Is Kratom Legal in North Carolina? Understanding State Laws

In places like North Carolina, there are rising questions like Is Kratom legal in North Carolina? Will I turn into a drug addict? How about consequences like overdose death? Will my health be at risk?.

Therefore, being one of the most committed and reliable kratom dealers in the market, we dedicate this write-up to enlighten the public regarding the status of kratom in North Carolina. 

As good merchants, we don’t just look forward to securing the next dollar or making the next sale; we take pride in educating and guiding our trusted buyers. So let’s learn more.

What Is Kratom Status In North Carolina Law?

Kratom status in North Carolina Law is that the state law does not prohibit kratom possession, sale, or distribution of kratom products. 

On reviewing North Carolina’s Controlled Substances Act, Chapter 90, Article 5 lists all banned substances. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) doesn’t appear on any Schedule I-VI list. 

Meanwhile, at the federal level, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) labels kratom as a “drug of concern” without moving it into the Controlled Substances Act. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues safety alerts about unapproved kratom sales, but there is no outright ban.

Also, our studies on the North Carolina General Assembly titled “An Act To Regulate Kratom Products”, House Bill 468, 2025, show that the legislation would establish Chapter 18E to license kratom distributors, requiring independent laboratory testing, and restrict kratom sales to individuals aged 21 and over.

On the other hand, local jurisdictions lack the standalone authority to ban kratom unless state law grants it. That keeps kratom legal throughout North Carolina until the legislature creates a dedicated structure.

Do Any North Carolina Counties Prohibit Kratom?

As of now, no county in North Carolina has enacted a ban on kratom. While discussions and proposed bills regarding kratom regulation have been held at the state level, such as House Bill 563 (2023) and House Bill 468 (2025), these have not yet been enacted into law. 

Therefore, kratom remains legal in North Carolina, including in all counties.

How Can You Do Kratom Business Legally In North Carolina?

You can do a kratom business legally in North Carolina by complying with the existing Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

As of now, North Carolina does not have specific regulations for kratom, but businesses selling kratom should continue to adhere to existing laws and best practices, including proper labelling and age verification, to ensure they are prepared for future regulations.

Below is a breakdown of key considerations:

Age Restrictions

Although North Carolina doesn’t decree a specific age limit for buying kratom, we recommend that businesses adopt a minimum age requirement of 18 or 21, as other states have implemented similar regulations. 

Some businesses voluntarily choose to prevent sales to individuals under 21 in order to comply with federal guidelines on controlled substances. 

Implementing a strict age verification system can help avoid future legal complications, especially as new regulations are proposed.

Proper Labelling Requirements

Kratom products sold in North Carolina must include clear labelling that verifiably reflects the contents, recommended usage, and any side effects and potential risks. 

This includes listing the specific kratom strain, dosage, and a statement that the FDA has not approved the product. 

Proper labelling protects consumers and ensures that the business is not misleading customers, helping avoid claims of false advertising or misrepresentation.

Advertising Standards

We advise businesses to avoid advertising kratom in ways that could be perceived as targeting minors or making unverified health claims, although kratom is known for its therapeutic benefits. 

Federal law requires that product advertising not be misleading, especially when it concerns health-related benefits. 

This means refraining from stating that kratom is a cure for any medical condition unless the claim is backed by credible scientific evidence.

What Penalties Apply For Illegal Kratom Activity?

There are no penalties that apply for illegal Kratom activity in North Carolina. This is because, as of now, North Carolina does not have specific laws criminalising kratom possession, sale, or distribution. 

Meanwhile, general state laws related to controlled substances may apply if kratom is adulterated or misrepresented. 

For instance, if kratom products are found to contain illegal substances or are marketed with false health claims, businesses could face penalties under consumer protection laws.

How Can Buyers Ensure Compliance With The Consumer Protection Act (CPA)?

Buyers can ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection Act by purchasing quality kratom products. 

