Kratom is a Southeast Asian plant/herb that supposedly carries myriad mental and physical health benefits. Over the years, there has been an emergence of establishments like the American Kratom Association that advocate strongly for the herb and have fought against the banning of kratom.

Most kratom advocates would say that it helps manage anxiety, pain, stress, and even opioid addiction. However, many of the lawmakers are in constant disagreement with these supposed benefits. Over the years, they have pushed for banning kratom, but in vain. They feel kratom could have seriously dangerous side-effects if abused.

Kratom is, in fact, banned in some states while others have legislation pending to decide its status. Since there are no federal laws or guidelines and since the legal status of kratom is always in flux, many users wonder whether or not they can ‘legally’ fly with kratom in the US.

This post plans to shed some light on that –

What is Kratom Exactly?

Kratom which is usually available in the form of powders, capsules, and extracts comes from Mitragyna Speciosa – a plant native to Southeast Asian countries. It thrives in marshy regions with countries that have hot and humid climates with plenty of sunlight.

The majority of kratom products are sourced from countries like Indonesia.

Upon reaching maturity, the harvesters would hand-pick the leaves and dry them under intense sunlight. After the drying process is over, kratom is ready for consumption.

However, to give it a more appealing texture for the marketing purpose, harvesters will first grind the leaves up and turn them into a fine powder. This is then packed and sold in the form of packaged products and even enclosed into edible casings (Capsules). If you want to check out or buy any of these kratom products, you can visit kratom crazy red elephant, an online kratom store.

What are the Supposed Benefits of Kratom?

Those who advocate for kratom with their heart and soul would argue that it is an incredibly beneficial herb. Although there is limited research available, it does link kratom consumption with the following benefits –

• Relief from chronic pains such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, MS, etc.
• Better focus and concentration
• More energy
• Acts as a mood elevator

Kratom lovers particularly argue that the herb has given a new life to people who were battling chronic pain and were stressed all the time. They say kratom allowed them to live their life to the fullest which is evident from the reviews left by kratom users on this WebMD review page.

However, despite all the good reviews and arguments, a large number of officials would like to see this herb banned. Those against kratom have argued that there is not enough conclusive research about its true benefits and side-effects.

They further argue that due to a lack of guidelines and research – the potential for abuse is higher for an herb like kratom. This is particularly true for people who are unaware of its proper handling and usage.

Is Kratom Legal in the US?

As of right now, kratom is not ‘illegal’ so to speak. The FDA hasn’t banned it. At least not yet. Therefore, you should have no trouble getting hands-on different kinds of kratom products.

Any federal ban on drugs or herbs has to come through the DEA supported by relevant agencies. For kratom to become completely banned, it will have to be put under the Schedule 1 Status as per the Controlled Substances Act.

Unlike drugs from other schedules, those under Schedule I carry no medicinal usage in the US. Under no circumstances are these drugs to be used. The failure to comply with these guidelines could lead to serious legal consequences and imprisonment. Two popular examples of Schedule I Drugs are LSD and heroin.

Which States Have Banned Kratom?

States can have their own laws regarding which drugs are allowed for circulation and usage in their jurisdiction. If we talk about kratom, it’s banned for possession and usage in the following states

• Alabama
• Indiana
• Arkansas
• Rhode Island
• Wisconsin
• Vermont

Additionally, kratom is also illegal in the following places –

• San Diego, CA
• Sarasota County, FL
• Union County, MS
• Jerseyville, IL
• Ontario, OR
• Oceanside, CA

So Can You Travel/Fly With Kratom?

The fact that there’s no federal ban on kratom as an herb, it is technically legal to fly/travel with it across the United States. However, there is a possibility that if you are found traveling with it in states where it’s illegal, you could end up facing serious legal actions.

There are some places where there can be city-level bans on kratom. Denver is one example of that. Additionally, you should always bear in mind that laws relating to kratom are constantly changing and that nothing is ever concrete. Therefore, you may want to check the specific guidelines to the city/state you plan on traveling to and see how it treats herbs/drugs like kratom. It’s always better to check with the officials of the state first.

Also, the fact that kratom is a relatively ‘somewhat’ new substance in the United States, it’s likely that the TSA officials are not fully familiar with it. They could stop you from getting on board if they become suspicious that you’re carrying something illegal. However, they cannot detain you unless they can actually prove that it is illegal.

When all is said and done, always exercise precautions and do your research.