As of January 19, 2024, kratom is legal in New York State. However, there are some nuances to consider:
- Age restriction: Possession and use are legal for individuals aged 21 and over.
- Sale restriction: In 2021, Assembly Bill A294 proposed restricting the sale of kratom to individuals under 21. However, this bill is still under consideration and hasn’t been enacted yet. Therefore, as of today, selling kratom to anyone over 18 is not illegal.
- Federal uncertainty: Kratom remains unregulated at the federal level, but the FDA has expressed concerns about its safety and potential for abuse. This could lead to future legislative changes, impacting its legal status in New York or nationally.
Therefore, while currently legal in New York, keep in mind:
- The age restriction is important to remember.
- The sale restriction may change in the future.
- Federal regulations could potentially impact its status.
It’s always advisable to stay informed about any potential changes to the legal status of kratom in New York. You can do this by monitoring legislation updates from the New York State Senate and Assembly, or checking with reliable news sources specializing in drug policy.