Below are ways they can ensure they are buying quality kratom products and following the law:

• Research Vendors: Before purchasing, verify that vendors provide lab-tested products with clear test results available. This is important to ensure that kratom is free from contaminants and accurately labelled. Buyers should also ensure the vendor complies with state laws and industry standards.
• Verify Age Restrictions: Buyers should confirm that vendors have a valid age verification system in place. Since kratom sales may have age restrictions in some areas, ensuring compliance with these restrictions helps avoid legal issues and ensures that the buyer is purchasing legally.
• Inspect Labels and Packaging: Labels should clearly display product information, including strain, dosage, ingredients, and any necessary warnings. If the product is not clearly labelled or contains unverified health claims, it may not be compliant with consumer protection laws, and the buyer should avoid it.
• Avoid Health Claims: Buyers should be cautious of vendors that make exaggerated or unverified health claims about kratom. This could be a red flag, as such claims may not be legally supported and can indicate that the product isn’t compliant with the FDA’s consumer protection standards.
• File Complaints: If a buyer encounters misleading practices or unsafe products, they should report these to the relevant regulatory authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local consumer protection agencies. This helps maintain accountability within the kratom industry.

By following these steps, buyers can ensure they purchase quality kratom and comply with all relevant consumer protection laws.

Are There Consequences For Vendors Who Violate The Consumer Protection Act?

Yes, vendors who violate the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) by selling unsafe or misrepresented kratom products face serious legal and financial consequences. 

These penalties are designed to protect consumers and ensure that kratom products meet quality standards.

Key Violations and Consequences are explained below:

Adulteration (Mixing Kratom with Other Drugs)

Selling kratom mixed with illegal substances like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or other drugs is a grave violation of consumer protection laws. 

This adulteration can lead to severe legal penalties, including criminal charges for endangering public health. 

Vendors found guilty of this offence may face substantial fines, lawsuits, and potentially criminal charges for distributing harmful substances, which can result in imprisonment.

Mislabeling Products

Misleading labelling, such as falsely advertising kratom as a cure for medical conditions or providing incorrect dosage information, can result in significant fines and orders to recall products. 

Mislabeling falls under the category of deceptive business practices and constitutes a violation of both state and federal laws. 

Violators may be required to pay restitution to affected consumers and could face permanent injunctions to prevent future sales.

Failure to Provide Lab Test Results

Failing to provide certificates of analysis or lab test results for kratom products is a breach of consumer trust and safety. 

Consumers have the right to know that the kratom they are purchasing is free from contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides. 

Vendors who fail to provide proof of product safety may be subject to fines, product recalls, and potential lawsuits from both regulatory agencies and consumers.

Health Claims Without Scientific Backing

Advertising kratom as a treatment for medical conditions without sufficient scientific evidence is a violation of the FDA's regulations and consumer protection laws. 

Such deceptive marketing practices can result in severe penalties, including fines, the forced removal of misleading ads, and a tarnished reputation. 

Vendors may also face class-action lawsuits from consumers who relied on these false claims.

To avoid these penalties, we advise kratom vendors to prioritise transparency, ensure accurate labelling, provide reliable lab testing, and avoid making unproven health claims.

What Could Possibly Change In The Future? 

The future of kratom in North Carolina is closely tied to ongoing legislative changes and the advocacy efforts of organisations and the American Kratom community. 

The state could see stricter regulations regarding kratom sales, labelling, and testing, especially as more attention is given to the potential health risks and benefits of the product. 

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act is a model legislation proposed to regulate the sale and distribution of kratom. 

It aims to ensure that kratom products are verifiably labelled, free from contaminants, and sold to individuals over a certain age. 

If enacted, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) would establish more stringent rules for kratom businesses, ensuring that all products sold are safe, properly labelled, and not adulterated with harmful substances. 

Violations under the KCPA could result in fines, mandatory product recalls, and even criminal charges for severe offences, which would significantly impact businesses operating in North Carolina. 

The bill aims to create a regulated market, similar to what has been seen with cannabis in some states, providing a safer environment for consumers.

The American Kratom community continues to advocate for the responsible regulation of kratom, pushing for federal and state-level laws that balance consumer protection with fair access to the substance. 

As kratom in North Carolina continues to be a subject of discussion, both vendors and consumers must stay informed about new bills, like the KCPA, that could shape the future of the industry.

As kratom advocating efforts grow, expect more legislation designed to protect public health while maintaining access to the product.

Conclusion

Kratom is legal in North Carolina for now, but that doesn’t mean vendors and consumers should relax. With the potential for new regulations like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) on the horizon, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and make sure you’re compliant with existing and upcoming laws. 

If you're looking for trusted kratom products, explore our range and make an informed purchase today. Let Flavourz Kratom be your reliable partner in the kratom community, ensuring quality, compliance, and safety at every step. Shop now at Flavourz Kratom and protect your health with every purchase.