Help Kratom Stay Legal in Virginia

Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy is considering a petition that could drastically affect kratom users across the state. The proposition aims to amend 18VAC110-20-322 to include the main active alkaloids in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine, as Schedule I substances. This technically places kratom in the same category as drugs like heroin and LSD. This change would have significant consequences for Virginians who rely on kratom for its various benefits.

Here’s what you should know and the steps you can take to make your voice heard.

What Schedule I Kratom Classification Means

First, is kratom legal in Virginia? Yes, at least for now. However, the classification of kratom as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act would have significant implications. The categorization is reserved for drugs that have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” As mentioned above, some of the drugs include heroin, marijuana (cannabis), methaqualone, mescaline (peyote), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

If kratom is added to this list, it would face the same severe legal restrictions as these illegal substances. This classification would essentially criminalize the possession and use of kratom, making it illegal for individuals in Virginia to consume, sell, or distribute the substance. This could lead to legal consequences such as fines, criminal charges, and even imprisonment for individuals who use kratom for personal or therapeutic purposes or businesses that sell illegally.

How It Could Affect People Who Use Kratom in Virginia

Beyond the criminalization aspect, classifying kratom as a Schedule I substance could impact people who use kratom in various ways:

• Stigma and Misinformation: Schedule I classification could further perpetuate the negative stigma surrounding kratom and its users. This may lead to misinformation and a lack of understanding about kratom’s potential benefits and the reasons why people use it.

• Limited Alternatives: Many people buy kratom as an alternative to potentially less effective substances for enhancing their overall well-being. Classifying kratom as a Schedule I substance would force these individuals to seek other possibly riskier options.

• Decreased Quality of Life: For those who have successfully integrated kratom into their daily lives, this classification could lead to a significant decrease in their overall well-being and quality of life. They may face difficulties in supporting their daily routine without the assistance of kratom.

• Impact on Livelihood: For individuals who work in industries that involve kratom, such as production, distribution, or sales, this classification could lead to job loss and financial instability.

• Research Limitations: This classification would severely limit scientific research statewide on kratom’s potential benefits, hindering our understanding of its effects and applications.

In short, classifying kratom as a Schedule I substance could affect the unrestricted access to this ethnobotanical plant for people who use kratom in Virginia.

Your Voice Matters: Take Action Now

The good news is that there’s still time to fight this proposal and protect the rights of kratom users in Virginia. Previous proposals to ban kratom in the state have failed, thanks to the collaborative efforts of kratom users, persistent advocacy for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), and dedicated organizations like the American Kratom Association.

Here’s what you can do to help protect kratom’s legality in Virginia:

• Sign the Petition: Support the active petition against kratom scheduling by signing it. The goal is to show the Virginia Board of Pharmacy that there is strong opposition to this change.

• Leave a Comment: Visit ProtectKratom.org/virginia, click ‘Enter a Comment,’ and express your concerns about this potential classification of kratom as a Schedule I substance. The more comments received, the stronger the message against this proposal.

• Attend the Hearing: Make your voice heard by attending the upcoming hearing on June 24th or later, 2024. Also, consider attending a June 25th Rally in Richmond. Learn more about participating here.

Stay Informed

As the battle to keep kratom legal in Virginia continues, it’s vital to stay updated on the latest developments. Subscribe to The Kratom Company blog for the latest updates on kratom’s legal status in Virginia and other states.