Kratom Legality: Vermont May Decriminalize Kratom

The state of Vermont decided to make the two primary alkaloids in kratom illegal in 2016. However, kratom legality in Vermont may change in the near future.

While a number of Vermont lawmakers oppose kratom, there are also some that are considering decriminalizing kratom and a few other regulated plants.

Bill to Restore Kratom Legality in Vermont

Rep. Brian Cina (D), the leading proponent of decriminalizing these substances, states that these are plants that are meant to make us feel better. Therefore, he believes that they should not be illegal.

According to Mr. Cina, people across the globe have used plants to boost their well-being for centuries. So, he doesn’t believe that they should not be a criminal matter.

As a result, Rep. Brian Cina and two other co-sponsors filed a bill in January 2020. It’s been referred to the Judiciary Committee.

What Herbs May Vermont Decriminalize?

Kratom is not the only plant that Mr. Cina intends to remove from Vermont’s controlled substances list. He also wants to decriminalize such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, and peyote.

Despite much negative fame, psilocybin, better known as “magic mushrooms,” can positively affect cancer patients’ well-being. Research on psilocybin indicates that it has helped cancer patients to reverse their feeling of existential distress. In one study, 60%-80% of cancer patients received fast relief from distress, as well as from depression and anxiety. In another study, 80% of cancer patients experienced significant anxiety and depression relief for up to six months.

Peyote, a small type of cactus, can alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms, preventing suicidal thoughts, as well as having other benefits.

Ayahuasca is a brew from the leaves of a South American shrub that can alleviate treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

The Future of Kratom in Vermont

At the moment, it’s too early to tell whether the bill will succeed. Despite the lawmakers’ interest in decriminalizing kratom and other plants, some strongly oppose it.

Moreover, kratom can be inaccurately labeled as a psychedelic in the process despite not having psychedelic properties. Therefore, it is essential to spread accurate information on kratom to ensure misinformation doesn’t prevent kratom legality from being restored in Vermont. The American Kratom Association offers a kratom advocacy toolkit that includes beneficial information on how kratom supporters in Vermont can help.

However, if this bill passes, the next step may be regulating kratom sales and distribution in Vermont.