Kratom supplements have been popping up in wellness stores all over Canada in recent years, a trend fueled by emerging studies citing the plant for its potent healing benefits.
Most people administer kratom to relieve body aches, boost energy levels, and soothe nervousness. The herb may also improve various opioid withdrawal symptoms, making it a potential solution to North America’s opioid epidemic.
But despite its slew of health benefits, kratom can also induce psychedelic effects. The herb’s mind-altering properties explain why it’s subjected to stringent regulations in various countries and states.
In this post, we examine kratom’s legal situation in Canada.
Is Kratom Legal In Canada?
If you intend to possess, distribute, or sell kratom in Canada, a good place to begin is by understanding the plant’s legal status. So, is kratom legal in Canada?
The short answer is yes.
Canada was among the first Western countries to open its borders to kratom. Extracts from the plant are accessible throughout Canadian jurisdictions, including all ten provinces and three territories.
Kratom’s legality in Canada is due to the absence of specific legislation outlawing the herb. However, official drug regulators take issue with the plant’s reported psychoactive properties and have been hesitant to authorize it.
While consumers are exempt from these restrictions, vendors must ensure total compliance or risk heavy penalties.
Exploring the Restrictions on Kratom Trade in Canada
Kratom is regarded as a pharmaceutical drug. Therefore, its supply is technically regulated by Health Canada – the Canadian national agency charged with upholding the safety and quality of all drugs sold in the country.
But as hinted, Health Canada appears to focus more on kratom’s psychedelic properties than its perceived health benefits. The agency hasn’t approved kratom for consumption and has repeatedly warned consumers of the herb’s potential toxicity.
Besides Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) also regulates kratom trade in Canada. The CFIA sets the standards for dietary supplements consumed in Canada.
Note that kratom comes in diverse formulations, including edibles like beverages and gummies. When sold as a consumable, the herb constitutes a dietary supplement.
Unfortunately, the CFIA hasn’t authorized products containing kratom’s active compounds, particularly the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. The agency technically bars vendors from dealing in kratom edibles.
Are There Penalties For Regulatory Violations?
Contravening Health Canada and the CFIA’s regulations can attract heavy penalties for kratom businesses. In fact, Health Canada has previously seized unauthorized kratom products, a testament to its commitment to safeguarding Canadians’ health and safety.
Unforeseen product seizures can cause huge losses and operational disruptions to the affected businesses. Besides, it can result in costly reputational damage and the loss of high-value clients.
The saving grace is that kratom-targeted quality inspections are few and far between. That explains why you can access the plant in diverse formulations throughout Canada, including theoretically restricted edibles.
Why Are Kratom Products Readily Available Despite The Restrictions?
Canadian kratom vendors have devised ingenious ways to bypass Health Canada and the CFIA’s regulations without running afoul of the law.
First, sellers do not ascribe definitive pharmacological properties to their products. Instead of making direct claims like “kratom can treat migraines,” ambiguous statements like “kratom may alleviate body pain” are preferable.
Health Canada is unlikely to take issue with unauthorized herbal remedies whose medicinal claims are only described in the abstract. It’s even better if each product description highlights overdose warnings and the potential adverse events.
Besides, kratom vendors can bypass the CFIA’s regulations by selling non-consumable kratom supplements or offering such products as “giveaways.” In addition to edibles, kratom may be formulated into topicals, aromatherapy oils, and even vape juices.
Word of Caution for Consumers
While kratom regulations in Canada are primarily targeted at sellers, consumers must equally exercise caution while shopping for kratom supplements.
For starters, research kratom adequately before hitting the stores. Strive to familiarize yourself with the herb’s pharmacological properties, psychedelic effects, delivery methods, and dosage guidelines.
Be sure to also learn about kratom strains. Note that the plant exists in diverse strains, each producing signature effects.
The most common kratom strains you’ll find in Canadian wellness stores are white vein, red vein, and green vein. White vein strains induce pronounced invigorating effects, whereas red veins are predominantly soothing. Green veins are a blend between white vein and red vein kratom, making them partly stimulating and partly relaxing.
Once you’re well-acquainted with kratom, research a vendor’s reputation before ordering their products.
Prioritize kratom stores that supply ethically sourced, lab-tested products. Proof of lab testing is particularly recommended, as it helps vouch for a product’s safety and potency.
Remember to also sample online reviews for better insights into each company’s offerings. However, keep an open mind while sifting through the reviews, paying keen attention to the specific aspects most reviewers gave a thumbs-up.
Final Word
Kratom is legal in Canada for use and possession. However, vendors must adhere to proper regulations on packaging and marketing.
For users, the biggest concern is access to quality products. Note that kratom is still largely unregulated, and unscrupulous companies may exploit that loophole to offer substandard products to unsuspecting buyers.
Always conduct your due diligence while shopping for kratom supplements in Canada.
At the minimum, seek out products with analytical reports as evidence of lab testing. It’s also prudent to buy kratom from established wellness brands rather than new startups with zero reviews.
