Is Kratom Legal in Rhode Island in 2023?

Rhode Island is one of the original 13 colonies and the smallest U.S. state by territory. Despite being tiny, it has a massive bay. It also used to have the longest official state name. Rhode Island was once known as the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, but the state decided to drop “Providence Plantations” from its official name, documents, seal, and other symbols.

It’s not quite clear how the name of Rhode Island originated. Some think it’s an Old Dutch variation of “Red Island” referring to the red clay that you can find along its shore. Other data shows that it may be a reference to the Greek island of Rhodes.

A Rhode Islander is to thank (or blame, we’ll let you decide) for the facial hairstyle known as sideburns. It became popular after a U.S. Army General and Rhode Island Governor Ambrose Burnside sported the look in the 19^th century.

Let’s take a look at kratom legality in Rhode Island and whether you can benefit from the herb if you live in or visit the state.

Is Kratom Legal in Rhode Island?

At this time, kratom is illegal in Rhode Island. In 2017, Rhode Island authorities criminalized the two primary ingredients in kratom. However, a new bill to reverse the kratom ban and regulate it instead is currently in committee.

Rhode Island is one of the few U.S. states that chose to outlaw kratom. In April 2017, the Rhode Island Department of Health included mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in the Rhode Island Controlled Substances Act.

The kratom ban appeared to have happened in secret without the public being aware of it. As a result, there was a period of confusion about kratom legality in Rhode Island. Especially because the Rhode Island Controlled Substances Act doesn’t actually include it even now.

However, news stories like this one confirmed that kratom indeed became a banned substance in Rhode Island.

Nonetheless, recent developments show a promising future for kratom legality in Rhode Island.

Potential Decriminalization of Kratom in 2020

At the end of February 2019, two sponsors proposed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, but it eventually died in committee.

After a successful hearing in March, 2019, where supporters could voice their opinions on the positive properties of kratom, a new bill to regulate kratom in Rhode Island was introduced in January 2020. Unfortunately, it did not succeed either.

Efforts to Reverse Kratom Ban in 2021

Failure to pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in 2019 and 2020 did not discourage kratom advocates and supporters from trying again. The very same sponsors introduced a new bill on February 24, 2021, aiming to decriminalize kratom in Rhode Island and regulate it instead.

If this bill succeeds, kratom will become legal and regulated in Rhode Island on September 1, 2021.

If you like in Rhode Island and would like this bill to succeed, it is a good idea to keep an eye on its progression and voice your opinion in any relevant hearings. You can learn more about how you can become a kratom advocate and support the highly beneficial plant.

What Is the Kratom Consumer Protection Act?

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act aims to regulate the sales of unadulterated kratom in its pure raw form. Under it, any products containing kratom would have to carry a label that states the concentration of its alkaloids.

Any adulterated or synthetic version of kratom as well as a product with a concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine that’s greater than 2% would be illegal to sell. Minors under the age of 18 would not be able to buy kratom.

Incompliance with said legislation would result in fines. A distributor or processor would face a fine of up to $500 for the first offense and of up to $1000 for their second or any subsequent offense.

Where to Buy Kratom in Rhode Island?

At this time, it is illegal to buy kratom in Rhode Island. However, it may change if the outcome of the current legislation is successful.

If you live in Rhode Island, you can follow Kraoma blog or updates from the American Kratom Association on any updates on kratom legality in Rhode Island.

If you found this post helpful, you can also bookmark our blog post on kratom legality across the U.S which contains a detailed U.S. kratom legality map for an easy reference on kratom legality news.