Wisconsin is known for many things: great beer, a once-thriving lumber economy, and endless outdoor activities. It’s also widely regarded as the dairy capital of the USA. But there’s one thing you won’t find a lot of in Wisconsin, and that’s kratom. You won’t find it in stores, and most online retailers won’t even ship kratom to Wisconsin. This raises the obvious question: Is kratom legal in Wisconsin? Let’s break down the current status of kratom in Wisconsin.
Is Kratom Legal in Wisconsin?
Unfortunately, kratom is illegal in Wisconsin at the present time. Wisconsin is one of just six states where kratom products are 100% prohibited (the others being Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, and Vermont).
The trouble began in 2013 when state legislators introduced a bill that would designate kratom’s two main alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) as Schedule I illicit substances. In 2014, Senate Bill 325 was brought to a vote, and it passed with majority support. It was then signed into law by Governor Scott Walker. As a result, kratom is now classified alongside other Schedule I substances.
The controversy of whether kratom is legal or not in Wisconsin stems from misunderstandings about what kratom does and what it’s used for. Ongoing research has yet to demonstrate substantial evidence that it’s harmful when used as recommended. There are still more studies to be done. Kratom comes from an evergreen tree related to the coffee plant and has been used for thousands of years. Some of the latest kratom research points to a variety of potential benefits of kratom, but a few states are still hesitant to allow it.
The Penalties for Breaking the Wisconsin Kratom Law
The penalties for possessing, manufacturing, or selling this ethnobotanical herb in Wisconsin can be steep. Possession without the intent to distribute is a Class 1 felony, publishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 42 months in jail. The penalties for manufacturing and distributing are even more serious.
If you’re wondering whether kratom is legal in Wisconsin for tourists passing through the state on a road trip, you’re not immune to the state’s kratom law. It’s illegal to bring kratom into the state even if you live and purchased the kratom somewhere else, so be mindful of the potential consequences if you’re crossing state lines.
Could Kratom Become Legal in Wisconsin?
In recent years, there have been a few organized efforts to legalize kratom in the state. Thanks to ongoing kratom advocacy from groups like the American Kratom Association, a growing number of states have adopted what’s known as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which seeks to protect consumers with sensible kratom safety regulations—as opposed to bans.
In 2019, the Wisconsin State Health Committee participated in a hearing to review the state’s kratom law. Although no changes were made, there’s a growing interest in whether kratom is legal in Wisconsin. The state Senate has shown open-mindedness towards possibly lifting the kratom ban, indicating a potential shift in the legal status of kratom in the state. The possibility of adopting the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which could lead to a significant change in the current legal landscape, is also being considered.
To contribute to this positive momentum, connecting with the American Kratom Association and communicating with Wisconsin legislators about the benefits of kratom and the reasons for lifting the ban can be incredibly impactful. Your voice could play a crucial role in clarifying the question of ‘Is kratom legal in Wisconsin?’ and possibly lead to a future where kratom is accessible in the state under regulated, safe conditions.
Proposed Legislation to Legalize Kratom in Wisconsin
A significant development in the status of kratom in the Badger State comes with the introduction of Proposed Assembly Bill 393. Spearheaded in part by Representative John Macco, this bill seeks to legalize kratom under certain conditions, ensuring proper branding and requirements to prevent it from being laced with other substances. Currently, possessing kratom in the state is a misdemeanor, but manufacturing or distributing it is a felony—a situation Rep. Macco aims to change with the proposed Wisconsin Kratom Law.
With an estimated 1.7 million Americans using kratom in 2021, the herb’s potential benefits cannot be overlooked, especially in the context of ongoing discussions about whether kratom is legal in Wisconsin. Representative John Macco emphasizes the opportunity to provide a regulated, over-the-counter product that is accessible while ensuring it remains a controlled substance under the proposed bill.
He acknowledges that the FDA has not approved kratom at the federal level but believes that with regulation, the herbal plant can be used effectively in the state. This bill, which continues to move through the state legislature, could mark a turning point in the legal status of kratom in Wisconsin. In the meantime, though, you’ll unfortunately have to keep your kratom out of the Badger State.
Learn more at The Kratom Company
Is kratom legal in Wisconsin? Not yet, but there are efforts to change that with the Proposed Assembly Bill 393. While kratom’s legal status in Wisconsin remains a complex issue, there are avenues for staying informed and engaged. The Kratom Company stands as a reliable source of up-to-date kratom information in this evolving landscape. Buy kratom online with us and experience superior customer service with insights from knowledgeable industry pros.
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