Kratom has been in the Canadian market for more than a decade. Things have changed in the industry since then. However, some rules and regulations are still confusing. Especially if you’re someone new to kratom or travelling into another province. It’s a given to ask: is kratom legal in Ontario?
What’s the Legal Status of Kratom in Canada?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s look at how kratom is viewed in Canada as a whole. Generally speaking, yes. Kratom is legal in Canada. It’s not categorized as a restricted substance. There’s also no explicit ban on having kratom in Canada like in Australia.
The legality is in question because of the two alkaloids present in kratom: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
According to scientific research, these compounds interact with opioid receptors in the brain. This means the brain will exhibit the same effects as it does when there are opioids in the system. This includes feelings of relaxation, sedation, and pain reduction. In some anecdotal cases, kratom was even found beneficial for opioid addiction.
Unfortunately, these reported benefits are mostly anecdotal. Some studies show the potential. However, these studies are minimal, which is why the government is cautious with the botanical.
As of now, kratom is legal for personal use and possession. However, when it comes to sale, distribution, and other activities, it’s considered Illegal.
Yes, kratom is not criminally prohibited. However, there are some conditions that both sellers and consumers should be made aware of. In October 2020, Health Canada tagged kratom as an “unauthorized health product”. Marketing kratom for any that indicates human (and even animal) consumption is illegal.
Is Kratom Legal in Ontario?
When you’re heavy into your research, you certainly want to know how best to move forward. Asking is kratom legal in Ontario is a valid question. Every province in Canada has their own set of laws. It’s very similar in the US, where kratom was first to enter the scene. Every state has specific laws for such a powerful botanical. So, to answer your question, yes.
Kratom is Legal in Ontario.
However, do note that Ontario is still under the same general rule: Sale, distribution and marketing for human consumption is considered illegal.
Why Are People Questioning Kratom’s Legality in Ontario?
Isn’t it confusing why we have to ask is kratom legal in Ontario? However, this is understandable. Those who are into ethnobotanicals understand just how potent kratom can be. The reason here is the effects of two major alkaloids in kratom: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Many researchers have studied these compounds. You can see the results in publications similar to The National Library of Medicine. The studies show the reaction of the human body to kratom, and it’s amazingly quite similar to taking opioids.
Because of the potential effects of botanicals, many professionals are doing different research studies. They want to know exactly how kratom can benefit people, whether in short or long-term use. Unfortunately, they are yet to arrive at conclusive results. Because of this, the government is still holding judgment on whether or not to legalize kratom. Because aside from the beneficial results, there’s also the flipside. There have been several instances of drastic negative effects caused by kratom abuse and misuse.
For now, we have to be satisfied with one thing. Health Canada and CFIA deep kratom as safe as long as you don’t ingest it. That means it’s legal for you to purchase kratom in Ontario, may it be in powdered or capsule form.
Of course, proud kratom researcher as you are, you would say: shouldn’t the reported benefits of kratom be enough? That’s true. The problem is that those are anecdotal. The government (and with good reason) will only trust vetted and legal scientific research. Since no scientific data can conclusively prove this, they will still withhold a final ruling.
What Is the Need to be Extra Careful with Kratom?
This is one of the follow-up questions when one is asking is kratom legal in Ontario. As a responsible kratomite researcher, one has to respect the power of kratom. The opiate-like effects have two sides. One is the good side that kratom is undergoing study as a possible solution for opioid addiction. Unfortunately, there’s a twin adverse or side effect. When taken in excess or abused, a person can experience:
- Anorexia nervosa (lack of appetite)
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Hyperpigmentation
The other major side-effect that the government is watching out for is addiction. As with opioids, there’s a high risk of a person developing kratom dependency.
Can Kratom’s Legality in Ontario Change for the Better?
That will entirely depend on research studies or the whims of the people making the rules. There’s no telling if kratom will be 100% accepted in Ontario or if it would be banned permanently.
What we do know is that there are people doing what they can to make kratom legal for use in Canada. Who knows if changes can happen. Like for example, in Thailand. It was illegal in Thailand on 1993. But On August, 2021, the country lifted the ban and decriminalized its possession and sale.
Whatever the case may be, it’s important to keep tabs on how things go for kratom in Canada. Keep well-informed and always watch out for changes. Especially when you’re travelling to and from the province.
Is it Okay to Bring Kratom to Ontario?
As a visitor or a tourist in Ontario, you can bring kratom into the province. However, note that the legality of the substance is still in a gray area. Be prepared to ask questions. Bring in the necessary documentation like labels and lab tests conducted. Depending on how the investigation transpired, your kratom may be allowed or seized.
To be safe, it’s better to get your kratom from authorized kratom vendors in Ontario.
Where Can I Buy Kratom in Ontario?
Looking for a Canadian kratom vendor in Ontario can be easy. Some may be local but mostly are out of the province. However, be careful with your choice. Kratom is not illegal, but it’s not regulated either in Canada.
You’ll encounter a few vendors who will sell you substandard quality kratom. Either it’s not safe to use or not potent enough to give you a result. Choose a vendor that’s been in the business for years. There should also be lab test results to show how safe and potent your kratom is.
Also, look for proper labelling. It should say the botanical is for research purposes only and not safe for human consumption. If the label makes health claims, it’s possible that you’re dealing with an unknowing company (which is dangerous), or one that’s out for money.
Is Kratom Legal in Ontario Conclusion
Yes, kratom is legal in Ontario as long as it’s not sold, marketed, or used for consumption or ingestion. One time, Health Canada made a major seizure of a company due to improper marketing and labelling. This “ruling” goes both ways. Suppose a company senses that you’re buying kratom for other purposes besides research. In that case, they have the right to deny you business.
Hope we answered your question is kratom legal in Ontario. If you have further questions, do let us know in the comment section!