IS KRATOM LEGAL IN MICHIGAN?
Riddle me this - It is one of the most easily available organic things nowadays in American stores as well as online. It comes as small green capsules, pills, liquid concentrates and is smoked, brewed as a tea or even chewed directly. While everyone is talking about either its health benefits or the problems that it might pose to human health, it is at present governed by almost no legislation or at best basic legislation. Some even go to the extent of calling it a wonder drug.
It is kratom or the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa which is native to Southeast Asia. It has been in use now for centuries there as a pain reliever and a stimulant. It is a herb that has psychoactive substance that produces effects that are similar to opiates. Users describe its effects from mild euphoria to relaxation. Some have even used it to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction.
But it’s safety is a subject that has been under debate now all over the United States. Federal laws at present do not ban it though they have tried to do so in the past. They are at present studying kratom extensively to understand its properties before going ahead. In the meantime, individual states may allow its use or ban it as per the collective thinking of their citizens.
Is Kratom Legal In Michigan?
At present due to no laws against kratom usage or sale, it is legal in the state of Michigan.
However, this does not mean that in the near future there might not be laws that might either regulate it or even ban it entirely.
Kratom Legality In Michigan?
In 2014, Michigan authorities were seen discussing a House Bill HB5707 that wanted to add kratom to the Schedule 5 drugs. This would have placed it in the controlled substances act. But after a huge backlash from the public in the form of a petition, it did not pass and kratom was not banned.
Almost immediately there was another bill (HB5736) proposed in the Senate that would prohibit the sale of kratom to minors and add penalties. But it also did not pass. However in 2016, the DEA (US Drug Enforcement Administration) intended to ban it as they termed it a hazard to public safety. But again, after much public outcry they changed their stance and withdrew their intent letter. They however warned users to wait till they are able to finish studying the plant and its properties.
In 2018, the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) started to investigate multistate outbreaks of salmonella linked to kratom products and warned the citizens as they found no approved uses of kratom.
The floodgates of opposition opened up with a report of five deaths in June 2018 linked to kratom. The medical examiners tied up the deaths to acute kratom toxicity even though all of these cases had a prior addiction to other opioids. These reports got a variety of Kent County residents speaking against kratom in Michigan.
There were medical doctors from Kent who claimed that kratom was linked to respiratory depression. This was sad as in 2017 the Kratom 8-factor analysis by a group of doctors clearly found that it caused low respiratory depression and was not responsible for the deaths.
This resulted in another Senate Bill 433 in 2019 that wanted to add kratom to the list of Schedule 2 drugs. But again it was not passed as there is already a bill that intends to put kratom under a proper legal framework and is widely known as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.
On November 29, 2023 this Kratom Act or as it’s known by its official name of Senate Bill 1236 aims to bring companies selling kratom under the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development who shall oversee its implementation. It will also need companies to test their products and list all the ingredients and directions to use on the label. It also has proper violation measures in terms of a 90 day jail term and bans its sale to people younger than 18.
At present the Kratom Consumer Protection Act is waiting for a hearing in the Committee on Agriculture.
Where Can You Buy Kratom In Michigan?
At present kratom is easily available in vape and head shops as well as in smoke shops around Michigan. However, as Michigan is just about to come up with the proper laws we advise not to buy them offline. This is to protect you as some unscrupulous vendors may try to take out their stocks which are not of good quality in a hurry.
Go for a quality product and do not please get tempted only by price. There however are many good vendors too out there too. Some of the well known ones in Michigan in no order of preference are:
- Smokers Alley, 27738 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066
- Tobacco Palace Smoke Shop Head Shop Cbd And Kratom Shop, 22515 Ecorse Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
- 2 Steps Higher Head Shop, 6004 Torrey Rd ste i, Flint, MI 48507
- Shakedown Street, 670 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
- Vape Hut Kratom CBD, 2331 Eureka Rd, Wyandotte, MI 48192
Why Buying Locally Is Not Safe?
As there is no accountability at present in the law you might end up with a low quality product or worse with a contaminated product. Some local businesses also do not have the necessary knowledge on its cultivation, processing, packaging, etc. all of which affects the quality of the product. Some of them may also be advertising the products wrongly only to boost sales.
With a bit of research you can easily stay away from such bad products and should only approach local vendors who follow proper ethical procedures. Check if your local vendor tests for their products to ensure its quality and purity. If they are able to put up a report from a third party independent laboratory certificate, you are on the right track. The easier option is to buy kratom online.
Buy Kratom Online In Michigan?
Buying online not only saves you time and effort but also provides a range of discounts for the same quality product. Online vendors like Coastline Kratom also ensure that the packages reach your doorstep safely, securely and without any problems of pesky neighbours knowing what has been ordered.
Online shopping also is the best route as all of them ensure a quality check by a third party laboratory and in case you do not like the product, it is most convenient to return the product and be reimbursed.
Closing Thoughts
The state of Michigan is on the right track to regulate the use of kratom both for the safety of its users as well as to promote good vendors.
Such a safe environment in the form of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act should be adopted by all of the states until the federal government bring out their own set of rules for kratom usage.