No. Kratom remains illegal in Arkansas as of 2024, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under state law. The Arkansas General Assembly added Mitragyna speciosa to Schedule I in 2016, prohibiting its sale, possession, or use. Local enforcement agencies, including the Arkansas State Police and county prosecutors, actively monitor compliance, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felony charges for repeat offenses.
Key Regulations for Kratom in Arkansas
- Schedule I Classification: Kratom is listed alongside heroin and LSD, making possession a felony punishable by up to 6 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
- Retail Ban: Any business selling kratom faces immediate shutdown orders and asset forfeiture under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: Pending legislative proposals aim to reclassify kratom as a Schedule III substance, but no changes have been enacted yet. Businesses should monitor Arkansas Legislative Council updates.
The Arkansas Department of Health enforces these restrictions, collaborating with the Arkansas Crime Information Center to track illicit sales. Travelers should note that even possession for personal use triggers criminal liability, as courts have upheld strict interpretation of the statute. No municipal exceptions exist; Little Rock, Fayetteville, and other cities uniformly enforce state-level prohibitions.