Across the United States, kratom laws are anything but uniform. Some states regulate it under consumer safety laws, others allow unrestricted sale, and a few have banned it entirely. Indiana belongs to the last category, one of the few states where kratom is treated as a controlled substance. While public interest in kratom has grown because of its potential to relieve pain, boost energy, or aid in opioid withdrawal, Indiana continues to maintain one of the strictest stances against it. Understanding how the law developed, what penalties exist, and whether reform is on the horizon is essential for anyone living in or traveling through the Hoosier State.
The Current Legal Status of Kratom in Indiana
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is illegal in Indiana. State law classifies its primary active alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as controlled substances, placing them in the same legal category as certain narcotics. This means that anyone caught with kratom in any form, whether powder, capsules, tea, or extract, risks criminal prosecution.
Indiana’s position is one of total prohibition. Unlike some states that allow regulated sale or possession for adults, Indiana law leaves no gray area. The sale, possession, distribution, or manufacture of kratom is prohibited, and law enforcement agencies treat violations seriously. For residents or visitors, this makes Indiana a “no-go” state for kratom products of any kind.
How Indiana Banned Kratom — A Brief History
Kratom’s legal troubles in Indiana began over a decade ago. In the early 2010s, amid rising national attention to herbal stimulants and opioid alternatives, state legislators moved to classify kratom’s alkaloids as controlled substances. Their decision stemmed from early reports linking kratom use to dependency risks and a lack of federal regulation around its purity and safety.
Once mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine were formally listed under Indiana’s controlled substances schedule, kratom became illegal by definition not because the plant itself was banned, but because its active compounds were. Since then, all attempts to change this status have faced resistance. Lawmakers have cited public health concerns, unregulated imports, and inconsistent product quality as reasons to maintain the ban.
Despite this strict approach, several legislative attempts have been made to replace the ban with a regulated framework. For instance, proposals in 2023 and again in 2025 sought to establish quality-control standards, age restrictions, and testing requirements instead of outright prohibition. However, none of these bills advanced far enough to change the law.
Penalties and Enforcement
Violating Indiana’s kratom ban can lead to significant legal consequences. Possession, sale, or distribution of kratom products may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the quantity and intent. This includes situations where individuals bring kratom into the state after purchasing it legally elsewhere.
The enforcement of kratom laws in Indiana tends to focus on both consumers and retailers. Stores caught selling kratom face possible license suspension, fines, and criminal charges, while individuals found in possession may face arrest and prosecution. The fact that neighboring states like Illinois and Ohio have not imposed full bans sometimes causes confusion for travelers but once inside Indiana, even small amounts of kratom can trigger legal issues.
Why Indiana’s Approach Matters
Indiana’s strict stance on kratom highlights a broader national divide in how states handle herbal substances that fall outside federal oversight. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use and has issued warnings about its potential risks, including dependency, contamination, and inconsistent potency. Lawmakers in Indiana often point to these uncertainties as justification for their continued ban.
At the same time, critics argue that prohibition pushes the kratom market underground, making it harder to ensure product safety. Other states have taken a middle path by adopting versions of the “Kratom Consumer Protection Act,” which enforces labeling, purity standards, and age limits without banning the substance outright. Indiana’s continued prohibition sets it apart as one of the most restrictive states in the nation.
Practical Implications for Residents and Visitors
For anyone in Indiana, the implications are clear: do not buy, possess, or transport kratom within state lines. Regardless of where you purchased it, kratom is treated as an illegal controlled substance in Indiana. If you’re traveling through the state, even temporary possession, such as carrying kratom in your car, can expose you to criminal penalties.
For retailers and distributors, selling or shipping kratom products into Indiana is equally risky. Until state law changes, all commercial activity involving kratom remains prohibited. Businesses operating in multiple states should ensure they block Indiana addresses from online orders to avoid compliance issues.
If you rely on kratom for personal use or wellness, it’s crucial to stay informed. Because legislative efforts have been ongoing, changes could occur in the future; however, as of October 2025, the ban remains in effect.
Looking Ahead — Could the Indiana Kratom Law Change?
While kratom remains illegal, there are signs of shifting sentiment among policymakers and advocates. Legislative efforts in 2023 and 2025 introduced bills that would have replaced the ban with a regulated market. These proposals called for licensing manufacturers, setting age limits, mandating product testing, and requiring accurate labeling. Although these bills did not pass, they signal that the discussion around kratom is evolving.
Advocacy groups continue to press for reform, arguing that a regulated framework would protect consumers from contaminated or mislabeled products while acknowledging that adults can make informed choices about natural substances. For now, the issue remains unresolved and until lawmakers act, kratom will continue to be treated as a controlled substance in Indiana.
Conclusion
As of October 22, 2025, kratom is illegal in Indiana. Its active compounds are classified as controlled substances, and anyone found possessing or selling it can face criminal penalties. Despite ongoing efforts to introduce regulatory reform, no law has yet succeeded in reversing the ban.
For residents, visitors, and business owners, the safest course is simple: avoid all kratom-related activity within Indiana’s borders. As public debate continues and more states move toward regulation, Indiana’s position may one day change but until that happens, the prohibition remains firm and enforceable. If you have lost a loved one due to kratom, a kratom lawyer can help you pursue justice and compensation for your loss. Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.