Kratom occupies a legal gray area in Pennsylvania. While kratom is currently legal at the state level, there are ongoing efforts to restrict and ban the herb that make its future uncertain. Understanding the current laws and political landscape is crucial for those who use or wish to buy kratom in PA.
Current and Pending Legislation
As of late 2022, kratom remains legal for adults over 18 in the state of Pennsylvania. No current state laws prohibit the sale, possession, or use of kratom. However, certain local jurisdictions have enacted bans, including Erie County and the city of Ocean County.
In recent years, there have been several efforts at the state level to ban or strictly regulate kratom:
• In 2019, Pennsylvania lawmakers proposed a bill to add kratom to the state’s controlled substances list alongside heroin, LSD, and other hard drugs. This bill ultimately expired, but its introduction signals ongoing political efforts against kratom.
• In 2020, another bill was introduced that would have banned kratom sales to minors. This legislation gets re-introduced periodically but has yet to gain traction.
So far, proposed statewide kratom bans have not had enough political support to pass. But each legislative session brings renewed uncertainty. The speculation is that lawmakers will eventually succeed in imposing at least some restrictions.
Future Predictions for Kratom Legality in Pennsylvania
Most experts believe it’s a matter of time before Pennsylvania enacts tighter controls on kratom. Whether that means an outright ban, sales restrictions, or regulations will depend on shifting political winds.
On one side, anti-kratom advocates continue to lobby the state government with concerns over safety and abuse potential. So long as these voices remain loud, pressure for prohibition will persist.
On the other side, the American Kratom Association and other pro-kratom groups are fighting to keep the plant legal and accessible. They argue that kratom provides therapeutic benefits and that adults should have the right to consume a natural herbal product. The AKA maintains a “Kratom United” public education effort in Pennsylvania targeting lawmakers and public opinion.
As the debate heats up, the most likely outcome in the short term is the state passing a law making kratom illegal for those under 18. Stricter regulatory measures, such as licensing sellers, could follow. Outright criminalization feels politically and practically infeasible but can’t be ruled out depending on key legislative seats flipping anti-kratom.
Where to Buy Kratom in Pennsylvania
Currently, kratom remains easy to buy locally or online for PA residents over 18, though some local municipalities prohibit sales. Here are some of the top places to find kratom in Pennsylvania, so long as doing so remains legal:
• Head shops: As of 2022, kratom products can still be purchased over-the-counter at many Pennsylvania tobacco and head shops. Look for powder, capsules, extracts, and more on shelves.
• Online vendors: Reputable internet kratom vendors will ship products directly to those over 18 in most PA municipalities. Be sure to use companies that follow good manufacturing practices and test for contaminants.
• Local kratom boutiques: A growing number of specialized kratom retail stores continue to open across Pennsylvania, offering in-person shopping for kratom tea, soap, and more.
Enjoy Kratom in the Keystone State
While the political winds continue to shift, adult Pennsylvanians still have access to a wide array of kratom products thanks to online and retail options. However, the legality of this beneficial botanical remains threatened by legislative overreach at both local and state levels.
All those who value their freedom to make personal health choices involving natural supplements would be wise to keep a close eye on emerging kratom regulations in PA and get involved to protect access if needed. For now, those over 18 can incorporate kratom into their wellness routines legally. But continued advocacy may be crucial to preserving kratom legality going forward.
