Kratom is legal in North Carolina but it is already age‑restricted and is on track to become more tightly regulated. Adults can buy and use kratom, while sales to minors are prohibited, and lawmakers are actively working on a broader regulatory framework.
Current Legal Status in North Carolina
North Carolina does not classify kratom’s primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine, as controlled substances, so natural kratom leaf, powder, and capsules are lawful for adults to possess and use. Retail shops, vape stores, and online vendors can sell kratom products into the state, provided they follow existing state rules on age and general consumer protection.
There is no statewide ban and no list of cities that have outlawed kratom locally, so places like Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, Asheville, and Wilmington all follow the same basic legal framework. This makes North Carolina a “legal but regulated” state, rather than a prohibition or completely unregulated jurisdiction.
Existing Restrictions and Age Limits
The key restriction on kratom in North Carolina is the age limit. House Bill 747, enacted in 2016, made it illegal to sell kratom to anyone under 18 years old, effectively setting 18 as the minimum legal age for purchase and use. Stores are expected to check ID and can face penalties if they knowingly sell kratom to minors, similar to how tobacco sales to those under 18 are treated.
Beyond that age requirement, there is currently no kratom‑specific statute requiring lab testing, standardized labeling, or vendor licensing. Product quality, potency disclosure, and contaminant screening are mostly voluntary and vary widely by seller, though many reputable vendors choose to provide third‑party lab reports.
Pending Bill: HB 468 and New Rules
In 2025, lawmakers introduced House Bill 468, a bill aimed at regulating hemp, THC, and kratom products together. The proposal would significantly tighten kratom rules by raising the minimum age from 18 to 21, requiring testing for contaminants and alkaloid content, and mandating clear labels with ingredients and warnings.
HB 468 would also require kratom vendors to obtain licenses and comply with packaging and marketing rules, and it would restrict certain forms, such as products designed for smoking, vaping, or injection. The bill moved through committee in 2025 but had not yet fully taken effect by the end of the year, meaning the older 18+ rule and lighter regulatory environment still applied at that time.
Enforcement and Practical Risks
Enforcement in North Carolina currently focuses on preventing sales to minors and policing misleading or dangerous products rather than targeting adult possession. Retailers who ignore the 18+ rule or who market kratom alongside clearly illegal drugs risk inspections, fines, and possible criminal charges under existing law. If HB 468 passes, enforcement will likely expand to include checks on licensing, lab reports, and compliance with packaging and form restrictions.
For consumers, the main risks come from inconsistent product quality and the evolving legal landscape. Without mandatory testing, some low‑tier products may be adulterated or contaminated, and buyers bear much of the responsibility for choosing reputable, lab‑tested brands. Users should also monitor legislative updates so they are aware if the age limit shifts to 21 or if particular product types become restricted.
Practical Takeaways
Right now, adults 18 and older can legally buy, possess, and use kratom in North Carolina, and there is no statewide or major local ban. However, lawmakers are clearly moving toward tighter control, with HB 468 poised to raise the age to 21 and add testing, labeling, and licensing requirements once fully enacted.
Consumers should:
- Ensure they are at least 18 (and be prepared for a possible move to 21+).
- Seek out products with third‑party lab reports and clear labeling.
- Keep an eye on the progress of HB 468 and related proposals that may change what is legal to buy and how it can be sold in the coming years.