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Kratom remains legal in New Jersey, as there is no current ban on its sale or possession. The state is also yet to regulate the sale of the herbal supplement. So, it is readily accessible in tobacco shops and herbal stores throughout the state.
Regardless of age, anyone can buy, use, or carry kratom in the Garden State. However, certain local physical stores choose to sell only to consumers at least 18 or 21 years old.
In this article, we’ll look at kratom’s legal tussles in New Jersey and the best places to buy the herb, so you can confidently explore the state’s kratom scene and find premium-quality kratom.
The Battle to Ban Kratom in New Jersey
There have been several attempts in the past to overturn kratom’s legal status in New Jersey. Assemblyman Ronald Dancer has been at the forefront of the push to ban kratom in the state.
In 2015, Dancer introduced a bill that would prohibit the manufacture, sale, and possession of kratom products. His motivation for the ban stemmed from kratom’s potentially harmful properties. He claimed that:
- The herb produced a cocaine-like high.
- It is an addictive drug.
- Led to emergency room visits by users due to breathing problems.
- Lack of FDA approval.
However, the bill did not pass the committee due to unsubstantiated claims made by Dancer. Undeterred, Ronald Dancer reintroduced the same bill in February 2018. Still, it died in committee.
Despite the second setback, Dancer made a third attempt to ban kratom in January 2020. However, the proposal still failed to progress beyond the public safety committee. Ronald Dancer’s three bills aimed to classify kratom as a controlled substance and impose a total ban on the herb. Any kratom-related violations would have carried felony charges in New Jersey. Had Dancer been successful in his attempts, the answer to the question, “Is kratom legal in New Jersey?” would have been “no.”
Currently, there are no active proposals to restrict kratom in the state. Thus, the herb remains legal throughout New Jersey.
The Quest to Regulate Kratom in New Jersey
New Jersey lawmakers aim to regulate the sale of kratom due to increased demand. This is necessary to safeguard kratom enthusiasts from harmful and contaminated products.
In May 2022, Assemblywomen Carol Murphy and Mila Jasey introduced Bill A4071. The bipartisan bill sought to enact kratom regulations in the state. But it did not pass the state legislature.
In February 2023, state senators Joseph A. Lagana and Jon M. Bramnick sponsored similar legislation. The new bill, S549, aims to establish the “New Jersey Kratom Consumer Protection Act.”
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Kratom retailers must disclose the exact ingredients of their products on the label.
- Criminalize the sale of kratom products contaminated with non-kratom additives.
- Criminalize kratom products containing synthetic alkaloids or other synthetic compounds.
- Retailers are to reveal the amount of mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine on the product label.
- Product labels must provide clear and safe directions for kratom users, including recommended dosage.
- Restrict the sale of kratom to individuals at least 21 years old.
- The amount of 7-hydroxy mitragynine in all kratom strains should not exceed 2% of its overall alkaloid profile.
- Direct the NJ Department of Health commissioner to conduct a study on kratom, including its benefits, health risks, and effects.
- Impose civil penalties of up to $500 for a first violation and $1,000 for a second violation. A third violation is to attract a disorderly person’s charge and up to a three-year ban on selling kratom.
These proposed regulations seek to ensure only 100% natural kratom products are available in New Jersey, protecting the health of consumers while promoting responsible usage. Currently, the bill is in the Commerce Committee.
What Does the Future of Kratom Look Like in New Jersey?
Despite previous efforts by Assemblyman Ronald Dancer to push for a complete kratom ban, it doesn’t seem the Garden State will ban the herb. There are no pending legal tussles at the moment.
New Jersey lawmakers have taken proactive measures to regulate kratom in recent months. A good example is a new bill seeking to create the New Jersey Kratom Consumer Protection Act. The expectation is that this legislation will eventually become law. So you need to stay informed about any updates on that front.
What are the Best Places to Buy Kratom in New Jersey?
There are two ways you can buy kratom in New Jersey:
- In-store
- Online
Why Buy Kratom In-store?
In-store purchases allow you to interact with friendly and knowledgeable staff who provide information on different kratom products and strains based on your needs.
You also get immediate access to your kratom without waiting for shipping. Some retailers may even provide free kratom samples for you to try out. This can help instill confidence in your purchase decision.
However, buying kratom in-store can be rather expensive since local stores get their kratom products from intermediaries at high prices. They must also cover their high overhead expenses, such as employee salaries and rent. As a result, they often sell kratom at higher prices to stay in business.
If you prefer the convenience of buying kratom in-store, here are some top vendors in New Jersey:
1. PipeNJ
Address: 602 Mantoloking Rd #1, Brick Township, NJ 08723, United States
2. V.Y.R.T.
Address: 451 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, United States
3. Montreal Vape N Smoke N CBD
Address: 706 NJ-18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, United States
Why Buy Kratom Online?
Buying kratom online has more benefits than buying kratom in-store. The first benefit is safety. Online vendors specialize in kratom and provide lab testing reports for their products. You can verify these lab reports to ensure the safety and purity of the kratom you’re buying.
Online vendors also have a wider selection of kratom products to suit your needs. They source their kratom directly from Southeast Asian farms with few intermediaries involved. That’s why they can afford to sell kratom at more affordable prices.
To ensure you get high-quality kratom, buy only from online vendors approved by the American Kratom Association (AKA). The AKA sets rigorous safety protocols for its certified vendors to make sure that they sell quality kratom.
The Bottomline
Kratom remains unregulated at the federal level in the U.S. This places the responsibility of implementing kratom regulations on individual states. New Jersey residents may constantly wonder, “Is kratom legal in New Jersey?” In the state, the herbal supplement is legal and widely available in local smoke shops and herbal stores.
However, the state is actively working towards regulating the sale of kratom. Until the New Jersey Kratom Consumer Protection Act is passed, it is crucial to exercise due diligence and purchase kratom only from reputable vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)?
The KCPA is a proposed state-level legislation designed to protect kratom consumers. It ensures safe access to 100% natural kratom products and promotes responsible usage.
What is the FDA status of kratom?
The Food Drug Administration has not granted approval for any use of kratom due to claims that it’s an addictive substance. As a result, the FDA advises consumers to refrain from using any products that contain kratom or its alkaloids.
What are the top benefits of kratom?
At low doses, kratom can provide stimulant-like effects, such as increased energy and elevated mood. Higher doses can induce relaxation and sedation.
What are the main varieties of kratom?
Kratom comes in three main varieties: Red vein, white vein, and green vein kratom.
What are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine in kratom?
These are the two main active alkaloids in the herbal supplement responsible for most of its effects.
