Is Kratom Legal in Wisconsin? – Latest Legality News 2023

Kratom is a natural herb that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for various purposes, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and opioid withdrawal. However, its legal status in the United States is not clear, as different states have different laws and regulations regarding kratom. Learn more about What is Kratom.

The legality of kratom in Wisconsin has been challenged by some lawmakers and advocates who claim that kratom can help people overcome opioid addiction and other health conditions. Opposition from law enforcement officials and medical doctors argued that kratom is neither safe nor effective for treating opioid use disorder and that it can worsen the opioid epidemic.

Wisconsin is one of the few states that bans kratom completely, along with Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana and Rhode Island.

kratom is currently illegal and classified as a Schedule I drug, along with other substances. This means that possessing, selling, or using kratom can result in severe penalties, such as fines, jail time, or both.

Kratom Legality in Wisconsin – last update 2023

Wisconsin is holding a hearing about their ban on Wednesday September 13th. The exact time is still undetermined but likely to be in the early afternoon. The AKA legislative team will be attending and testifying, and asks all area kratom protectors to join them for a rally at the state capitol before the hearing. Sign-up for updates and exact details as they are finalized.

Sign-up here to attend hearing on September 13th 2023 and help reverse ban in Wisconsin

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act: A Way to Safely Regulate Kratom

Kratom was banned in Wisconsin in 2014, when the state senate passed a bill that added the two main alkaloids of kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, to the list of controlled substances. The bill was based on inaccurate information that kratom was a synthetic opioid, which it is not. Kratom is a natural plant that belongs to the coffee family and has opioid-like effects, but it does not cause respiratory depression or addiction like opioids do

Since then, there have been a number of initiatives to lift the restrictions or decriminalize kratom in Wisconsin, but so far none of them have been successful. The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) has been introduced in Wisconsin thanks to the efforts of the nonprofit American Kratom Association (AKA), which works to protect the rights of kratom users. The KCPA is a set of rules designed to protect consumers from adulteration and false labeling while ensuring the safety and quality of kratom products. A number of states, including Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Georgia, and Oregon, among others, have passed the KCPA.

The KCPA has been met with opposition from some authorities and organizations who argue that kratom is an unsafe substance that puts the public's health at risk. They point to reports of deaths, liver damage, and respiratory problems associated with kratom use. However, these reports often contain errors or are incomplete, as they do not take into account factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, polydrug use, or tainted products. Kratom and its effects are also not well understood scientifically, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about its risks and benefits.

Kratom Legality in Wisconsin: A Timeline of Events

Kratom Legality in Wisconsin in 2023: The Current Situation

The outcome of the continuing legislative initiatives and public awareness campaigns will determine whether kratom will be legal in Wisconsin in 2023. Until the legislation is changed or made clearer, Wisconsin kratom consumers are encouraged to hold off on purchasing or consuming kratom products. People who want to advocate for the legalization of kratom can get in touch with their elected officials to express their views or sign online petitions. Additionally, they can inform themselves and others on the realities and misconceptions surrounding kratom and its ability to serve as a safe, all-natural substitute for opioids and other prescription medications.

Kratom Legality in Wisconsin in 2022: The fight continues

A bill that would legalize kratom and regulate it under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) was scheduled for a vote in the Assembly, but it was taken off the calendar after objections from law enforcement officials and medical doctors. They argued that kratom was unsafe, unproven and potentially addictive. They also cited cases of overdose deaths involving kratom.

Kratom Legality in Wisconsin in 2021: Action on Cannabis, But Not Kratom

Wisconsin lawmakers announce their intent to legalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis, but no action is taken regarding kratom. Kratom remains illegal in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin CSB holds a second hearing on the safety and efficacy of kratom. The CSB still does not recommend that the state legalize kratom, but it does acknowledge that there is some evidence that kratom may be helpful for treating pain and opioid addiction.

Kratom Legality in California in 2020: Withdraws from Calendar

After concerns from the opponents, the Assembly removes the bill's intended vote permanently from the calendar. Although he supports the bill, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says he disagrees with their concerns but admits it might not have enough support to succeed.

Kratom Legality in Wisconsin in 2015-2019: The Kratom Consumer Protection Act

Kratom supporters initiate petitions and campaigns to reverse the kratom ban in Wisconsin, but none succeed. The American Kratom Association (AKA), a nonprofit organization that advocates for kratom consumers' rights, proposes the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), a legislation that would regulate kratom production, distribution, and sale, and ensure its quality and safety.
A bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers introduces a bill that would legalize kratom under the guidance of the Controlled Substances Board (CSB), which would have the authority to set rules and standards for kratom products. The bill is based on the KCPA model and receives support from U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, a Democrat from Wisconsin who has worked with federal representatives to promote kratom research and legal use. The bill also receives opposition from law enforcement officials and medical doctors who claim that kratom is unsafe and ineffective for opioid addiction treatment.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) releases a report on the safety of kratom. The report finds that kratom is not a dangerous drug and that it may be helpful for treating pain and opioid addiction. However, the report also notes that there is limited research on the long-term effects of kratom use.

Kratom Legality in Wisconsin in 2014: The fate of kratom was decided

Wisconsin passes a bill that bans the sale and possession of kratom. The law was intended to curb the use of synthetic marijuana, but it also included kratom, which is a natural plant extract that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for its medicinal properties. The possession of kratom for personal use becomes a Class I felony, punishable by up to 3.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Kratom Legality in Wisconsin in 2013: Kratom Ban

The Wisconsin Senate receives a bill that proposes adding new substances to the controlled substance act, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the two main alkaloids in kratom.

Kratom Legality in Wisconsin in 2012: the story begins

2012: Kratom is largely unregulated in Wisconsin. It is available for sale in various forms, including as a Kratom powder or in Kratom capsules, at smoke shops and online retailers.

Conclusion

Kratom has been a controversial substance in Wisconsin for many years. It was banned in 2014, but there have been several attempts to legalize it since then. The latest attempt, a bill that would have legalized kratom under the guidance of the Controlled Substances Board, was withdrawn from the calendar.

The debate over the legality of kratom in Wisconsin is likely to continue. There is evidence that kratom can be helpful for treating pain and opioid addiction, but there are also concerns about its safety. The outcome of the debate will likely depend on the results of further research on kratom and its effects.

In the meantime, people who are interested in using kratom should be aware that it is currently illegal in Wisconsin. They should also be aware of the potential benefits and risks associated with kratom use.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use and has issued warnings about the potential risks of kratom

The AKA and other organizations are working to raise awareness about the benefits of kratom and to advocate for its legalization.
The legality of kratom is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.