Kratom is an attractive plant that has been used for thousands of years for its practical benefits, but the legality of Kratom can be complicated. For example, The United States federal level treats it as legal while some states have legislation making the herb illegal within their borders- even if you’re located there!
Other countries worldwide ban or restrict this natural supplement altogether, too; it just depends on where you are. So, if you’re traveling or moving to a new country, it’s essential to be aware of the local kratom laws before stocking up on this supplement.
Similarly, Canada is in that gray zone with legal concerns. In this article, we will examine the legal status of Kratom in Canada and whether or not it is safe to order from there.
Brief Overview of Mitragyna Speciosa
Kratom is a natural plant that comes from the Mitragyna Speciosa tree. The leaves of this plant have been used for centuries in Southeast Asia as a mood enhancer and stimulant. This natural herb contains several compounds that interact with the human body to produce its effects. These compounds are known as alkaloids, and they provide various benefits.
Ketum can be used in a variety of ways. The most common way to take it is by swallowing the leaves, but it can also be brewed into a tea or chewed on the gum. The plant is also available in powder and capsule form. The variety of strains and types of this herb provides users with many choices for taking it.
It’s essential to consult your doctor if you consider using Mitragyna Speciosa or any other herbal remedies to avoid potentially harmful side effects or interactions with medication that may cause problems down the road when they don’t have enough information about what potential risks there might be.
The Canadian Kratom Industry
The two North American nations have set up a system to monitor and regulate food safety. In the US, we have the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), which includes the Food & Drug Administration or FDA for regulating clinical substances and investigating what substances are safe to consume by the human body.
Canada also has their equivalent agency: the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada. Both of these agencies make sure all those tasty snacks are safe before they hit shelves across their great country.
Instead of adhering to science, Health Canada classifies Kratom as a “natural medication that has the potential to be harmful if ingested or inhaled.” However, recent scientific studies indicate that neither liver damage nor habit is linked to kratom use.
The FDA also maintains that Speciosa has the potential for abuse and habit. That’s why, according to the Canadian government, no kratom-based goods have been authorized for sale. Furthermore, the department warns customers against swallowing or breathing products that claim to include Ketum because of the risk of adverse effects.
Is Kratom Legal for Purchase in Canada?
The governing agencies in Canada don’t allow for Ketum products to be sold, so the vendors have turned their marketing tactics more devious. On company websites, you’ll notice that they put warnings out saying “not for human consumption.”
However, there are other methods by which these businesses promote their items. One claims it’s for spiritual understanding, and others sell them with scientific research claims or even use cautionary language like ‘clean’ without specifying what they mean.
Regardless though, all an average person needs to do to get their hands on the plant, even though it’s banned in Canada, is order it from a site that is reputed for safe sales, won’t get shut down, and will have it safely shipped in through the mail.
Mitragyna Speciosa is available in Canada if it’s not being used for human consumption. Possession of the herb is not a criminal offense in Canada. However, suppose you are caught importing or exporting large quantities of Kratom in Canada without the appropriate permits. In that case, you may be subject to prosecution under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
How to Order Kratom from Canada?
Ordering Kratom from Canada is not as difficult as one might think. Several vendors sell the herb online, and most ship to and from Canada. When you find a vendor you like, be sure to check the label on your purchase for any indication that it contains Mitragyna Speciosa leaf.
If there’s no mention of the plant in the ingredients list, you won’t have anything illegal should Canada Customs find it while inspecting your package before delivery.
Another option is obtaining a prescription from an online doctor. This way, you’ll have a legitimate document to show Customs officials if they ask about the contents of your package.
Just because Kratom is not currently legal in Canada does not mean it won’t be in the future. It’s always essential to stay up-to-date on the latest news and legislation surrounding this herb so you can make the best decisions for your health.
The Quality of Kratom in Canada
Kratom is a legal prescription herb in Canada, but the quality isn’t regulated. The lack of rules and regulations allows retailers to market any Speciosa supplement. Some vendors combine substances that affect purity or efficacy for human consumption during ingestion as intended due to modifications by the manufacturer/seller.
Some forms of Speciosa are more potent than others, and some contain other psychoactive substances that can be dangerous when taken in combination with other drugs. Before buying this herb, be sure to do your research and ask the vendor questions about the product’s ingredients and potency.
The Risks Involved with Selling or Purchasing Kratom in Canada
It is currently a gray area in Canada to sell Speciosa products. Health Canada has seized unauthorized stocks of the medicinal herb from locations where they are sold and then posts an advisory on their website warning people about these seizures.
There is a potential for you to get in trouble if the law enforcement official confiscates your Ketum products. If this should happen, contact an attorney specializing in drug offenses and give them all of the required information about what you purchased from where.
It should be noted that Health Canada has not authorized any kratom-based products for sale in Canada and advises against swallowing or breathing products that claim to include Mitragyna Speciosa because of the risk of adverse effects. There is always a risk of being scammed when buying anything online, so be sure to do your research before selecting a vendor.
When purchasing Kratom directly from suppliers in Canada, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is also an issue. Like their American counterparts, they are working closely with local agencies and have stopped products before entering Canada.
This means that ordering Kratom internationally can put your order on customs’ radar for any number of reasons which could lead them to seize whatever you buy or even confiscate all money spent during the purchase process. Having goods seized makes sense when considering safety precautions from potential contamination along border lines and legal issues that still have yet to be determined.
Kratom is not currently regulated in Canada, so there are no specific guidelines for manufacturing or selling the product. This leaves room for inconsistency among products, and some may even be dangerous or contain harmful chemicals.
All of this seems like a big mystery and leaves a huge question mark as to the use of the herb, even for medicinal purposes. We can advise for now to stick with the tried and tested vendors who have been around awhile and not take any risks for your health. The best way to ensure safety with the herb is to stick with the laws put in place by your respective country and not try to defy them, as there may be severe repercussions down the road if you aren’t careful with your purchase.
Conclusion
Kratom is a natural product that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia. Despite its long history of use, there is still a lot we do not know about the plant.
The Canadian kratom industry is still in its infancy due to its rules and regulations surrounding the importation of the herb.
As with any new industry, there are risks associated with importing Kratom in Canada until it becomes regulated by Health Canada and is included in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID).
The many benefits of using the plant for medical purposes cannot be denied; however, these potential health risks also need to be considered.
