Is Kratom Legal in New York - Latest Legality News

What is Kratom? – It's a fascinating natural herb that has been making waves in the United States in recent years. Hailing from the lush leaves of a tropical tree found in Southeast Asia, Kratom holds a captivating array of effects that can vary depending on the dosage and strain. Some folks turn to it for relief from pain, anxiety, or depression, while others seek an energy boost or a moment of relaxation. However, it's worth noting that the FDA hasn't stepped in to regulate Kratom, leading to some concerns about its safety. As a result, certain states have even gone so far as to place bans or restrictions on its use.

Today, we embark on a journey to explore the legal landscape of Kratom in New York, one of the most vibrant and influential states across the nation. Join us as we delve into the intricate web of events and developments that have shaped the ongoing debate surrounding Kratom in the Empire State. And in peering into the future, we'll ponder what lies ahead for this enigmatic and controversial plant.

Kratom in New York – 2023

Advocating for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in New York: Join the Fight!

We want to share an important initiative happening in New York State – the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). In this post, we will explore the efforts of New York Kratom Advocates and how you can join the cause to support the KCPA.

The American Kratom Association (AKA) has expressed its gratitude for the dedication and advocacy of individuals who understand the need for regulation in the Kratom industry. Your stories and experiences can make a significant impact on lawmakers, leading to the passage of the KCPA.

What we can do?

1. Email Campaign: Share Your Personal Experiences

Support the KCPA by emailing state lawmakers directly. Personalize your message, highlighting your unique encounters with Kratom and emphasizing the need for regulation. By urging lawmakers to co-sponsor the KCPA, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring consumer safety.

2. Phone Calls: Make Your Voice Heard

Make a difference by calling your state representatives' offices. Even if you reach voicemail, leave a polite and concise message sharing your Kratom story and expressing your support for the KCPA. Legislators pay attention to public sentiment, and your voice can influence their decisions.

To facilitate your efforts, we have compiled the contact information of key individuals involved in the KCPA process. Connect with Senator Leroy Comrie and Assembly member Donna Lupardo, the sponsors of the KCPA, as well as Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Nily Rozic, the committee chairs overseeing the legislation.

3. Letter to the Editor: Amplify Your Message

Maximize your impact by crafting a letter to the editor of local newspapers and relevant publications. Share your personal Kratom story persuasively, underscoring the necessity of the KCPA in New York. When you send them your letter, they will ensure it reaches the most suitable media outlet for publication, enhancing its reach and influence. You can send the letter using the New York Consumer Protection form here!

Your commitment to advocating for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act is crucial. By sharing your experiences and reaching out to lawmakers, you can contribute significantly to protecting consumers and preventing future bans on Kratom. Support and co-sponsor the KCPA, led by Senator Comrie and Assemblymember Lupardo, to ensure safe access to Kratom products in New York.

For more information please and options to help protect consumers with access to safe products and prevent future ban attempts please visit the Protect Kratom portal New York Consumer Protection

New York Kratom Laws: A Timeline of Events

Kratom Legality in New York 2023

February 14: Assembly Bill A4376 – Prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of twenty-one; imposes a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the sale or provision of kratom to any person under the age of twenty-one.
January 4: Senate Bill S488 – as a Co-Sponsor, the 54th Seneta District Pamela Helming, introducte the bill S488 – Relates to enacting the New York state kratom consumer protection act and relates to labeling and other requirements for the sale of kratom products.

Kratom Legality in New York 2022

November 30: The DEA closed the public comment period on its proposal to ban kratom, having received over 100,000 comments opposing the ban and providing testimonies, studies, and arguments in favor of keeping kratom legal and regulated.
October 31: The American Kratom Association (AKA) launched a nationwide campaign to oppose the DEA's plan to ban kratom. The campaign involved rallies, petitions, letters, phone calls, emails, and social media posts aimed at pressuring the DEA and Congress to reverse or delay the ban.
September 30: The DEA announced its intention to temporarily place kratom and its active alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This move would have made kratom illegal at the federal level and potentially overridden any state laws allowing its use. However, the DEA received overwhelming public response and scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of kratom, so they withdrew their proposal to ban it.
June 4: The New York State Legislature adjourned its regular session without passing any pending bills on kratom. Therefore, kratom remained legal but unregulated in New York for another year, although some bills could be reintroduced or amended in the next session.
January 6: Assembly Bill A294 Prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of twenty-one; imposes a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the sale or provision of kratom to any person under the age of twenty-one.
January 5: Senate Bill S2599 Prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of eighteen; defines “kratom” as any part of the plant Mitragyna speciosa, whether growing or not, and any compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant; imposes a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the sale or provision of kratom to any person under the age of eighteen.

Kratom Legality in New York until 2021

October 2021: A group of kratom advocates and vendors files a lawsuit against the New York County District Attorney's Office, challenging its decision to seize and destroy thousands of dollars worth of kratom products from several shops in Manhattan in August 2021. The lawsuit claims that the DA's office violated the due process rights of the plaintiffs and that kratom is not illegal under New York state law. The lawsuit also argues that kratom is a beneficial substance that can help people overcome opioid addiction and improve their quality of life.
June 2019: Assembly Bill A8249 Prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of twenty-one; imposes a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the sale or provision of kratom to any person under the age of twenty-one.
January 2019: Senate Bill S168 Sponsored by Pamela Helming, 54TH Senate Distric. Prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of eighteen; defines “kratom” as any part of the plant Mitragyna speciosa, whether growing or not, and any compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant; imposes a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the sale or provision of kratom to any person under the age of eighteen.
January 2018: Assembly Bill A8787 Sponsored by Joseph D. Morelle, serving as the U.S. representative for New York's 25th congressional district since 2018. The Bill Prohibits of the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of eighteen; defines “kratom” as any part of the plant Mitragyna speciosa, whether growing or not, and any compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant; imposes a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the sale or provision of kratom to any person under the age of eighteen.