Is Kratom Legal In Washington?

TL;DR: Kratom is legal in Washington, but that may change. A recent proposal to classify it as a controlled substance is under state review. No cities or counties have banned it. Stay informed and monitor local developments.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult legal authorities in your area.

If you live in Washington and you’re curious about kratom — whether you’re a seasoned user, someone exploring natural wellness, or just wondering if that new powder on your friend’s kitchen shelf is legal — you’re not alone. 

Kratom has grown in popularity across the U.S., but its legal status remains one of the most confusing parts of the conversation.

In some states, kratom is banned outright. In others, it’s regulated. And in many — including Washington — the laws are still catching up. So, where does the Evergreen State stand today?

Unlike substances that are controlled at the federal level, kratom is not currently scheduled by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

This leaves regulation in the hands of individual states — and in some cases, individual cities or counties. The result? A patchwork of laws that often conflict.

Here's how that patchwork looks today:

• Banned entirely in states like Indiana, Wisconsin, and Alabama.
• Legal and regulated in places like Oregon, Colorado, and Kentucky, where safety laws are in place.
• Legal but unregulated in states like Washington, where kratom can be sold with few guardrails.
• Locally restricted in areas like San Diego, California, even though the state itself hasn’t banned it.

This fragmented legal environment creates confusion for consumers and complications for vendors, especially those selling across state lines. It also means kratom users must stay especially vigilant, particularly when traveling.

With no federal framework in place, the spotlight is on states like Washington to either establish consumer protections or take a more restrictive approach.

Yes, as we’re writing these words, kratom is legal to purchase, possess, and use in Washington state. You won’t find any statewide bans, and you’re unlikely to run into restrictions at the city or county level, either. 

Whether you're in Seattle, Spokane, Olympia, or a smaller town like Walla Walla, kratom remains legally available.

That said, just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s free from scrutiny.

In 2024, the Washington State Pharmacy Commission launched a formal review of kratom’s active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. 

The proposal? To classify them as Schedule I controlled substances, putting them in the same legal category as heroin, LSD, and MDMA.

The state hasn’t finalized the rule yet. As of now, kratom’s legal status remains unchanged. But the rulemaking process is real and ongoing, and public comments have already been collected.

What does this mean for users? Stay alert. Legal today doesn’t mean legal tomorrow.

One of the reasons Washington remains relatively kratom-friendly is the absence of any local restrictions. In other states like California, cities such as San Diego have gone ahead with their own bans even when kratom is legal statewide.

That hasn’t happened here — yet. All cities and counties in Washington currently follow the state’s permissive stance. However, if the state were to schedule kratom, these local governments wouldn’t have much say in reversing that decision.

Unlike states such as Oregon and Kentucky, Washington has not passed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) — a regulatory framework designed to ensure safer access. That means there are:

• No official age restrictions
• No testing requirements for contamination or potency
• No mandates for ingredient transparency or alkaloid labeling

To be clear: this doesn’t mean kratom sold in Washington is unsafe, but it does mean quality and safety are left entirely up to vendors. 

Some choose to follow best practices — third-party lab testing, clear labels, safe packaging — but there’s no legal requirement for them to do so.

This regulatory vacuum is one of the reasons behind the state’s recent reconsideration of kratom’s legal status. It’s also why some responsible vendors and users are advocating for smart, science-based regulation — not prohibition.

The next few months will be critical for kratom’s future in Washington. If the Pharmacy Commission moves forward with scheduling kratom, it could drastically reshape access — not only for buyers but for vendors across the state.

At the same time, the conversation has also sparked interest in potential regulation instead of prohibition. It’s too early to tell which direction lawmakers will choose, but one thing is clear: staying informed matters.

Until Washington makes its next move, kratom remains legal — but that doesn’t mean it’s without risk. Here’s how to protect yourself and support responsible access:

• Buy from trusted vendors who offer third-party lab results.
• Avoid kratom products that don’t disclose ingredients or alkaloid levels.
• Never give kratom to minors, even though the law currently doesn’t forbid it.
• Keep up with legislation by following state rulemaking updates or trusted advocacy organizations.
• Use kratom responsibly, and avoid treating it as a substitute for medical care.

If you're traveling between states, check local laws — kratom legality can change from one county to the next.

Kratom is currently legal and accessible across Washington, but its future is uncertain. With state authorities actively reviewing its status, kratom users and vendors should stay alert, speak up, and make safe, informed decisions.

While there are no age restrictions or regulations today, proposed changes could reshape Washington’s approach, possibly banning kratom or regulating it more strictly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice. Always consult local authorities or legal professionals regarding laws specific to your location.

1. https://www.newsbreak.com/the-marijuana-herald-2222119/3771844600594-washington-state-weighs-kratom-ban-advocates-rally-to-protect-legal-access
2. https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-10/WSR24-18-005-ConsiderSchedulingKratom.pdf?utm
3. https://www.americankratom.org/aka-in-your-state