Is Kratom Legal In Maine?

TL;DR: Yes, kratom is currently legal in Maine. The state does not regulate it under any specific laws, which means adults can buy, possess, and use kratom freely. That said, previous legislative attempts to ban kratom show that legal status isn’t guaranteed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not legal or medical advice. Always consult a legal expert or local official to confirm kratom’s legality in your area.

Have you ever scanned a kratom label and wondered, “Is this even legal where I live?” You’re not the only one. 

Kratom legality in the U.S. is confusing at best and chaotic at worst. In Maine, the good news is that kratom is legal, available, and largely unregulated — for now.

While the state hasn’t cracked down on kratom, it’s also done little to regulate it, which leaves consumers with both freedom and responsibility. Whether you’re a long-time kratom advocate or new to the plant and doing your homework, understanding the law is key to staying safe, informed, and compliant.

Let’s break down what you need to know about kratom’s legal status in Maine, how it compares to neighboring states, and why that status could shift in the future.

To understand Maine’s position, it helps to look at the bigger picture. The U.S. doesn’t treat kratom like it does alcohol or cannabis — there's no federal framework in place. This leaves each state (and sometimes individual cities) to decide for themselves whether to allow, ban, or regulate the plant.

Here’s a snapshot of where things stand in 2025:

• Completely banned in: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
• Regulated via consumer protection laws in states like Utah, Arizona, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Colorado.\
• Legal but unregulated in most other states — Maine included.
• Municipal bans exist in otherwise-legal states (e.g., Franklin, NH; Sarasota County, FL).

What’s tricky here is the lack of consistency. You can buy kratom legally in one town, drive 30 minutes, and suddenly be at risk of a fine or worse. That’s why it’s vital to check local laws, especially if you travel with kratom.

Yes, kratom is 100% legal in Maine, and there are no state-level regulations to control how it’s sold or who can purchase it.

Whether you’re buying kratom in Portland’s Old Port, browsing shelves in Augusta, or ordering online from Bangor, there are no current laws stopping you. Unlike states that have implemented strict safety rules (like age limits or alkaloid content caps), Maine leaves those decisions up to vendors and consumers.

While this unregulated freedom might sound like a win, it comes with its own set of concerns. Without oversight, there's no guarantee the kratom you buy is pure, ethically sourced, or accurately labeled.

That’s why many advocates support responsible regulation, not prohibition.

In 2017, Maine came close to banning kratom outright. 

A bill introduced in the state legislature proposed classifying mitragynine, kratom’s primary alkaloid, as a Schedule W controlled substance, alongside drugs like methamphetamine and LSD.

If passed, this would have made possessing kratom a crime, punishable under the same framework as highly addictive narcotics.

The public pushed back — hard. Kratom users, advocates from the American Kratom Association (AKA), and even scientists submitted testimonies and reached out to lawmakers. The bill was ultimately amended to exclude kratom, preserving its legal status.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that kratom’s legality isn’t set in stone, and that public awareness can make a real difference.

Unlike several other states, Maine has not passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) — a bill that would introduce guardrails to protect consumers and improve product quality.

If passed in Maine, a KCPA would likely introduce:

• Minimum age requirement (usually 18 or 21 years old)
• Mandatory product testing for alkaloid levels and contaminants
• Proper labeling that includes warnings and dosage information
• Retailer registration to allow oversight and accountability

Currently, none of those standards are enforced. This means kratom products in Maine can legally vary widely in quality and safety, even batch to batch. 

Until such regulations are passed, the burden falls on consumers to verify their vendors and read the fine print.

Just because kratom is legal doesn’t mean it’s risk-free — or that all products are created equal. Here’s how to stay safe and support long-term access:

• Choose third-party tested products. Look for transparent vendors that share lab results, test for contaminants, and disclose alkaloid content.
• Buy from reputable sources. Avoid sketchy convenience stores or unmarked packages. Stick to trustworthy online vendors or specialty retailers.
• Keep kratom out of reach of minors. Even though Maine has no age restrictions, ethical use means protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Stay informed. Kratom laws change fast. Set up news alerts or follow advocacy groups to keep tabs on legislation.

If you live in Maine and plan to travel with kratom, it’s critical to know the laws just over the border. Here’s how neighboring states treat kratom:

Maine stands out as one of the many U.S. states where kratom remains both legal and unregulated. That’s a double-edged sword — on one hand, residents enjoy easy access without red tape. On the other, the absence of quality control puts the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of consumers.

While past attempts to ban kratom have failed, the debate isn’t over. The landscape could shift with little notice, especially if safety issues arise or public opinion changes. 

The best defense? Stay informed, choose high-quality kratom, and use it responsibly.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Kratom laws can change quickly. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult legal authorities in your area.

1. https://www.americankratom.org/aka-in-your-state
2. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom 
3. https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-legislature-could-make-controversial-drug-kratom-illegal/97-435973003