Is Kratom Legal in Maryland?

If you want to enjoy some fresh kratom just south of the Mason-Dixon Line, it’s important to understand the laws. Kratom restrictions and regulations can vary significantly from one Mid-Atlantic location to the next, and the details can get a bit confusing. Recent legislative developments might soon change how kratom is regulated in Maryland, moving the state towards a more structured approach to managing kratom use. So is kratom legal in Maryland? And are there any guidelines you should be aware of? 

Is Kratom Legal in the State of Maryland? 

Yes, kratom is legal in Maryland without limitation. However, this status is about to change, at least positively, with the recent passage of H.B. 1229, a Kratom Consumer Protection Act. The Governor approved it on May 16, 2024, and is now recognized as law. This means that the bill has completed the necessary legislative process, and its provisions are in effect, providing consumer protection regulations for the preparation, distribution, and sale of kratom products. The Act includes the following key provisions:

• Introduces strict labeling requirements and mandatory quality controls to ensure consumer safety
• Mandates retailers of kratom products to provide factual information about the products
• Establishes restrictions for the preparation, distribution, and sale of kratom products to individuals under 21 years old
• Bans marketing kratom to minors
• Implements penalties for violations of the Act: Noncompliant retailers may face penalties depending on the severity of the violation

These changes highlight Maryland’s commitment to responsible kratom usage that prioritizes public health without imposing an outright ban. This journey hasn’t been easy for kratom advocates. There was one effort to restrict kratom in Maryland in 2020, but it was unsuccessful. Maryland Senate Bill 147 sought to classify kratom as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, which would have rendered it illegal throughout the state. 

After some deliberation on the Senate floor, the bill was amended to instead limit kratom sales to buyers over 18 years of age. According to the final text of the 2020 bill, kratom sellers would be required to check ID for kratom sales. However, the final hearing was ultimately canceled, and the bill died in committee. As a result, kratom is still legal in Maryland with no age limits in place – that has now changed to 21 years with the passing of the KCPA. 

Efforts to Regulate Kratom in Maryland 

Around the same time that lawmakers were considering a kratom ban in Maryland, advocates from the American Kratom Association (AKA) were pushing for a more sensible alternative: kratom regulation. The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) finally became law in Maryland with the passage and approval of H.B. 1229, following Kentucky’s April 2024 success. The new Act supports the fact that kratom is legal in Maryland and sets specific restrictions on quality controls and sales that have been shown to significantly reduce consumer risks associated with contaminated products in other regulated states.

Maryland joins 12 other states like Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and Georgia in adopting such regulations. Several more states have considered it or are considering it right now. In Rhode Island, for instance, lawmakers are weighing House Bill 5330, which would codify the KCPA (this would be an enormous step as kratom is currently illegal in Rhode Island). This harmonization in kratom policy across states points to a growing consensus on the need for standardized kratom regulation, reinforcing public confidence in kratom-related businesses.

The American Kratom Association is best known for laying the groundwork for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which promotes safety and accountability in the kratom market without banning kratom outright. Now that you know that kratom is legal in Maryland, it’s important to understand that the stipulations of the KCPA vary from state to state, but common guidelines include the following: 

• A minimum age restriction for kratom purchase and possession (usually 18 or 21)
• Third-party lab testing requirements for kratom 
• Accurate and transparent kratom labeling 
• Tamper-proof kratom packaging 
• A ban on synthetic ingredients and non-kratom adulterants 
• Limitations on certain alkaloid concentrations 
• A requirement that kratom manufacturers and vendors register with the state 

The push for such nationwide reforms not only underscores the potential for the KCPA to act as a benchmark for kratom regulation but also addresses concerns about product safety by enforcing consumer rights and setting industry standards. 

If Kratom is Legal in Maryland, Can You Possess Kratom in Washington DC?

There is still some confusion about the legal status of kratom in neighboring Washington DC. If you travel across the state line into our nation’s capital for work or leisure, this may be of immediate interest to you. 

In 2016, DC lawmakers added 7-hydroxymitragynine (kratom’s second most dominant alkaloid) to the city’s controlled substances list, effectively banning all kratom products across the board. However, after protest from kratom supporters, 7-hydroxymitragynine was removed from the controlled substances list in 2018. 

As a result of this shift, kratom is once again legal in Washington DC. So you don’t need to worry if your daily commute takes you in and out of DC, and you happen to have some kratom capsules in your gym bag. 

What to Know Before Buying Kratom in Maryland

Although kratom is legal in Maryland, there are still some things you should know before buying. Even with the latest passage of the KCPA, it’s crucial to practice cautious purchasing. With these forthcoming regulations, consumers can expect clearer information and safer products, but also an increase in the scrutiny faced by vendors. For instance, not all kratom is good kratom. Part of the reason why kratom remains controversial among lawmakers is because there are many poor-quality kratom products flooding the market. With that in mind, it’s very important to be a discriminating shopper. 

When looking to buy kratom powders and other products, note the following red flags: 

• Vague or missing ingredients list 
• Synthetic ingredients or additives 
• Non-kratom ingredients 
• Poor consumer reviews (or no reviews)
• Brand/manufacturer with minimal track record online 
• Kratom grown outside of Southeast Asia 
• Too-good-to-be-true promises from the manufacturer

While kratom is legal in Maryland and in the process of stricter regulation, it’s still crucial to buy kratom online for the best results and make sure that it’s all-natural and well-vetted. Avoid the gas stations and convenience stores and stick with trusted online brands that are transparent about how their products are grown, processed, and guaranteed. 

Buy only from a reputable online brand like The Kratom Company. When you do so, you’re buying from a company that has to adhere to the regulations of the most strictly regulated states like Utah and Arizona (otherwise we wouldn’t be able to sell kratom in several states). In addition, purchasing online saves you money since there is less overhead, fewer middlemen, and more products to choose from. 

A Quick Recap of Kratom in Maryland 

Just to sum it all up: 

• Is kratom legal in Maryland? Yes, but with KCPA regulations imposing age restrictions and labeling requirements, signifying a shift towards comprehensive consumer protection.
• Kratom is also legal in neighboring Washington DC (as of 2018).
• Even with the passing of the KCPA, shop carefully and buy from reputable brands. 
• Contact your local representatives if you’d like to see the Kratom Consumer Protection Act rigorously enforced in Maryland. Such actions can drive the push towards establishing a responsible regulatory environment.
• Only buy pure, all-natural kratom from trusted vendors that you can easily research and vet online. 
• Avoid buying kratom from gas stations, liquor stores, head shops, and other brick-and-mortar locations if possible—unless you’re extremely familiar with the brand and you know they offer a safe, quality product. 

Even though kratom is legal in Maryland, you still have to be a discerning shopper. So know what you’re buying, and make sure you’re getting the best!