Just over a decade ago, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) was largely unknown in the Western world. The herb’s popularity was localized in its native Southeast Asian range, where locals administered it to alleviate different ailments. However, the reality changed dramatically around 2015 when kratom burst into the international limelight.
Today, kratom is one of North America’s most in-demand herbs.
Most people take kratom for therapeutic purposes, while a smaller fraction administer it recreationally. The plant’s extracts are also marketed as a potential treatment for opioid addiction.
But despite its perceived health benefits, kratom is regulated in many jurisdictions worldwide. Whether you’re a prospective vendor or user, it’s recommended to research your local kratom laws to avoid costly violations.
This post examines kratom’s legal status in Canada and what you need to know before purchasing it.
Is Kratom Legal In Canada?
One frequently asked question by Canadian wellness enthusiasts relates to kratom’s legality.
So, is kratom legal in Canada?
Absolutely! Canada hasn’t enacted any laws to restrict the sale, distribution, or use of kratom within its borders. That makes the herb technically legal at the national, provincial, and territorial levels.
However, there’s a catch. The following sections uncover various scenarios in which Canadian kratom vendors and consumers may run afoul of the law.
Kratom in the Eyes of Health Canada and the CFIA
Two Canadian authorities are jointly responsible for regulating the health and integrity of pharmaceutical and dietary products in the country, namely Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Health Canada mostly regulates access to pharmaceutical drugs, while the CFIA is primarily concerned with dietary supplements.
Note that kratom is widely marketed as a healing remedy, potentially designating it as a therapeutic drug. Besides, the herb is commonly available in edible formulations, such as capsules and herbal teas.
However, Health Canada hasn’t authorized kratom for medical applications. And neither does the CFIA recognize the herb as a dietary supplement.
There are two implications to these restrictions.
First, Health Canada may confiscate kratom-based supplements bearing definitive medical claims. The agency has previously seized or recalled certain kratom brands for falling short of their quality and regulatory thresholds. While these incidents are far and few, they can cause massive losses to affected retailers.
Second, kratom consumables are unauthorized as far as the CFIA goes.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
How Do Kratom Vendors Navigate The Above Restrictions?
While neither Health Canada nor the CFIA has authorized kratom, kratom stores continue to pop up throughout the country. That’s partly because both agencies have their guns trained on more serious narcotics and partly because kratom retailers have devised ingenious strategies around the restrictions.
As a vendor, the trick is to take care of your product’s labeling. Do not impute definitive health properties on your supplements. For instance, use ambiguous statements like “Kratom may calm your nerves” rather than “Kratom will cure your anxiety.”
Besides, you can supply kratom edibles provided that you clearly label them as ‘not for human consumption’ or ‘for research purposes only.’ If you consider such tags potentially detrimental to your marketing efforts, you may replace them with the dangers of kratom overdose.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Demystifying Health Canada and the CFIA’s Concerns on Kratom
Both Health Canada and the CFIA take issue with kratom’s stimulant properties. Studies have shown that several kratom alkaloids could trigger psychoactive effects by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain.
While kratom’s opioid-like abilities might produce desirable effects like increased pain tolerance and reduced nervousness, some users may develop adverse reactions. One study found that two of kratom’s most predominant alkaloids – mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine – may trigger cognitive and behavioral deficits.
However, although Health Canada and the CFIA’s concerns are well-founded, kratom has a higher safety profile than regular drugs with similar pharmacological properties. Multiple findings have shown the herb is far less addictive than conventional opioids.
Besides, it’s now emerging that kratom may help to wean off the effects of opioid withdrawal, making it an intriguing subject in Canada’s opioid crisis.
Although kratom impacts similar receptors as controlled opioids, it has a lower propensity for addiction. Therefore, opioid addicts can gradually replace their opioid doses with kratom and not experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Do Kratom Restrictions Apply To Consumers?
Health Canada and the CFIA’s restrictions generally apply to kratom vendors. Canadian kratom connoisseurs may administer the herb in all conceivable formulations.
However, there’s an exception to kratom cigarettes and e-juices.
Note that Canadian laws ban smoking and vaping in enclosed public places, including doorways and air intakes. Besides, only legal adults can purchase kratom cigarettes and vape oils. That’s at least 18 or 19 years, depending on your province or territory.
More importantly, you must conduct your due diligence while shopping for kratom in Canada.
Insist on supplements that come with analytical reports as proof of lab testing. Laboratory tests are critical in screening kratom batches for any adulterants and contaminants. They also reveal the potency of kratom alkaloids in each product, which is essential when measuring your doses.
Be sure to also read online reviews of a kratom company before ordering products from them.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Final Word
Kratom is presently legal in Canada for sale and consumption, with vendors required to meet a few conditions stipulated by Health Canada and the CFIA.
However, it’s important to point out that kratom laws can change overnight. The trick is to stay informed on emerging regulations and ensure full compliance with the industry’s best practices.
