Is Kratom Legal in Georgia?

Kratom enjoys nationwide popularity, but it’s not legal everywhere. And even in places where it is legal, there are often restrictions and regulations that buyers must be aware of. If you’re looking to buy kratom in Georgia, there are a few important things you need to know first. First there’s the obvious question: Is kratom legal in Georgia? Let’s delve into the facts.

Is Kratom Legal in Georgia?

Yes. As of 2023, kratom is legal in Georgia to manufacture, distribute, and use—but only for buyers 18 years of age and older. If you’re under 18, purchasing kratom is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. The same penalties may apply to any adult who purchases kratom on behalf of a minor or distributes kratom to a minor.

In 2017, GA legislators were presented with HB 783, a bill that would have banned kratom in Georgia alongside other substances deemed “designer drugs.” However, kratom advocates throughout the state protested the inclusion of kratom in the bill, effectively demonstrating how kratom is often misrepresented and does not satisfy the criteria of a designer drug. As a result, kratom was removed from the final version of the bill and remains legal today.

In 2018, state legislators debated another bill that sought to establish a joint committee to study the safety of kratom. This bill was ultimately rejected by the state Senate, but it wasn’t the end of the kratom debate in Georgia. A major milestone would soon follow.

Kratom Regulation in Georgia

In 2019, kratom made headlines in the Peach State once again when advocates successfully lobbied for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). The KCPA is a set of regulations designed to impose safety standards on the kratom marketplace and prevent dangerous kratom products from being sold. The KCPA was made law on April 24th, 2019, making Georgia the second state in the nation to put such legislation on the books. Utah had previously enacted the KCPA in January 2019, and Arizona and Nevada followed shortly thereafter.

So what does the KCPA actually mean for kratom in Georgia? First, this legislation is responsible for the aforementioned age restriction. Some states—like Georgia—set the minimum age at 18 while others have a minimum age of 21, but all versions of the KCPA impose some sort of age limit to keep kratom out of the hands of minors.

In addition, Georgia’s version of the KCPA mandates the following:

1. All kratom ingredients must be clearly labeled—using common language and listed in order of predominance 
2. All kratom labels must disclose the mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (alkaloid) concentrations
3. All kratom labels must provide safe usage instructions for the buyer. 
4. The label must provide the name and contact information of the manufacturer. 
5. The label must provide general safety information for the product.

So while kratom is legal in Georgia for the consumer, it’s worth noting that kratom manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are held to a high legal standard and may face disciplinary actions if they don’t adhere to the guidelines set forth in the statute.

What to Know When Shopping for Kratom in Georgia

Although Georgia does have some kratom safety regulations in place, you still have to be a discerning shopper as Georgia’s version of the KCPA is less stringent than the versions found in other states. For example, whereas states like Nevada and Utah prohibit the sale of kratom products that contain adulterants, synthetic ingredients, and contaminants, Georgia has no such rule in place. And while some states place limits on the 7-hydroxymitragynine concentration to minimize the risk of side effects, Georgia imposes no such limit.

But the good news is that Georgia does require clear, accurate labeling, so you can usually tell if a product is potentially problematic. When shopping for kratom in Georgia, you should always read the label carefully and ensure that the product is made from 100% pure leaf kratom. In addition, you’ll want to ensure that the product is sourced from a trusted, reputable manufacturer. Note the alkaloid concentrations, and make sure that the product contains less than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Where to Buy Kratom in Georgia

Since kratom is legal in Georgia, it’s easy to find products for sale—whether you’re shopping in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Bainbridge, Dalton, or anywhere in between. You can find kratom in a number of herbal shops, convenience stores, health food stores, smoke shops, and other retail locations. However, if you want to find the best selection of premium products at the best value, consider shopping online.

When you buy kratom online, you enjoy a few added benefits that you won’t find at your typical brick-and-mortar retailer.

• A better selection of products. When you shop online, you gain access to a massive world of kratom capsules, kratom extracts, and kratom powders—and that’s just the beginning. You can also choose between hundreds of strains, varieties, and cultivars ranging from popular classics to Red Bali Kratom Powder to harder-to-find products like White Horn Kratom Capsules. 
• Better prices. When you buy from an online brand that sources its own products, you’re able to cut out the middleman and save money on every purchase.
• A more informed buying experience. Perhaps most important of all, buying online affords you the opportunity to browse product reviews, research strains, compare ingredient lists, and find precisely the right product at the right price. You never have to settle or compromise.

Enjoy Kratom in the Empire State of the South

Is kratom legal in Georgia? Yes, so long as you’re at least 18 years of age. And not only that, but Georgia offers better safety regulations than a majority of U.S. states. So, by all means, enjoy your kratom beneath the Georgia sky as you take in some of the nation’s best scenery.

Just remember to choose your products wisely.