Is Kratom Legal in Arkansas?

The overwhelming majority of U.S. states, along with the Federal Government, have not restricted the use of Kratom. Many Americans currently use this natural remedy to successfully manage chronic pain, sleep disorders, and more. Still, Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine were mistakenly classified as “Schedule 1” substances by the Arkansas Senate. This means that Kratom cannot be possessed, sold, or bought in this state.

Is Kratom Legal in Arkansas in 2019?

Prior to 2015, people were free to buy, sell, and possess Kratom in Arkansas from any kratom vendor at their discretion. Many individuals had been using it to treat their pain, fatigue, arthritis, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and more. In 2015, however, a doctor notified the Arkansas Department of Health that Kratom exhibits opioid agonist characteristics. The authorities decided to take action by making Kratom illegal with little debate on the topic.

The same bill was used to outlaw a number of synthetic substances that are highly addictive and have no medical value. Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine, the compounds added to the list of controlled substances, were legally classified as opium derivatives. Yet the two chemicals are not opium derivatives, but rather are naturally-occurring alkaloids present in any Kratom plant. 

There have been many attempts by people living in Arkansas to undo this unreasonable classification. An official petition had over 1,000 supporters, nearly four times the number of individuals that lobbied for Kratom in Arizona. The State authorities have chosen to ignore the appeals of these individuals who used the plant as a medical remedy for their ailments.

Can You Buy Kratom in Arkansas?

No matter how effective Kratom may be in helping you deal with medical symptoms, it is illegal to buy, sell, or possess the plant in the state of Arkansas, since it is regarded as a Schedule I drug. We do not advise you try to circumvent state legislation in any way, as this will likely hinder any lawful attempts to revert the Kratom ban.

However, this unreasonable state of affairs can be undone. If you are an individual living in Arkansas, speak to your local representative about this arbitrary decision that took away a viable, natural cure from people dealing with serious illnesses. Take a few minutes every day to ring them up and inform them about the scientific error of classifying Kratom as an opium derivative, as well as about the plant’s medical value.