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While kratom is federally legal in the U.S., each state sets its own kratom laws. Just like several other states, Iowa stands as a kratom-friendly territory with no bans or regulations in place. Therefore, Iowans are free to buy and sell kratom without legal concerns.
That said, you can find different kratom strains and products in tobacco shops, herbal stores, and gas stations across the state. But since there aren’t any statewide regulations, consumers are at risk of buying adulterated kratom products.
Read on as we dive into the potential future of kratom in Iowa. We’ll also look at some of the best local vendors in the state.
Is Kratom Legal in Iowa: Attempts to Ban Kratom in Iowa
In 2014, there were attempts to classify kratom as a Schedule 1 substance in Iowa through bill HF 2355. By definition, Schedule 1 drugs are substances that have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use in the U.S.
According to the bill:
- Kratom is a hallucinogenic addictive substance.
- The herb lacks evidence of therapeutic benefits.
- Kratom has a high abuse potential.
The bill aimed to classify the manufacture or distribution of kratom as a Class C felony. It also sought to classify the possession or purchase of kratom as a serious misdemeanor. A Class C felony carries a maximum imprisonment of 10 years and a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Meanwhile, a serious misdemeanor attracts confinement for up to one year and a fine between $315 and $1,875.
The Iowan kratom community rejected the bill by staging public protests and signing petitions to oppose it. They referenced peer-reviewed studies to equate kratom’s abuse potential with coffee and stressed that kratom and coffee belong to the same family of flowering plants.
The bill met its demise in the Iowa Senate, thanks to the tens of thousands of voices in favor of kratom. This signaled a momentous victory for kratom’s legal status in Iowa.
Is Kratom Legal in Iowa: The Need for Kratom Regulation in Iowa
Kratom supporters in Iowa want the sale of the herb regulated. If not, the kratom marketplace will be filled with adulterated products since anyone can set up shop and sell the herb.
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a leading advocate for kratom consumer safety. They work to protect kratom’s legal status in the U.S. and promote the adoption of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in all states.
The KCPA is a regulatory framework by the American Kratom Association and the Botanical Education Alliance. It ensures consumer safety and establishes rigorous manufacturing standards for kratom dealers.
The act addresses several concerns to protect the well-being of kratom users, including:
- Criminalizes the sale of kratom products laced with dangerous non-kratom substances.
- Sets a minimum age limit to buy kratom to stop underage consumption.
- Kratom dealers are to register with the appropriate regulatory authority. This will ensure accountability and oversight.
- Imposes fines and penalties for violations of the act to discourage unethical practices.
- Ensures vendors put clear labeling on kratom products. The label should have the full list of ingredients and safe directions for use.
- Prohibits the sale of kratom products containing synthetic alkaloids. This will ensure access only to 100% natural kratom products
Seven states have already enacted their versions of KCPA. These include Utah, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Nevada. Iowa is yet to adopt a version of the KCPA to protect the well-being of kratom users within its boundaries.
How Can You Buy Kratom in Iowa
Like in other legal states, you can buy kratom locally or online in Iowa. Getting it from an online vendor is often considered a better choice because you enjoy the convenience of having the shipment delivered right to your doorstep.
Most online vendors also subject their products to third-party lab testing. You can review these lab test reports to know how pure, safe, and potent a product is. Besides, you get a wider selection of strains at lower prices since online vendors don’t have to run a storefront. And thus, they have lesser overhead costs.
Despite several perks of buying kratom online, many people still prefer to buy their products from local stores. That’s because it’s pretty straightforward and you don’t have to wait for shipping like with online purchases.
Reputable Local Kratom Vendors in Iowa
If you prefer buying kratom locally, here are the best places that sell high-quality kratom products in Iowa.
Good Kratom Co.
Address: 4118 Aplin Rd, Ames, IA 50014, United States
Website: goodkratomco.com
GreenStar Glass and Goodies
Address: 531 Veterans Memorial Hwy #2, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, United States
Website: greenstarcb.com
ShagWest Des Moines
Address: 2600 University Ave #200, West Des Moines, IA 50266, United States
Website: shopshag.com
42 Degrees
Address: 3030 W Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, United States
Website: 42degrees.com
Is Kratom Legal in Iowa: The Bottom Line
Kratom is legal in Iowa and accessible in smoke and head shops throughout the state. Still, there has been a previous attempt to ban the herb in the state, so you must keep monitoring kratom-related news because things can always change.
That said, Iowa is yet to adopt its version of KCPA. In the meantime, ensure you buy only from reputable kratom vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy kratom in all cities of Iowa?
There is no statewide or local ordinance passed in any city in Iowa to ban or regulate kratom. So you can buy kratom throughout the state without legal problems.
Will Iowa ban kratom?
Currently, there is no active proposal to prohibit the sale of kratom in Iowa. Instead, there are strong calls to enact a KCPA to clean up adulterated products from the kratom marketplace and protect consumers.
Can I travel with kratom to Iowa?
Yes, you can carry kratom when flying or driving to Iowa because the herb is not on the state’s controlled substance list. You should, however, carry a small amount of the supplement in its original packaging, as traveling with large amounts may raise suspicions of smuggling.
Why is kratom banned in some states?
There are concerns that kratom is an addictive drug and has a high potential for abuse. That’s because several deaths related to drug overdose have involved the presence of kratom. Although it may not necessarily be the direct cause of these fatalities, all these factors have led to some states imposing a complete ban on kratom.
Is kratom safe?
There are no FDA-approved uses for kratom. However, many individuals use it for various reasons. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently reviewed kratom and determined that there is insufficient evidence to recommend a ban on its use.
Can a medical doctor prescribe kratom in Iowa?
There are no approved medical uses for kratom by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). So, it is highly doubtful that a medical practitioner can prescribe kratom in Iowa or any other state.
Are there age restrictions on the sale of kratom in Iowa?
Most kratom vendors require customers to be at least 18 years old. They request a government-issued photo ID to verify the customer’s age before selling to anyone.
