Kratom Legality: Is Kratom Legal in New Jersey in 2023?

New Jersey’s most valuable asset may be its people. The state prides itself on having a long list of famous individuals who range from inventors to celebrities.

Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Bruce Willis, are David Copperfield are only some of the popular names of those who hail from New Jersey.

In February 2021, New Jersey became the 13th state in the country to legalize the possession of up to 6 ounces of marijuana by individuals who are over the age of 21. This followed four months after the people of the state voted overwhelmingly in its favor.

With such a liberal attitude to marijuana, where do the people and legislators of New Jersey stand when it comes to kratom? Let’s read on and see.

Is Kratom Legal in New Jersey?

Kratom is legal in New Jersey. In 2015, there was a bill to criminalize kratom and make its manufacture, distribution, sales, and possession a state felony. The bill died in committee. However, its sponsor has reintroduced the same bill multiple times after it didn’t succeed. 

In 2015, Assemblyman Ron Dancer filed a bill that aimed to criminalize kratom under the premise that it had opioid-like properties and was not approved for medical use in the United States.

He also stated that, according to the FDA, scientific literature is concerned about the toxicity of kratom and its properties on the body. Yet, he does not clarify what scientific literature mentions these concerns.

Dancer’s statements closely aligned with those of a New Jersey drug and alcohol counselor. A few years prior, he likened kratom to heroin and opium and said that it produces a heroin-like high. He claimed that it was just as addicting and as difficult to quit. He also added that, if kratom was safe, countries that it is native to wouldn’t have banned it.

Sadly, though, none of these claims are true but they keep misinforming people about the properties of kratom.

In 2018, the Kratom 8-Factor Analysis conducted by a group of researchers proved that kratom is no more addicting than coffee and does not or cause the touted serious health risks. It also does not affect the receptors in the brain as opiates do. Nor does it produce a high like heroin.

As per its legality in Thailand, it wasn’t the danger of its use why Thailand decided to ban it in the 1940s. Instead, kratom interfered with the sales of opium which was much more profitable at that time. Due to that, Thailand is currently going through efforts to decriminalize kratom.

Dancer’s bill spiked a lot of concern among kratom enthusiasts and there was a petition to keep kratom legal in New Jersey.

Luckily the bill died in committee.

New Efforts to Ban Kratom

However, in February 2018, Ron Dancer reintroduced the same bill to ban kratom. It did not succeed either, so he introduced the bill once more on January 14, 2020.

Despite Ron Dancer’s numerous efforts to criminalize the herb, kratom is still legal in New Jersey. Hopefully, this does not change.

Where to Buy Kratom in New Jersey?

A vast number of smoke and vape shops across the state allow its natives and visitors to buy kratom in New Jersey.

Yet, buying kratom locally always comes with certain risks. Local vendors frequently do not specialize in kratom and know little about it. They also can inaccurately label kratom stating that it can make you high. This brings increasing negative attention to kratom and can result in its ban.

Trusted kratom-specific vendors lab-test their kratom for purity and safety. They also care about kratom remaining legal and do not engage in reckless practices. You are also much more likely to get a fresher and stronger product at a better price.

If you found this post interesting and helpful, please check out our detailed U.S. kratom legality map as well as a post on kratom legality across the U.S.

If you are on the lookout for fresh, potent, and lab-tested kratom, order our free kratom samples or buy kratom powder right away. We are a Nevada-based kratom vendor importing fresh premium kratom straight from the source, and we fully comply with the Nevada Kratom Consumer Protection Act.