Kratom has become the go-to natural supplement for thousands of Canadians seeking effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions. But while plenty of research lends credence to the herb’s efficacy, its legality remains a matter of intense debate in numerous countries worldwide.
As a responsible citizen, it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with kratom laws before using, distributing, or selling the herb. We’ve taken the liberty of putting together the five key facts to know about kratom’s legality in Canada.
1. Kratom Is Generally Unrestricted in Canada
Despite emerging scientific evidence pointing to kratom’s therapeutic properties, it’s unfortunate to observe that the herb is criminalized in many countries. That includes Malaysia, which produces a significant amount of the kratom consumed globally.
Fortunately, Canada is one of the many countries that have embraced kratom within its borders. Kratom legal in Canada for possession, consumption, sale, and distribution. It’s also important to point out that the herb is unrestricted both federally and locally. That means you can access it throughout Canada’s seven provinces and three territories.
However, kratom vendors in Canada must adhere to a few conditions to remain legally compliant. The following sections shed more light on those regulatory requirements.
2. Kratom Is Unauthorized for Medical Use
Kratom is legal in Canada to the extent that it’s not classified as a Schedule 1 substance. Schedule 1 substances are drugs or chemicals that are presently unapproved for medical consumption due to their high potential for abuse. Noteworthy mentions include heroin, morphine, codeine, and opium. However, kratom isn’t authorized for medical use despite not falling within the blacklist of Schedule 1 drugs. The Canadian health agency responsible for formulating public health policies – Health Canada – considers kratom as potentially addictive. As such, the department has been hesitant about authorizing the herb for pharmaceutical application.
Note that Health Canada hasn’t issued a sweeping ban on kratom. If that were the case, the herb would be federally illegal. There’s minimal mention of kratom on Health Canada’s blogs and almost ZERO references to it on its official website. However, the agency has taken issue with the dominant alkaloids in kratom – mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine – for their potential for addiction. Therefore, it doesn’t approve products containing either compound, including kratom supplements. Health Canada has previously conducted raids on kratom stores selling unauthorized goods and recalled certain products for quality issues. To achieve compliance, vendors must label their goods appropriately, sometimes including using the phrase “unfit for human consumption.”
3. Kratom Is Unauthorized for Oral Consumption
Kratom products are available in multiple formulations. Users get to pick a form that suits their preferred delivery methods.
However, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) – the federal department concerned with regulating dietary products in Canada – doesn’t consider kratom as a dietary supplement. The CFIA technically prohibits the sale of kratom as a consumable. So, vendors must make it abundantly clear that this isn’t the intended purpose of their products. The good news is that there are many alternative kratom formulations to consider. These include kratom-based e-juices for vaping and kratom-enriched skincare products for topical applications. Kratom shops may also stock aromatherapy products.
But despite the CFIA’s technical ban on consumable kratom goods, kratom edibles are sold throughout Canada. The agency often looks the other way, provided such products bear sufficient health warnings.
4. Kratom Stores Must Be Duly Licensed
Licensing is the first step in ensuring regulatory compliance. Interestingly, while Health Canada doesn’t authorize kratom for medical use, the agency is responsible for licensing kratom businesses in Canada.
Aspiring kratom vendors must apply to Health Canada for licenses and permits before going into business. Operating a kratom store without proper documentation may have legal actions preferred against you, resulting in heavy fines and imprisonment.
The significance of running a licensed kratom business applies whether you operate a brick-and-mortar or e-commerce store. While this requirement seems focused on kratom vendors, it touches on consumers, too.
Proof of licensing is one of the best indications of a legitimate kratom store. It shows the company has passed the minimum regulatory thresholds to operate.
5. Inhalable Kratom Products May Be Subjected To Additional Restrictions
Like most herbs, kratom can be formulated into vape juices. These are essentially e-liquids containing kratom as the primary active ingredient. Canadian vaping laws prohibit the sale of vapor products containing only flavors. So, if you choose to deal in kratom e-juices, ensure your products are significantly high in herbs and low in flavors.
Besides, e-juices without nicotine or cannabis aren’t regulated in Canada. That means you may have to inject a bit of both substances into your kratom vape oils. While this strategy might maximize your sales by letting you target both kratom and marijuana users, it can also alienate segments of your customers who are averse to nicotine or cannabis.
As for kratom consumers, it’s illegal to vape in public buildings, workplaces, and around doorways.
The Bottom Line
Kratom laws in Canada appear to focus on the herb’s distribution and sale. Therefore, vendors must observe all relevant regulations to maintain compliance.
As for users, the focus isn’t kratom’s legality but overall safety. While the herb poses lower risks of adverse effects if moderately consumed, an overdose can trigger a host of nasty adverse effects. The thumb rule is to start with lower kratom servings and increase your doses incrementally until you hit your sweet spot.
