With the widespread popularity of kratom on the rise, you may have heard of its benefits and even enjoy using it. However, not all states in the US have looked kindly on kratom, which begs the question. Is kratom legal in Mississippi?
Kratom is legal to use, distribute, and possess in Mississippi. However, the state has attempted to ban it in the past. Additionally, a wide range of counties and cities have banned the use of kratom, making it illegal at the local government.
If you reside in Mississippi or are planning to visit, make sure to get informed regarding kratom local laws. Otherwise, you may find yourself in some legal trouble.
Is Kratom Legal in Mississippi?
The short answer is yes. Kratom use, possession, and distribution is legal in Mississippi. However, although it is okay to buy and use kratom in the state, several counties and cities have banned it.
Kratom is not a controlled substance at the federal level. However, there are still significant contested points concerning its effect on the body. And this is what leads to many states discussing the possibility of banning or at least regulating its usage.
If the state does not ban or regulate kratom, local governemnts have the right to take further action, and many have.
Mississippi has, for the third consecutive year, attempted to pass legislation that would make kratom illegal in the state.
The most recent attempt, House Bill 681 in 2022, was authored by the Mississippi House Drug Policy Committee Chairman Lee Yancey, and was approved by the house 81-30, but died in the Senate.
Thus, kratom remains legal and unregulated in the state, but should the bill have passed, it would have classified kratom as a Schedule 1 substance along with heroin and cocaine. Talk about not doing your research before passing a law.
Just a brief moment of reading through the comments on Legiscan regarding the bill will tell you how positive kratom is and how it has helped millions of people, but I digress. Back to Mississippi legislation.
Cities and Counties In Mississippi That Banned Kratom
A total of 11 counties and 24 cities in Mississippi have completely banned kratom, which you can see in the list below.
Counties in Mississippi that banned kratom:
- Alcorn
- Calhoun
- Itawamba
- Lafayette
- Lowndes
- Monroe
- Noxubee
- Prentiss
- Tippah
- Tishomingo
- Union
Cities in Mississippi that banned kratom:
- Belmont
- Blue Mountain
- Booneville
- Bruce
- Burnsville
- Caledonia
- Calhoun
- Columbus
- Corinth
- Derma
- Fulton
- Guntown
- Iuka
- Mantachie
- Marietta
- New Albany
- Okolona
- Oxford
- Pontotoc
- Ripley
- Saltillo
- Senatobia
- Tishomingo
- Vardaman
If you're wondering about the legal status of kratom in the US check out this post I wrote called, "Is Kratom Legal in The US?" Better safe than sorry!
Has Mississippi Attempted to Ban Kratom?
However, state legislators were undeterred. Later that same year, House Bill 974 retried to classify kratom as a schedule 1 substance. Fortunately, the bill was amended and kratom was excluded.
But they didn't stop there. Three bills in 2020 alone attempted to ban kratom. They include:
Fortunately, thanks to the determination of kratom advocates, all three bills died in the committee. But wait, there's more!
In 2021, a total of FIVE bills attempted to place a statewide ban on the plant. Those bills are:
1. House Concurrent Resolution 45
4. Senate Concurrent Resolution 539
Luckily all five bills failed.
2022 was no different, with House Bill 681 mentioned at the beginning of the post and Senate Bill 2403. However, those bills also failed.
Will Kratom Remain Legal in Mississippi?
Nevertheless, it goes without saying that you should definitely check Mississippi laws before visiting the state and taking kratom with you. You know, just to be on the safe side.
This post was written in January 2023, but Mississippi legislators have been trying to outlaw kratom multiple times per year. Don't get caught with your pants down, as the legal repercussions can be severe.
Where to Buy Kratom In Mississippi?
First and foremost, if you're trying to buy kratom in Mississippi, I highly recommend you make your purchase online, as online kratom is much more likely to cost less and be more fresh. Remember, brick and mortar stores have high overhead.
However, if you must have kratom immediately at your disposal, you're very likely to find it in the following locations.
1. Vape shops
2. Smoke shops
3. Vape shops
4. Dispensaries
5. Botanical shops
Although you're much less likely to find kratom at a liquor store, gas station, or pharmacy, it may be worth your time to pay those places a visit as a last resort.
I've gone ahead and looked up a few places for you, which you can find below.
Dr Kratom Botanicals, LLC
7620 MS-613 #1, Moss Point, MS 39563
504 874-4265
Southhaven Smoke - CBD & Kratom
9020 US-51, Southaven, MS 38671
662 393 4987
The Kratom Shack
13341 A 2, Dedeaux Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503
228 383-5166
Additionally, once you find a place that stocks kratom, make sure it is labeled organic, and thus, free from harmful substances like heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens.
Conclusion
To wrap this all up, although kratom is legal in Mississippi, many cities and counties are continuously outlawing the plant, which may lead to a statewide ban.
Therefore, if you reside in Mississippi or intend on visiting, always check their kratom laws to ensure you stay out of legal trouble.