Is Kratom Legal in California?
That's an important question to ask before buying kratom. The short answer: in the state of California, yes — kratom is legal to buy, sell, and use in most parts of the state. Kratom is currently banned only in the cities of San Diego and Oceanside. If you live outside those cities, you can purchase kratom from a local retailer or buy online and have it shipped to your door.
Because kratom is not federally regulated, it is up to each state to develop and enforce its own legislation. Age requirements and local restrictions vary and are subject to change. Be sure you understand your state and local laws regarding kratom before making a purchase.
What Is Kratom?
All kratom comes from the dried leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, a species native to Southeast Asia and a relative of the coffee plant. It thrives in hot, humid climates, making Southeast Asia the world's primary kratom-producing region. This botanical has been used by the native peoples of Southeast Asia for centuries as part of their traditional practices.
Leaves are hand-picked by experienced farmers only after reaching peak maturity. After specialized drying techniques, the leaves are crushed and milled into the kratom powder available for purchase today.
Can I Buy Kratom in California?
Kratom is legal to buy, sell, and use in most parts of California. The cities of San Diego and Oceanside have banned it. Outside those cities, you can find kratom at local smoke shops, vape stores, or herbal shops. When buying kratom, look for products from manufacturers who are members of and certified by the American Kratom Association (AKA) — the consumer advocate organization for kratom users across the United States.
Where to Find Kratom in California
In larger cities like Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Jose, and San Francisco, many smoke shops, vape stores, and herbal retailers carry kratom. You can also purchase online from an AKA-certified vendor like NuWave Botanicals and have it shipped directly to your door.
History of Kratom Legality in California
In 2016, the city of San Diego banned the sale, use, and possession of kratom, grouping it alongside synthetic substances like bath salts and spice. In San Diego, possession is treated as a misdemeanor and possession with intent to sell as a felony. The city of Oceanside followed with a similar ban.
In 2020, San Diego County considered expanding the ban countywide — which would have affected all 18 cities in the county. The board of county supervisors ultimately voted 4-1 against declaring kratom a public health nuisance, largely due to testimony from county residents who spoke positively about their experience with the plant.
The AKA and the Fight for Kratom Regulation
Founded in 2014, the American Kratom Association's mission is to protect the rights and safety of kratom users across the country. Because kratom is not federally regulated, each state sets its own rules — and without federal standards, not all kratom on the market meets the same quality or safety benchmarks.
The AKA is working to get states on board with the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which would establish industry-wide safety standards for manufacturers and distributors. They actively monitor federal, state, city, and municipal legislation affecting kratom legality nationwide. If you're interested in getting involved with local legislators on kratom policy, the AKA's website is a good place to start.
Buying Kratom Online
If you live outside the banned cities of San Diego and Oceanside, you have two options: buy from a local retailer or purchase online and have it shipped. Online purchasing is a popular choice because it gives you access to a wider selection of strains, the ability to compare vendors, and often better pricing through discounts and subscription programs. Before you buy, verify that the vendor is AKA certified.
NuWave Botanicals
NuWave is an AKA-certified vendor offering kratom powders, capsules, liquid kratom extracts, kratom shots, and bulk options. Every product is lab-tested for purity before being packaged in a facility that complies with the AKA's current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) program. Orders come with a no-hassle 30-day satisfaction guarantee, and shipping is free on orders of $100 or more.
NuWave is based in Texas. We ethically source our kratom from Indonesia, where we work directly with local farmers and support the communities behind the product.