Status Indicators
- BANNED. Schedule I controlled substance since May 12, 2016
- SB 226 (2016) classified mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I
- Possession, sale, and distribution all illegal statewide
- Alabama Department of Public Health and state law enforcement actively pursue mislabeled kratom products
At a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Banned |
| Age Limit | N/A |
| Regulated | No |
| Controlled Substance | Yes (Schedule I) |
| Last Policy Change | May 12, 2016 (SB 226) |
Understanding Federal vs. State Law
Kratom is federally unscheduled, but Alabama acted independently to classify mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I controlled substances under state law. Federal legality provides no protection inside Alabama. Schedule I is the most restrictive classification under Alabama Code Section 20, 2, 23 and treats kratom alkaloids the same as heroin or LSD for purposes of state prosecution.
KCPA Section
Not applicable. Alabama opted for prohibition rather than regulation. No Kratom Consumer Protection Act has been introduced or advanced in the Alabama legislature.
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 10, 2016 | Governor Robert Bentley signs SB 226 |
| May 12, 2016 | Schedule I classification takes effect statewide |
| March 2026 | Alabama law enforcement publicly cracking down on mislabeled products containing kratom |
Penalties
Possession of a Schedule I substance in Alabama is generally a Class D felony for personal-use amounts and a higher-grade felony for distribution. Specific penalty ranges depend on quantity and intent and are governed by Alabama Code Title 13A and Title 20.
Buying & Shipping to Alabama
Do not ship kratom to an Alabama address. Most reputable vendors block Alabama at checkout. Receiving kratom in Alabama exposes the recipient to Schedule I possession penalties even if the product was legally purchased outside the state.
—
Q: Is kratom legal in Alabama?
A: No. Alabama classified kratom alkaloids as Schedule I controlled substances under SB 226, signed May 10, 2016 and effective May 12, 2016.
Q: When did Alabama ban kratom?
A: May 12, 2016, when SB 226 took effect after Governor Bentley signed it on May 10, 2016.
Q: Can I drive through Alabama with kratom?
A: No. Possession is a state crime. Travelers on I-20, I-65, or I-85 should not enter Alabama with kratom.
Q: Can I fly into Alabama with kratom?
A: No. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth, Huntsville International, and other Alabama airports are within state jurisdiction. Arriving with kratom violates state law.
Q: Is there any active legalization effort in Alabama?
A: No successful repeal legislation has passed. A petition to repeal SB 226 has circulated since 2016 but has not advanced through the legislature.
Sources
- trackbill.com/bill/alabama-senate-bill-226-controlled-substances-additional-compounds-included-in-schedule-i-based-on-chemical-names-known-as-kratom-sec-20-2-23-amd/1263491/, TrackBill record for Alabama SB 226 (2016) confirms Schedule I classification under Code Section 20, 2, 23
- www.alreporter.com/2016/05/12/bentley-signs-bill-banning-kratom/, Alabama Reporter coverage confirming Governor Bentley signed SB 226 on May 10, 2016
- www.cbs42.com/news/alabama-gov-bentley-signs-bill-that-effectively-bans-kratom/, CBS 42 reporting on Alabama becoming the sixth state to ban kratom
- www.wbrc.com/2026/03/26/alabama-cracking-down-mislabeled-products-containing-kratom-which-is-banned-state/, WBRC March 2026 coverage of ongoing enforcement against mislabeled products
- iherbio.com/legal/alabama-kratom-laws/, Summary of Alabama kratom law and penalties
