provider.