Can You Drive on Kratom?

Operating a vehicle under the herb’s influence is controversial, as its legality varies from one region to another. While some people use kratom to improve their energy for truck driving and other strenuous activities in certain states, it’s unlawful in others.
 
Before doing anything, educate yourself about the plant’s effects and legality. Is it safe to drive after taking kratom? Can you get a DUI for driving under the influence of the herb?

What is kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree originating from Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian nations. The evergreen crop is also native to Papua New Guinea, an island in Oceania. Its street names include thang, biak, thom, and kakuam.

Although the plant consists of various strains, they all contain alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. People believe these compounds have analgesic, antipsychotic, and other holistic properties.

The specific effect of the plant on the body depends on the amount used. While consuming a small kratom dose could boost physical energy and alertness, a large amount of the herb may cause sedation.

Anecdotal evidence implies kratom leaves and other extracts have various medicinal and recreational purposes. People use them to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, cough, and other mental and physical conditions.

The plant’s potential benefits encourage many individuals to rely on it. In Southeast Asia and other regions, people often overindulge in kratom, as there’s no proven method to determine the correct quantity to use.

Users consume the herb in different ways, such as chewing raw leaves, swallowing capsules, brewing tea, and smoking it. Regardless of the means of using it, the effects usually remain the same.

Despite the plant’s suggested benefits, there are insufficient scientific findings to support these claims. Some studies state that the adverse effects of kratom outweigh its potential advantages, whereas others insist the herb may solve many health issues.

Is it safe to drive on kratom?

Can you drive on kratom? This controversial question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. Though some people may feel great and safe operating a vehicle after taking the herb, the experience may not be the same for others.

Kratom supplements have varying effects on individuals. Two people may consume the same amount and have different encounters.

Some drivers claim kratom helps them stay alert and focused behind the wheel. Others note the herb impairs their ability to drive. It’s challenging to state the specific impact of the plant on individuals.

The following factors affect the safety of consuming kratom and driving:

• The strain used
• The peak of its effects
• The duration of its effects
• How your body reacts to it
• The dose consumed
• Other substances used with kratom at the same time
• The frequency of using the herb

Taking certain strains in higher dosages may interfere with your cognitive process and reaction time. You may also experience blurry vision, making it difficult to control a vehicle. Consuming a smaller amount of the plant could prevent these problems.

Considering the potential side effects of kratom powder, prioritize your safety when driving. Determine how your body reacts to the herb before taking control of the steering wheel.

Driving on kratom: Is it legal?

According to the US government, kratom isn’t a banned substance, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate it. In 2019, it noted that it’s unclear if the herb can treat any health conditions.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also considers the herb a “drug of concern”. This classification further casts doubt on kratom’s safety.

Despite these debates, no federal agency oversees the plant’s use and possession. Since the herb isn’t a controlled substance, no specific driving rule prohibits its consumption when operating a vehicle. Each state is free to make its own rules about the herb.

Kratom is legal in most states, except Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Some regions permit Mitragyna speciosa but regulate its use and possession.

Regardless of its status in many regions, kratom legality in the USA is still debatable. Do you live in any of the six states where the plant is prohibited? If yes, law enforcement officers can arrest you for owning or using it, whether you’re driving or not.

Even in places where it’s legal, driving under the influence of kratom is a gray area. For instance, the plant is permitted in California but banned in the city of San Diego.

The same condition applies to Denver (Colorado), Jerseyville (Illinois), Union County (Mississippi), and Sarasota County (Florida). The minimum legal age for using the herb also differs in various places.

The legality of driving on kratom remains an issue in many states. Keep yourself abreast of the constitutional status of the herb in your location before using it.

Can you get a DUI while driving on kratom?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is an offense that occurs when you operate a vehicle after taking a substance that may intoxicate you and affect your judgment.

Getting a DUI for maneuvering a vehicle on kratom is a challenging subject. Since no law bans the use of the herb when driving, people argue it’s okay to control a vehicle under the plant’s influence. Let’s explain some vital points.

Can law enforcement agents know you’re under the influence of kratom?

Before arresting anyone for DUI, the police have to confirm their suspicion by conducting a case-specific drug test, including:

• Blood test
• Urine test
• Mouth swab
• Breath test
• Saliva test

Currently, none of these typical drug tests can detect kratom, and the police can’t determine the quantity of the plant in your system. Unless you react negatively to the herb, it’s often difficult for law enforcement officers to know you’re under its influence.

Can you get a DUI on kratom even if the test results are negative? Without detecting any banned or regulated substance in your body, the police can still charge and arrest you.

Regardless of the level of intoxication, kratom may affect your ability to control a car. You may drive recklessly after taking the herb, making it obvious you’re under the influence of something.

A law enforcement agent can use their discretion to suspect that you’re operating an automobile under the influence of a substance. If a police officer arrests you for unsafe driving, you may get a DUI.

Since your test result will likely come out negative, there may not be enough evidence for a DUI case. You may still face a charge if the law enforcement officers provide physical proof of your dangerous driving.

Another factor that could affect your DUI case is using other banned or controlled substances along with kratom. In this case, you may have to deal with the full force of the law if convicted.

What are the penalties for driving on kratom?

There’s no unique rule for punishing people who drive after taking kratom caps or powder, even in states where it’s banned. The consequences of the offense depend on the DUI penalties in the area.

Even though the sentence for a DUI varies in different states, it usually comes in the form of a fine or jail term. The number of convictions may also affect the penalty. A first-time offender will likely receive a more lenient judgment than a four-time one.

The recklessness of your driving may also impact the punishment. You could get a stiffer sentence if the incident leads to the destruction of property or a threat to anyone’s life.

It’s possible to drive on kratom and receive no charges. The police may not suspect anything if the herb doesn’t disrupt your ability to control a vehicle safely.

Final notice

Kratom has several properties that could be beneficial to humans. Although the plant’s effects vary, they range between uplifting and sedating.

Driving under the influence of kratom may affect your awareness, making you reckless and potentially harmful to yourself and other road users. The police could charge you with a DUI if they suspect you of being intoxicated.

Understand how kratom supplements affect your body before driving under their influence. Always take a responsible dose of the herb, even if it doesn’t harm your safety as a driver.