Is Kratom Legal in Missouri?

TL;DR: As of April 2025, kratom is legal in Missouri for adults aged 18 and over. There’s no statewide ban, but lawmakers are once again pushing for regulation through House Bill 504, which could change how kratom is sold and labeled in the near future.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. Always check local laws or consult a legal expert before making decisions related to kratom.

Kratom users in Missouri have more freedom than those in many other states — but that could change. If you’re wondering, “Is kratom legal in Missouri?” or even “Is kratom illegal in Missouri?” — the short answer is yes, it’s currently legal. 

The long answer? Missouri is one of several states exploring how to regulate kratom more closely.

Let’s walk through the current legal status, what’s happening with House Bill 504, and what kratom users and vendors in the Show-Me State should be aware of.

Kratom is in a legal limbo nationally. It’s not banned at the federal level — despite the DEA’s failed attempt to schedule it in 2016 — so individual states are left to decide how to approach it. 

Some states, like Indiana, have banned it. Others, like Georgia and Utah, passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPAs) to regulate it rather than outlaw it.

Missouri hasn’t banned kratom — but lawmakers have signaled they want to better control how it’s sold.

Yes, kratom is currently legal in Missouri for adults over 18. There’s no law banning it, and the state doesn’t classify kratom’s active compounds — mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — as controlled substances.

If you’re over 18, you can walk into a smoke shop or buy it online with no issue. But there’s a catch: there’s also no statewide oversight. No required testing, no ingredient disclosures, and no rules on labeling. What you see on the package may not be what you’re getting.

That lack of regulation is exactly what some lawmakers are hoping to fix.

This isn’t Missouri’s first rodeo when it comes to kratom legislation.

In 2023, state lawmakers introduced House Bill 912 — an early version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). The bill aimed to keep kratom legal while putting some basic safety standards in place. It included:

• Kratom age restrictions (18+)
• Product labeling rules
• A ban on synthetic or adulterated kratom
• Fines for selling unsafe or mislabeled products

But despite support from consumer safety advocates, HB 912 stalled out and never made it into law.

In early 2025, Representative Brad Christ filed House Bill 504, essentially reviving the regulatory effort. And this time, it might have more traction.

Here’s what HB 504 proposes:

• Keeps the purchase age at 18
• Requires lab testing of all kratom products
• Mandates clear labeling, including alkaloid levels and ingredients
• Bans synthetic alkaloids and contaminated products
• Sets fines (up to $2,000) for businesses that break the rules

The bill is currently under committee review. If passed, it would introduce new safeguards without outlawing kratom.

At this time, no cities or counties in Missouri have enacted kratom bans. The state currently maintains legal access across all regions. That said, local governments can introduce their own restrictions, so it’s smart to check for updates if you live in or are traveling to smaller municipalities.

Kratom is legal in Missouri in 2025 — and for now, there are no age, labeling, or testing requirements at the state level.

That may soon change. Lawmakers have introduced House Bill 504 to bring more structure and safety to kratom sales without banning the plant altogether. Missouri appears to be following the path of other states that are choosing regulation over prohibition.

If you’re a kratom user, this is a moment to stay alert, buy kratom responsibly from reliable vendors, and follow the legislative developments closely.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Kratom laws are subject to change. Always verify local regulations or speak with a qualified professional.

https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB504&year=2025&code=R 

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5905 

https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills231/hlrbillspdf/1837H.01I.pdf