Is Kratom Legal in Illinois? Kratom is a plant-based drug that can be used for medicinal purposes. It has been used as a natural painkiller and to help with opioid addiction.
The legality of Kratom in Illinois in 2021 is unclear, but it does not seem like it will be banned anytime soon.
There are many factors that have contributed to the confusion around whether or not Kratom is legal in Illinois for residents to purchase and use without any restrictions.
Is Kratom Legal in Illinois in 2021?
The short answer is no, kratom is not legal in Illinois. But before we get to that, let’s take a look at what happened on November 6th, 2020, and why it matters for those living in or visiting Illinois.
After the November 6th election results were revealed, many residents of Illinois are feeling uncertain about their future with legal weed and even the legality of kratom.
The reason for this uncertainty has to do with Governor-elect JB Pritzker’s stance on marijuana legalization and decriminalization.
JB campaigned heavily as a proponent of legalizing marijuana in order to bring an end to mass incarceration rates by removing felony charges associated with small possession offenses (1 ounce). He also supports decriminalizing marijuana for simple possession.
In addition, JB Pritzker’s stance on kratom is not clear as many feel the incoming Governor will have to work with a Republican-controlled state legislature and Attorney General (Erika Harold) if he wants to make any lasting changes or decriminalize marijuana in Illinois. Despite his apparent support of legalizing recreational marijuana, many fear that JB will not be able to get any of his initiatives through the state legislature due to Republican control.
Is Kratom Legal in Illinois in 2021? With a new Governor and implemented legalization, you may be wondering if Kratom is legal yet or not. The answer is no; it’s decidedly illegal and remains unregulated in the state.
Kratom Legality in Illinois –
Is Kratom Legal in Illinois in 2021? On June 14th, 2016, Governor Bruce Rauner (R) signed House Bill 4727 into law, effectively banning the sale of kratom to minors and regulating it as a synthetic drug. The new law bans anyone under the age of 18 from purchasing or using Kratom in Illinois and has designated Kratom as an illegal substance.
Drug Paraphernalia
Kratom and associated products are considered drug paraphernalia if the kratom was purchased with the goal of using it while engaging in illegal behaviors such as operating heavy machinery. It’s also illegal to sell or purchase a pipe, apparatus, or other equipment designed for smoking that can be used for Kratom use.
Where to Buy Kratom in Illinois?
While it may not be explicitly legal to purchase kratom in Illinois, it can still be found online and at smoke shops throughout the state. After Governor Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 4727 into law, many shop owners stopped selling kratom while others removed all of their items from their shelves.
In some areas, residents were able to purchase kratom or were still able to use kratom, but the effects of the new drug control bill are trickling down throughout Illinois. Some area shop owners have since removed all Kratom from their shelves while others began stocking only certain brands of Kratom and limiting purchases to one ounce.
Is Selling Kratom Legal in Illinois?
Selling Kratom is currently legal in Illinois. There are no laws on the books banning the sale of kratom for smoking or ingestion, however, there is an influx of legislation that could send anyone selling Kratom to prison for up to two years and fine them $2,500 (per sale). This law was signed into effect by Governor Bruce Rauner on June 3rd, 2017.
Conclusion
As shown throughout this article – Is Kratom Legal in Illinois in 2021? the legality of kratom is heavily dependent on what state you live in and if your state has laws regulating it or banning it altogether. The best way to stay up-to-date with the legal status of kratom in Illinois – and throughout the country – is to follow any legislation that has been introduced and signed into law.
While kratom may be legal in Illinois, there are many other substances that can potentially lead to a drug offense or delivery of an illegal substance. If you’re caught with substances that have no legal status (i.e.: Kratom) then it could lead to a fine or jail time.
Also, Read – Is kratom legal in Colorado?
