While kratom is legal in the United States according to the federal government, many states have opted to illegalize it. However, that list of states has decreased by one as Rhode Island agrees to regulate kratom, thereby reversing the complete ban on the beneficial plant.
So, what are the circumstances surrounding this change, what does it mean for kratom users in Rhode Island and around the country, and where is kratom still illegal? Keep reading to learn all that and more.
Rhode Island Reverses Kratom Ban
The Rhode Island Department of Health banned kratom in 2017, the same time the Drug Enforcement Agency was discussing and pushing for a ban. Now, that nearly 7-year ban has come to a close as long as the governor signs the bill into law.
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is optimistic that this will happen on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024.
That’s because the Rhode Island House of Representatives voted in favor of kratom users with a 39-26 vote. The result is that kratom will now be legal in Rhode Island, with regulations in place to protect kratom users.
For example, the new bill prevents retailers from selling kratom to anyone below the age of 21, otherwise, they could face hefty fines of up to $1,000. Kratom will also be subject to the state’s sales and use tax.
The main change, that we approve of here at ShopKetum.com, is that adulterated kratom is still banned. This means that kratom will need to be lab-tested and labeled with instructions for safe, effective use. Since Ketum’s kratom products are always lab-tested with results published on our website, we will now be shipping kratom products to Rhode Island!!
As Democrat Rep. John Edwards said, “Given the wide availability of the substance, we want to make sure that the product is safe, unadulterated, and not mixed with other substances.”
What Does This Ban Reversal Mean for Kratom Users?
For kratom users in Rhode Island, this bill means everything. Now, as long as you are 21, you can use your favorite Super Green Malay or Red Bali kratom strains without fear of criminal charges or fines.
This could improve the quality of life of tens of thousands of Rhode Island residents as kratom relieves discomfort, boosts energy, and provides a safer alternative to harmful substances.
But it doesn’t just mean a lot for kratom users in Rhode Island. It’s also a crucial step toward complete regulation across the United States and hopefully will lead to other reversals among states where kratom is still illegal.
As the American Kratom Association works hard to reverse bans and implement protective regulations for kratom users, each state that joins our cause can build momentum for positive change.
However, there’s still a lot of work to do to protect kratom users and ensure safe access to this wonderful plant. Read on to see where kratom is still illegal within the United States.
What Jurisdictions Have an Ongoing Ban on Kratom?
- Blue states have passed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act to regulate kratom
- Green states mean that kratom is fully legal
- Yellow states have some none local or regional bans
- Red states are where kratom is illegal
As you can see, the AKA still needs to flip Rhode Island to green as soon as the governor signs the bill, but there are still several red and yellow states that need to be addressed.
Here’s a list of locations that still ban the sale or use of kratom:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- San Diego, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Parker Town, Colorado
- Monument Town, Colorado
- Sarasota County, Florida
- Jerseyville, Illinois
- Union County, Mississippi
- Franklin, New Hampshire
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
There are several more with pending bans including:
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Michigan
Additionally, several countries have also banned kratom, including:
- Australia
- Finland
- Denmark
- Japan
- Israel
- Malaysia
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Myanmar
- Russia
- Poland
- Romania
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- South Korea
- New Zealand without a medical prescription
What Will Be Your First Kratom Order Now That It’s Legal in Rhode Island?
Reversing the ban in Rhode Island is a great step toward making kratom available to users around the country. If you’re in Rhode Island, what will your first order be?
We recommend mixing it up with a couple of different colors as well as a special blend or two. For example, you could try one strain of each of the primary colors of kratom (Red, Green, and White) plus one of Ketum’s signature blends like the Lucky 7 Kratom Special Blend that combines multiple colors and strains for a highly potent combination that provides the full range of kratom effects from relaxation to energy, focus to tranquility.
Whatever type of kratom you prefer, Shop Ketum offers it. That;’s because we have a huge variety of kratom strains to choose from as well as other awesome products that you might want to consider. Tap here to start your order today!
