Is Kratom Legal in Colorado? What You Need to Know

Is Kratom Legal in Colorado?

Yes, at the state level, kratom is legal in Colorado, with some specific stipulations to be aware of:

Kratom is only legal for individuals aged 21 and above. Minors are prohibited from accessing kratom. Local communities retain the authority to impose restrictions or bans on kratom. Presently, kratom is banned in the towns of Monument and Parker. The legal status of kratom in Denver is somewhat unclear, as outlined below.

Is Kratom Legal in Denver?

The legality of kratom in Denver is a bit uncertain. In 2017, Denver Environmental Health banned kratom for human consumption. Consequently, certain online kratom retailers refrain from shipping to addresses within Denver. However, the law doesn't prohibit kratom itself but rather its consumption.

Therefore, kratom products in Denver must be labeled as "not for human consumption." While kratom sales and possession are still permitted in the city, the law dictates how kratom can be utilized.

Despite speculation about a potential kratom ban, no such measure has been enacted yet. Presently, there are no plans to schedule or restrict kratom in Denver. Enforcement of existing kratom regulations in Denver is currently on hold as officials evaluate the impact of new statewide kratom regulations.

Cities Where Kratom is Restricted in Colorado

Although kratom is legal statewide in Colorado, access may be limited at the local level. Two towns, Monument and Parker, have implemented bans on kratom sales within their jurisdictions.

In November 2019, the Monument Board of Trustees prohibited the retail sale of kratom after extensive deliberation. However, the ban solely pertains to kratom sales, and possession remains legal. Kratom hasn't been classified as a controlled substance in Monument or elsewhere in Colorado.

Similarly, Parker passed an ordinance banning kratom sales around the same time. Violating businesses face a $500 fine, but kratom possession remains lawful.

Castle Rock also imposed restrictions by temporarily halting new kratom retailer licenses in 2019. This freeze aimed to research kratom's effects and establish safety regulations. Ultimately, officials approved a ban on kratom sales to individuals under 18 years old.

Kratom Regulation in Colorado

Advocates have long advocated for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in Colorado. This legislation aims to establish safety regulations for kratom, similar to laws enacted in other states.

Governor Jared Polis signed the Colorado Regulation of Kratom Processors Act into law in May 2022. Scheduled to take effect in July 2023, this act is Colorado's adaptation of the KCPA. Notable provisions include:

Mandatory registration for businesses selling kratom, disclosing information about each kratom processor's products.

• Creation of a state database of kratom-selling companies.
• Minimum age requirement of 21 for kratom purchases, with mandatory ID verification.
• Third-party laboratory testing for kratom sold in Colorado.
• Requirement for businesses to report adverse reactions resulting from sold kratom to state regulators.

The impact of these new regulations on existing laws in Denver, Monument, and Parker remains uncertain.