Status Indicators
- Legal statewide. No KCPA. No statewide age restriction.
- HB 1523 and SB 820 (cross-filed, identical) would restrict kratom as an unauthorized consumable product
- HB 1319 (separate proposal) would create a KCPA framework instead
- All three bills would take effect July 1, 2026 if passed
- AKA continues to advocate for KCPA adoption
At a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal (unregulated) |
| Age Limit | None at state level (18+ voluntary) |
| Regulated | No |
| Controlled Substance | No |
| Last Policy Change | Pending (HB 1523, SB 820, HB 1319) |
Understanding Federal vs. State Law
Kratom is federally unscheduled. Maryland has not enacted state-level regulation. The state is among a shrinking minority of US states without any kratom-specific statute. Active 2026 legislative activity could change this either toward restriction (HB 1523/SB 820) or KCPA regulation (HB 1319).
KCPA Section
No KCPA enacted. HB 1319 (2026 Regular Session) proposes a KCPA-style framework. HB 1523 and SB 820 (cross-filed identical bills) propose restrictions and would classify kratom as an “unauthorized consumable product.”
HB 1523/SB 820:
- Cross-filed identical bills
- Would expand prohibitions on advertising kratom to minors
- Classify kratom as unauthorized consumable product
- Would take effect July 1, 2026 if passed
- HB 1523 had hearing March 3, 2026 in House Health Committee, Room 240, House Office Building, Annapolis
HB 1319:
- Separate bill proposing KCPA-style regulation
- Backed by American Kratom Association advocacy
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2026 Regular Session | HB 1523, SB 820 (restriction proposals) and HB 1319 (KCPA proposal) introduced |
| March 3, 2026 | HB 1523 hearing in House Health Committee |
| Pending | All three bills in legislative process |
Penalties
None at state level currently. Future penalties depend on which (if any) bill is enacted.
Buying & Shipping to Maryland
Shipping to Maryland is permitted without state-specific restrictions. Vendors should monitor the 2026 legislative session for bill passage. Buyers should follow developments to know what age and product requirements may apply going forward.
—
Q: Is kratom legal in Maryland?
A: Yes. Kratom is fully legal and unregulated in Maryland as of this update.
Q: What is the legal age to buy kratom in Maryland?
A: There is no state-mandated age. Most retailers voluntarily set the limit at 18.
Q: What kratom bills are pending in Maryland?
A: HB 1523 and SB 820 (cross-filed bills that would restrict kratom as an unauthorized consumable product) and HB 1319 (a competing KCPA proposal). All three are in the 2026 Regular Session legislative process.
Q: Has Maryland passed the KCPA?
A: No. HB 1319 is the current KCPA proposal but has not been enacted.
Q: Can I fly into Maryland with kratom?
A: Yes. BWI Marshall Airport and other Maryland airports serve travelers without state-level restrictions.
Q: Can I drive through Maryland with kratom?
A: Yes.
Sources
- mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb1523f.pdf, Maryland General Assembly official First Reader text of HB 1523 (2026 Regular Session)
- amazingbotanicals.net/learn/kratom-legality/kratom-legality-maryland/, Amazing Botanicals 2026 Maryland kratom status update including HB 1523/SB 820/HB 1319
- www.protectkratom.org/maryland, Protect Kratom Maryland advocacy page
- www.botanicalae.org/?page_id=1492, Botanical Advocacy & Education Maryland advocacy
- legislativeanalysis.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kratom-Summary-of-State-Laws.pdf, Legislative Analysis Public Policy Association KRATOM, Summary of State Laws (April 2025) confirming Maryland unregulated status
