Traveling with kratom can be an incredibly beneficial supplement for those who rely on it, which is why it makes perfect sense that those that use kratom would want to take it with them wherever they go. Unfortunately, traveling with kratom isn’t the same as tossing a bottle of vitamins into your luggage and boarding your flight.
In the United States, kratom exists in a legal gray area that means that it’s a restricted substance in some states (and even some counties within states), and not in others. As anyone knows, flying with a substance that might be illegal in the location you’re landing is a pretty dodgy business and nothing you probably want to be involved in.
So how do you avoid getting yourself in trouble if you have kratom stowed away in your luggage? With a little research, of course!
Where is kratom illegal?
There are only a handful of states in the US where kratom is illegal, but unfortunately, those states don’t tread lightly. There are six states where kratom is considered a Schedule 1 drug, on par with heroin or bath salts. Being caught with kratom in these locations can mean facing serious jail time. To avoid that, here are the current states where travelling with kratom is currently illegal to possess and purchase:
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Indiana
- Wisconsin
- Alabama
- And Arkansas.
There are also a handful of counties or cities within states where kratom is considered legal that has banned the supplement. These include:
- Denver, Colorado
- Sarasota, Florida
- San Diego, California
- Jerseyville and Alton, Illinois
- And Columbus and Union County, Mississippi
What about the TSA?
If you’re flying to your destination, then you probably know very well that the legality of kratom in the state you’re visiting isn’t the only thing to consider. The gauntlet of the TSA can still be daunting—even if you know your kratom is perfectly legal in both your state and the state you’re flying to. So, what will happen with the TSA?
Basically, the TSA may want to inspect your kratom. This is especially true if it’s in leaf form or in powder form. Kratom powder may look to them as an illegal substance. Kratom capsules, on the other hand, often slide through a lot easier. That being said, if they’re concerned, they’re going to pull you aside to question you on the kratom. Be honest about it and explain it’s a herbal supplement that is totally legal in the state you are in and the state you are traveling to (that’s pretty important).
Beyond this, they may want to test the kratom to confirm it’s not an illegal substance. Unless you’ve kept your kratom in close proximity to illegal substances, you won’t have to worry about this. Keep in mind, some TSA agents may be unaware of what kratom powder or kratom capsules are. It can be handy to have some information on hand about the supplement’s legality. However, don’t be pushy or condescending. Needless to say, the TSA doesn’t like that.
Traveling outside the USA?
The same rules apply here: make sure the country you’re travelling with kratom to has a clear, legal precedent. Can’t find any information about kratom’s legality in the country you’re traveling to? Err on the side of caution and leave it at home.