Last verified:
Status Indicators
- Legal statewide and regulated under HB 551 (signed April 24, 2019)
- 21+ minimum age for purchase as of January 1, 2025 (raised from 18)
- House passed HB 551 by a 164-1 vote
- Mandatory labeling per Georgia Code Section 16-13-122
- Penalties up to $1,000 fines and one year in jail for violations
At a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal under KCPA |
| Age Limit | 21+ |
| Regulated | Yes (KCPA) |
| Controlled Substance | No |
| Last Policy Change | January 1, 2025 (age limit raised to 21). HB 551 originally signed April 24, 2019. |
Understanding Federal vs. State Law
Kratom is federally unscheduled. Georgia chose regulation over prohibition. The state’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act framework gives consumers labeling and quality protections while preserving lawful access for adults 21+.
KCPA Section
HB 551 (2019), Georgia Kratom Consumer Protection Act:
- Signed by the Governor on April 24, 2019
- House vote: 164-1
- Original 18+ age requirement raised to 21+ effective January 1, 2025
- Mandatory labeling: ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine concentration, manufacturer identification, safe-use directions, precautionary statements
- Misdemeanor charges for violations
- Fines up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail
- Codified at Georgia Code Section 16-13-122
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 24, 2019 | Governor signs HB 551. Original 18+ age requirement. |
| January 1, 2025 | Age requirement raised to 21+ |
Penalties
KCPA non-compliance penalties apply to vendors. Sales to under-21 buyers, adulterated product, or labeling violations carry fines and license consequences. Adult buyers complying with the law have no exposure.
Buying & Shipping to Georgia
Shipping to Georgia is permitted under the KCPA. Vendors selling into the state must comply with labeling, age verification, and product purity rules.
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Q: Is kratom legal in Georgia?
A: Yes. Georgia enacted a Kratom Consumer Protection Act for adult buyers 21+.
Q: What is the legal age to buy kratom in Georgia?
A: 21 under the Georgia KCPA.
Q: Is kratom a controlled substance in Georgia?
A: No.
Q: Has Georgia passed the KCPA?
A: Yes. Kratom is legal in Georgia under HB 551 (signed April 24, 2019). The age limit was raised from 18 to 21 effective January 1, 2025. Vendors face fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time for violations.
Q: Can I fly into Georgia with kratom?
A: Yes. Major Georgia airports serve travelers in legal jurisdictions.
Q: Can I drive through Georgia with kratom?
A: Yes. Kratom is legal throughout Georgia.
Sources
- gov.georgia.gov/document/signed-legislation/hb-551pdf/download, Georgia Governor official signed legislation PDF for HB 551 (2019)
- law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022/title-16/chapter-13/article-6/section-16-13-122/, Georgia Code Section 16-13-122 labeling requirements
- goldenmonk.com/blog/georgia-kratom-legality/, Georgia kratom legality summary including age limit update
- superspeciosa.com/blogs/blog/is-kratom-legal-in-georgia, Super Speciosa Georgia kratom legality 2024 overview
Related Kratom Legal Guides
- Region hub: Is Kratom Legal in USA (Federal Hub)?
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- Is Kratom Legal in West Virginia?
- Is Kratom Legal in North Dakota?
- Is Kratom Legal in Colorado?
- Is Kratom Legal in Maryland?
Is 7-OH legal in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia has no specific 7-OH cap and no 7-OH scheduling order. HB 968 would have placed mitragynine and 7-OH in Schedule I but was not enacted, so HB 551, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, remains the operative law. It governs labelling and sets a minimum purchase age of 21 from 1 January 2025, and it says nothing about 7-OH concentration.
7-OH (also written 7OH, or 7-hydroxymitragynine in full) is the alkaloid regulators treat separately from kratom leaf, and Georgia handles it under HB 551 (Kratom Consumer Protection Act); HB 968 not enacted, KCPA since 2019, age 21 from 1 January 2025.
Federally, 7-OH is not a scheduled substance. The DEA proposed Schedule I status for material above 0.050% 7-OH by dry weight, or above 0.050% by weight or volume or 1.00 mg in a synthetic or further-processed article, on 6 July 2026 (91 FR 40917). That proposal is not in force. Separately, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 became Schedule I on 26 August 2026 (91 FR 54948); 7-OH itself was not part of that order.
Compare every jurisdiction’s 7-OH position, including the federal timeline and the exact threshold language, or read what 7OH actually is and how it differs from kratom leaf.
