Is Kratom Legal in Vermont?

TL;DR: As of 2025, kratom is illegal in Vermont. The state has classified both mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — kratom’s active compounds — as controlled substances, making it unlawful to possess, buy, or sell kratom. However, there are efforts to reverse that decision.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult local authorities or legal professionals for guidance specific to your location.

If you’ve been wondering, "Is kratom legal in Vermont?" — the answer is nuanced. Kratom itself isn’t technically banned, but two of its active ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are listed as controlled substances in the state. 

That means buying or possessing kratom in its natural form is currently considered illegal under state law — even though the plant itself isn’t named outright. Still, that may soon change.

Here’s a closer look at the evolving legal landscape and what it means for residents and vendors in Vermont.

If you’re confused about kratom laws in the U.S., you’re definitely not alone. There’s no single nationwide rule. Back in 2016, the DEA tried to ban kratom completely — but after major public pushback, that plan was dropped. Since then, it’s been up to individual states to decide what to do.

That’s led to a legal patchwork across the country:

• A few states, like Vermont, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, have banned kratom altogether.
• Others, like Georgia, Utah, and Oregon, have passed laws to keep it legal — but with added safety rules.
• And many states are somewhere in between: kratom is legal, but not really regulated.

So if you’re trying to stay on the right side of the law, it’s important to know what’s happening in your state. Laws can change quickly, especially in places like Vermont, where the ban has been in place for a while but debates still pop up from time to time.

Back in 2016, Vermont added mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine to its regulated drug list, effectively criminalizing kratom products that contain these naturally occurring compounds. The ban was largely precautionary, as lawmakers were reacting to national concerns about kratom’s safety without substantial local data.

Since then, kratom advocates — including the American Kratom Association — have actively lobbied to reverse the ban, arguing that the prohibition was based on outdated or incomplete information. Vermont remains one of the few states with this specific alkaloid-focused restriction rather than a full plant ban.

Technically, no, kratom is not legal in Vermont as of June 2025.

Even though the plant itself isn’t named as a banned substance, the presence of its primary alkaloids in the state’s controlled substances list makes nearly all kratom products illegal to sell, possess, or consume.

In practice, this means:

• You likely won’t find kratom for sale in Vermont smoke shops or wellness stores.
• Online vendors generally won’t ship kratom to Vermont addresses.
• Possessing kratom could lead to legal consequences, depending on local enforcement.

However, things may not stay this way for long.

In 2023, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the Vermont legislature aimed at:

• Removing mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine from the state’s list of controlled substances
• Legalizing kratom and introducing consumer protections
• Setting labeling and purity standards similar to the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) adopted in other states

Supporters of the bill argue that a regulated kratom market would offer safer products, greater transparency, and legal clarity for both consumers and vendors. Opponents, however, remain concerned about potential misuse, lack of long-term safety data, and the need for more public health oversight.

As of mid-2025, the bill is still in committee. Its future depends on upcoming legislative sessions and public opinion.

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) is a legislative model adopted by several U.S. states to regulate rather than ban kratom. Key provisions usually include:

• Minimum age requirements (18 or 21)
• Mandatory third-party lab testing for contaminants and adulterants
• Clear labeling of alkaloid content
• Prohibitions on synthetic kratom or altered products

If Vermont were to pass a version of the KCPA, it would transition from a ban to a regulated market, much like states such as Utah, Georgia, or Arizona.

Here’s how Vermont’s kratom stance compares to nearby states:

Vermont is the only New England state to ban kratom entirely at the state level — a stark contrast to its neighbors, where kratom remains legal (if loosely regulated).

As it stands, kratom remains illegal in Vermont because of its alkaloids being classified as controlled substances. However, there is growing momentum to reverse that ban and bring regulation in line with other states that emphasize consumer safety over prohibition.

For now, Vermont residents should avoid buying or possessing kratom within state borders — but keep a close eye on the legislature. Change may be on the way.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always verify kratom’s status through local or state sources and consult a licensed professional before use.

• https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
• https://superspeciosa.com/blogs/news/vermont-kratom-ban
• https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/vt/2025-2026/bills/VTB00010786/