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Kratom is legal and unregulated in the state of Virginia, so you can buy kratom products almost everywhere. There are also no lawful age restrictions implemented. But most shops won’t sell the herb to you unless you’re at least 18 years old.
There were multiple attempts to regulate kratom in Virginia. However, each attempt ends up failing. The most recent one was at the beginning of this year, but legislators decided to reject the bill in February.
First Arrival of Kratom in the U.S.
Kratom was first used for medicinal purposes in Southeast Asia, where it originated. Asian immigrants soon brought the Mitragyna speciosa to the U.S. in the late 1990s. The intention was to use kratom in their own communities.
After racism had slowly gone down, more and more people became exposed to the substance and learned about its potential benefits. Slowly, kratom gained recognition throughout the country. And due to its popularity, governments started contemplating whether or not they’ll need to ban kratom.
Why Unregulated Kratom in Virginia Is a Mixed Blessing
The answer to the question “Is kratom legal in Virginia” is a resounding “yes” due to nonregulation. However, this also means danger due to the uncontrolled sale of the natural herb.
Cons of Kratom With No Regulations in Virginia
Legal kratom in Virginia has made it so easy for everyone to get their hands on the substance. You won’t need to get a prescription or proof of any medical condition to buy and use it. Despite the obvious benefits of having it as an unregulated substance, problems also come with it, such as the following:
- Truthfulness of the ingredients on labels of kratom products
- Possible tampering with kratom product
- No restrictions as to who will receive, use, or distribute them
- Kratom-labeled products may have other dangerous or addictive drugs mixed in
For these reasons, many states have already regulated kratom sales and production. A lot of people have also tried to do this in Virginia. However, the legislators just wouldn’t let it slide. Delegate Hyland Fowler initiated the most recent attempt early this year.
The 2023 Attempt to Make Kratom a Controlled Substance
Despite being legal at a federal level, many states have widely recognized kratom’s potential for abuse. In Virginia, Delegate Hyland Fowler proposed HB1521 early this year to apply regulations to kratom.
Though this would still make kratom legal, vendors would have to abide by a few rules and regulations. The rules proposed are actually similar to the Kratom Consumer Protection Act that some states have already adopted.
One of Delegate Fowler’s concerns is to prevent kratom products from adulteration. However, Delegate Danica Roem voted against this, arguing that kratom is still dangerous even in an unadulterated form.
In the end, the vote of 14-7 shut down the pending bill. The majority decided to defer action on the herb at that time.
Why Isn’t Kratom Legal Everywhere?
If it’s really no cause for concern, why don’t all U.S. states make kratom legal? Why is it not legal in other countries in Southeast Asia where it originally came from?
Kratom was first used for medicinal purposes. And in small amounts, Southeast Asians swore by its effects. But now, it’s widely used for recreational purposes just because it’s technically legal.
There haven’t been any strict warnings from the FDA that kratom is unsafe for human consumption. However, just like other controlled substances, they advise that too much kratom use can lead to negative effects.
Some of the reasons other states and countries have banned kratom are as follows:
- Prone to abuse – This may refer to misuse or overindulging of kratom or any kratom products
- Kratom addiction – This refers to compulsively seeking to use kratom
- Kratom dependence – This refers to the state where the user is unable to function in daily life without the substance – despite knowing its negative effects
Is Kratom’s Legal Status In Jeopardy?
Kratom is legal in Virginia despite not being on the controlled substances list. For now, there is no foreseeable future where kratom will be completely banned.
But if someone asks, “Is kratom legal in Virginia forever?” no one can really know at the moment. What we can tell right now is that there will definitely be future attempts to regulate it.
The future bill may be something similar to HB1521, or they may adopt the Kratom Consumer Protection Act completely.
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act
The KCPA’s plan is to make kratom a controlled substance. The goal is to ultimately provide kratom users access to only legit, safe, and high-quality kratom. Their plan of action involves the following:
- Ensure that kratom products are not mixed with other substances. This includes other drugs that may affect their potency and endanger the user.
- Make sure that manufacturers and vendors use proper labeling. The ingredients should be clear, along with expiration dates.
- Products will be lab tested for quality control. This is to ensure that they are accurate with labels and are KCPA passed.
- The minimum age for legal purchase will be at least 21 years old.
The states that adopted the KCPA made amendments for their state. Those who don’t comply with the regulations will face legal consequences. Usually, the first or second offense would just result in a fine, and a third or more would warrant jail time.
Where to Buy Kratom in Virginia
While the answer to the query “Is Kratom Legal in Virginia?” is still a “yes,” finding kratom remains easy. Especially now that it’s still unregulated, you can find kratom for sale even at gas stations.
If you’re a tourist visiting for the sake of kratom use, be mindful of the risks that come with buying unbranded kratom. Though not illegal, no one can really be sure what else is in the product or if it’s even safe for human consumption.
Try doing a good old Google search using the terms “buy kratom in…” Then, just add your location before hitting search. For instance, type in “buy kratom in Lynchburg…” and it’ll give you a list of stores that sell kratom in the area. This will give a list of nearby smoke shops that sell better-quality products. From there, you can pick the store you want to go to and give it a visit.
While kratom is legal in Virginia, it’s important to stay informed about any changes that may occur in the future. And until kratom products are regulated, it’s best to buy kratom from a reputable vendor and use it responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kratom?
Kratom is a tree species related to coffee that’s native to Southeast Asian countries. These trees have round, sometimes oval-shaped leaves with pinnate veins. The leaves contain alkaloids that are known for their relaxing effect.
How can I take kratom?
One can ingest kratom to get its effects. This is usually available in powder, capsules, tea, and shots form. The powder variant is good for recipes and drinks, while you can take capsules and shots right off the package.
How Long Do Kratom Effects Last?
The effects of kratom can usually last for several hours. However, this would largely depend on the strain of the kratom and how potent the dosage was.
