Can You Travel With Kratom?

Kratom is a big part of many people’s daily routines, and new users are discovering its incredible effects every day. Since it comes in both powder and capsule form, it’s easy to make into tea or smoothies or take on its own. Let’s see if you can travel with Kratom.

The laws surrounding Kratom have changed in the past few years. Since Kratom’s federal laws have now been greatly relaxed, you can fly with it domestically without any issues. However, individual states, cities, and countries have different laws about Kratom use and transportation.

Individual travel companies and even law enforcement officers may not know that Kratom is no longer banned in most jurisdictions, which could cause disruptions to your travel plans. Here’s what you need to know before traveling with Kratom.

Past Laws

For years, Kratom was classified as a Schedule I banned drug due to its similarities to strong and addictive opioids. This was in spite of the fact that millions of people across Southeast Asia enjoy Kratom safely daily.

In August 2016, the DEA announced that it was categorizing Kratom as a Schedule I drug that would be completely banned from public use. This decision shocked much of the public since Kratom’s potential effects were understood to be mild.

When considering whether to reclassify a drug, the DEA takes into account a variety of factors, including its reported benefits and potential for abuse. Since Kratom was generally considered to have a low potential for abuse, the DEA finally removed it from the Schedule I drug list after months of public comment.

Current Status

Currently, Kratom is not regulated at the federal level. This means that it is legal to fly with Kratom on domestic aircraft within the U.S.

Depending on the state, people purchasing Kratom need to be either 18 or 21. Some states have banned Kratom entirely, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

There are even some city level bans on Kratom, even if state laws permit its possession and usage. Denver, CO, San Diego, CA, and 33 different counties across Mississippi, do not permit Kratom use or transport.

Even if Kratom is legal in your home state, traveling to these states in possession of Kratom is illegal. This could result in a fine in some cases but could result in jail time in others.

State and local laws change occasionally, so it’s best to double-check the laws of any state and city you plan on traveling to before you depart. Once you cross state or city boundaries, you are responsible for anything you have in your possession.

International Travel

Many countries have fully legalized Kratom, but a handful have banned it, including Australia, Denmark, Finland, Israel, Japan, Russia, and Thailand.

You may also need to follow regulations that restrict consumption based on age, or you may need to declare it in your luggage when entering the country. In some cases, customs regulations may restrict you from bringing in more than a certain amount.

Countries with Kratom restrictions will usually not accept ignorance of their laws as an excuse for breaking them. Some countries, such as Japan, will automatically deport and ban anyone caught with restricted substances at immigration checkpoints.

You need to check for national and state- or province-level laws for each area you intend to travel through. Like with domestic travel restrictions, it’s best to check right before you leave, as restrictions can change over time. Most countries’ consulates are happy to answer any questions you have if you can’t find the information on their immigration or customs website.

Keep in mind that despite Kratom’s popularity across Southeast Asia, not all areas have legalized it. Thailand is in the process of legalizing Kratom for consumption due to its popularity among residents; however, since their regulations are currently being rewritten, international visitors may be banned from bringing it into the country.

Best Practices for Travel

Even when you’re traveling to an area where Kratom is legal, it’s best to store it carefully to avoid spillage or misunderstanding about its contents. Whether you’re traveling by car or by plane, consider keeping the Kratom in its original commercial packaging whenever possible. This should help clear up any confusion about the contents if questioned by law enforcement.

Even if it’s in its original packaging, consider wrapping it in an additional plastic bag. This may help prevent additional delays at customs or spillage caused by customs officials as they inspect it. Store it on top of your possessions in your bag in case it is noticed and flagged for inspection through an X-ray machine.

You may want to carry Kratom in your carry-on bag instead of in your checked bag so you can more easily identify it for airline officials and so you can avoid having it exposed to high temperatures in a cargo hold or baggage processing area. If the airline has to pull and inspect your checked bag, this can lead to delays that keep your bag from reaching the plane in time for departure.

When driving, avoid leaving Kratom in your car for extended periods, such as overnight, while stopped at a hotel. Extreme cold or hot temperatures can deteriorate the alkaloids in Kratom, even if it’s not exposed to direct sunlight.

If you’re nervous about traveling with Kratom, remember that you may be able to purchase some once you’re at your destination. Instead of relying on a local shop that might not have fresh stock or your preferred variety, order from a Kratom online store with fast and reliable shipping.

Staying Up-to-Date

As long as you do your research about your destination before setting off, traveling with Kratom is generally safe and acceptable. Make sure to take a few precautions, like storing your Kratom securely, to minimize customs and security delays.

Once you’ve arrived, consider sharing your Kratom with your hosts or new friends you make. It’s a great opportunity to share the news about it, especially since it isn’t well-known in most places in the West. Instead of being a source of misunderstanding on your vacation or business trip, Kratom can be something you enjoy and share with friends.