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Kratom’s popularity has exploded in the United States since the 1990s, with an estimated two million people now using the substance. But the legality of kratom has come under scrutiny at the federal and state level. So, is kratom legal in Arizona?
Here is the quick answer: yes, kratom is legal in Arizona! The southwestern state has also passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), bringing regulation to the market. But what does that mean for you, the humble kratom user?
Join me as I take you on a whistle-stop tour through the history of kratom law in Arizona, the current state of play, and the possible future legal landscape. As someone with family in Arizona, it is a place I visit often. Therefore, I have a solid understanding of the kratom industry there.
Is Kratom Legal in Arizona?
Kratom is legal in Arizona by virtue of not being a controlled substance. The Arizona State Legislature does not prohibit the kratom plant or its alkaloids. That is why you can walk into a store and find capsules, powder, extracts, and more exciting kratom products!
The History of Kratom Law in Arizona
But it hasn’t always been plain sailing for kratom in the Copper State. Indeed, Arizona threatened to become one of the first states to make the substance illegal in 2014. The danger came from House Bill 2453, a piece of legislation related to synthetic substances.
Sneakily, lawmakers attempted to classify mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine, the two most prevalent kratom alkaloids, as synthetic substances. Of course, the Mitragyna Speciosa (kratom) plant generates these alkaloids naturally. They are anything but synthetic!
Kratom activists were furious. Thankfully, the House Judiciary Committee voted in favor of an amendment to remove mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine from HB2453. So, while the bill ultimately passed, kratom stayed legal in Arizona.
Admittedly, this may sound like it was an audacious and long-shot attempt. But other state governments (including Alabama’s) have banned kratom alkaloids using the synthetic argument. Kratom may have had a lucky escape in Arizona!
State lawmakers have made no further attempt to ban kratom since this incident. However, a big shake-up came to the Arizona industry in 2019 in the form of regulation.
What is the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)?
Kratom is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means the industry has long been littered with sketchy brands and products of varying quality. But Arizona has changed all that by passing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).
The act is true to its name and seeks to protect consumers by raising industry standards. The Arizona KCPA considers various factors, including product purity, alkaloid concentrations, and age restrictions. The act demands the following of kratom dealers in Arizona:
The level of 7-hydroxymitragynine in a product must not exceed 2% of the total alkaloid content.
Products must not be adulterated or contaminated with dangerous non-kratom substances. This includes controlled substances.
Kratom products must not contain synthetic kratom alkaloids (i.e., synthetic mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine) or other synthetic kratom compounds.
Kratom-containing products must state the amount of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine on the packaging or label.
Kratom-containing products must not be sold to individuals under the age of 18
Anybody caught violating the Arizona KCPA is guilty of a class 2 demeanor. Such a demeanor carries a maximum penalty of four months of jail time and $750 in fine. However, punishments can increase if convicted of the same offense within the past two years.
Potential Arizona Kratom Consumer Protection Act Amendment
In February 2021, Rep. Leo Biassiuci (R) introduced House Bill 2651. The bill sought to further protect kratom users and distributors and bring more legitimacy to the industry.
HB2651 hoped to prevent financial institutions from refusing or terminating services to companies engaged with the kratom industry. The bill also had a section to stop enforcement action from state agencies unless the DEA reschedules kratom or its alkaloids as a Schedule I substance.
In addition, HB2651 looked to change the “dealer” terminology in the Arizona KCPA to “retailer".
I am convinced these three changes would have been fantastic for the kratom industry in Arizona. Sadly, HB2651 died in committee after its second reading. As of January 2023, no similar bills have been introduced to the Arizona State Legislature.
Will Kratom Remain Legal in Arizona?
Arizona has seen a positive trend in favor of kratom since the efforts to ban it in 2014. And that makes us optimistic for the years ahead. The state is an excellent example of how legislation can change the industry for the better.
Passing the KCPA shows it is possible to reduce kratom risks to consumers without draconian prohibition. And the more recent efforts to tweak the act suggest there is some legal will to do even more to protect kratom users and distributors.
Kratom at the Federal Level
If kratom’s legal status in Arizona is ever in jeopardy, it could be due to a change in the federal government’s stance. Kratom is not a federally controlled substance, although there were plans to make it so a few years ago.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) still keep a watchful eye over the kratom industry. The federal government could move in either direction on kratom if scientific research emerges that suggests it should.
Where to Buy Quality Kratom Products in Arizona?
Maybe you live in Arizona, or perhaps you are passing through. Either way, you might want to purchase some kratom. As somebody who loves kratom and is familiar with the state, I have some experience in this department.
With kratom legal and regulated in Arizona, the state has several physical vendors. Thanks to the KCPA, finding quality products is less of an issue. But the price usually is when purchasing in-store.
There is no getting around it: buying kratom from brick-and-mortar stores is expensive. And when you consider the operating costs relative to online vendors, it is no wonder they need to charge more to make a profit.
When buying kratom, I want top-tier products and value for money. That is why I do the bulk of my shopping online. I generally only purchase in stores when I want my kratom immediately.
But it is possible to buy quality kratom products from brick-and-mortar shops in the Grand Canyon State. Here are three stores that sell kratom in Arizona:
