Is Kratom Legal in Arkansas?
Complete guide to kratom laws, regulations, and where to buy in Arkansas.
ℹ️ This information is current as of April 2026. Laws can change — always verify with your local authorities.
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Kratom Legal Status in Arkansas
Arkansas banned kratom in 2016 through an administrative action by the Arkansas State Board of Health. Rather than passing a bill through the state legislature, the Board used its rulemaking authority to add two of kratom’s primary alkaloids — mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — to the state’s list of Schedule I controlled substances. This action was codified under Act 888 and is reflected in the Arkansas Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Controlled Substances.
Schedule I classification in Arkansas means the state considers these substances to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Because the ban targets the specific alkaloids rather than the kratom plant by name, any product containing mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine falls within the prohibition — including raw kratom leaf, kratom powder, kratom extracts, and any formulated product containing these compounds.
Penalties for Kratom Possession and Sale in Arkansas
Because kratom alkaloids are classified as Schedule I controlled substances, violations are treated the same as other Schedule I offenses under Arkansas law. Possession of a Schedule I substance is a Class D felony in Arkansas, which can carry a prison sentence of up to six years and fines up to $10,000. Sale or distribution of a Schedule I substance is a more serious offense and can be charged as a Class C or Class B felony depending on the quantity and circumstances, with potential prison sentences ranging from three to twenty years.
Residents of Arkansas who currently possess kratom should consult a local attorney about the legal implications. Transporting kratom into Arkansas from a neighboring state where it is legal is also a criminal offense under Arkansas law.
History of the Arkansas Kratom Ban
The Arkansas Board of Health’s 2016 decision to schedule kratom alkaloids came during a period when several states were evaluating kratom’s legal status. The Board acted through its administrative rulemaking process, which did not require a vote by the Arkansas General Assembly. Kratom advocacy organizations, including the American Kratom Association (AKA), have expressed interest in reversing the ban and replacing it with consumer-protection regulation modeled on the KCPA (Kratom Consumer Protection Act), which has been adopted in several other states. However, as of the March 27, 2026 update, no reversal legislation is pending in the Arkansas legislature.
For a complete overview of kratom laws across all 50 states, visit the kratom legality hub page.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year Enacted | 2016 |
| Law / Rule | Act 888 (Board of Health Administrative Rule) |
| Classification | Schedule I Controlled Substance |
| Substances Banned | Mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine |
| Possession Penalty | Class D felony (up to 6 years, up to $10,000 fine) |
| Sale/Distribution Penalty | Class C or B felony (3–20 years depending on circumstances) |
| Reversal Legislation Pending | None as of April 2026 |
Purchasing Kratom in Arkansas
Neighboring States
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Texas | ✅ Legal (HSC Chapter 444) |
| Louisiana | 🚫 Banned (August 2025) |
| Missouri | ✅ Legal |
| Tennessee | ✅ Legal (21+) |
| Mississippi | ✅ Legal (KCPA) |
| Oklahoma | ✅ Legal (KCPA) |
⚠️ Important: Transporting kratom into Arkansas is illegal, even if it was legally purchased in a neighboring state.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Kratom has been illegal in Arkansas since 2016. The Arkansas State Board of Health classified mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I controlled substances under Act 888. Possession, sale, and distribution are criminal offenses.
Arkansas banned kratom in 2016 through an administrative rule issued by the State Board of Health. The rule added kratom’s two primary alkaloids to the state’s Schedule I controlled substance list.
Possession of a Schedule I controlled substance in Arkansas is a Class D felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Sale or distribution can be charged as a Class C or Class B felony with more severe penalties.
No. Reputable vendors, including Amazing Botanicals, do not ship kratom to states where it is illegal. Ordering kratom to an Arkansas address would violate state law.
As of the April 2026 update, no reversal legislation is pending in the Arkansas legislature. Advocacy groups have expressed interest in replacing the ban with KCPA-style consumer protection regulation, but no formal bill has advanced.
The Arkansas ban targets both mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine by name. Because these are the two primary alkaloids found in kratom leaf, the ban effectively covers all kratom products — including raw leaf, powder, capsules, and extracts.
Several states bordering Arkansas — including Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, and Oklahoma — currently allow legal kratom sales. However, transporting kratom into Arkansas is illegal. Visit the kratom legality hub for a full state-by-state overview.
Sources
1. Arkansas State Board of Health — Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Controlled Substances (Act 888, 2016)
2. Arkansas Code — Title 5, Subtitle 6, Chapter 64 — Uniform Controlled Substances Act
3. Amazing Botanicals — Kratom Legality Hub
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Last updated: March 27, 2026.
Kratom Is Currently Restricted in Arkansas
Due to state regulations, kratom cannot be shipped to Arkansas. Visit our legality hub for the latest updates on kratom laws.
View Kratom Legality Hub