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Don’t automatically assume that kratom is legal in your area. Legislation varies between states, with some permitting a legal market and others banning the substance. With that in mind, is kratom legal in New Jersey?
Yes, kratom is legal in New Jersey! You don’t need to worry about legal issues when purchasing, possessing or selling kratom in the Garden State. But that doesn’t mean the plant has enjoyed an easy ride in this northeastern part of the United States.
In this post, we will examine the legal history of kratom in New Jersey and explore what the future may hold. And as someone who visits the state regularly to visit friends, I will give you the lowdown on the existing kratom market in NJ and where to buy high-quality products. Let’s do it.
Is Kratom Legal in New Jersey?
Kratom is not a controlled substance in New Jersey - therefore, it is legal! You can manufacture, sell, purchase, possess, and use kratom in the state without upsetting the authorities.
Furthermore, kratom is legal everywhere in New Jersey. Counties, cities, and even towns have banned kratom in some states, complicating the legal landscape. We are pleased to say the same law applies wherever you happen to be in NJ.
The New Jersey government currently takes a hands-off approach, leaving the industry to its own devices. However, that means NJ lacks the Kratom Consumer Protection Act several states have passed. Subsequently, product quality can be hit and miss.
The History of Kratom Legislation in New Jersey
While kratom is legal in New Jersey in 2023, we should not take this favorable situation for granted. There have been numerous attempts to ban kratom over the years, largely thanks to one representative of the state’s General Assembly: Ronald Dancer (R).
The first bid to ban kratom came in May 2015 with New Jersey Assembly Bill 4431 (A4431). This was around the time the news media started paying attention to the plant. Had it passed, New Jersey’s kratom industry would have been stopped in its tracks.
New Jersey Assembly Bill 4431 (A4431)
Unsurprisingly, it was Dancer who introduced A4431. The bill intended to criminalize the manufacture, sale, and possession of substances containing kratom in New Jersey.
Dancer likened kratom to opiates and described the plant as a “dangerous substance.” The State Assemblyman also sowed panic over a “drug epidemic." And he seemingly drew a comparison between kratom, bath salts, and spice.
A4431 would have brought harsh penalties for kratom violations, ranging from 18 months to 10 years in prison, depending on the severity of the offense. Such draconian legislation would have made New Jersey one of the most anti-kratom states in the country.
Thankfully, A4431 did not come close to passing, dying in the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee at 25% progression. NJ kratom lovers breathed a sigh of relief.
However, the failure of A4431 did not deter Dancer, who reintroduced the bill to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2016 (A3281), 2018 (A2865), and 2020 (A2236). These three bills had the same text as A4431, and they all died in the same committee at 25% progression!
With four failed prohibition efforts in the books, it appears The Garden State has no appetite to make kratom illegal. And that is something to celebrate!
Will Kratom Stay Legal in New Jersey?
Considering the history, it seems likely that kratom will remain legal in New Jersey. Whether the state will pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) is perhaps a more pressing question.
The KCPA would boost kratom product quality in the state while helping protect the plant’s legal status. The American Kratom Association (AKA) is in favor of the KCPA, and without such regulation, kratom could be vulnerable to future prohibition attempts.
As of 2023, the New Jersey General Assembly has no plans to ban kratom. Hopefully, it will stay that way in the months and years to come.
Will the Federal Government Ban Kratom?
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had kratom in its crosshairs a few years ago and wanted to classify the plant as a Schedule I substance. The federal agency relented after kratom users voiced their displeasure (to put it politely!) about the plans.
However, this showed the federal government is aware of and concerned about kratom. We could see another move to make it a controlled substance, or the industry may be regulated with a Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Or neither may happen.
Where to Buy Kratom Products in New Jersey?
Whether you live in New Jersey or are passing through, you can legally purchase kratom from various brick-and-mortar stores. The state has specialist kratom vendors with a diverse range of premium products, as well as non-specific retailers looking to cash in on the boom.
Naturally, it is better to buy kratom from a vendor with expertise than at a convenience store or gas station. With the former, you are more likely to find high-quality kratom products with corresponding third-party lab results.
However, most physical retailers charge more than online kratom vendors. Online shopping is the way of the world now - and the kratom industry is no different. Why pay over the odds for a product when you can buy the same item for less from the comfort of your home?
But we get it. There may be times when buying online is an unsuitable arrangement for you. For these occasions, it helps to know some trusty brick-and-mortar stores that can handle your kratom needs. Here are two in New Jersey!
