Is kratom legal in Rhode Island?
Direct answer
Kratom is a Schedule I controlled substance in Rhode Island. Possession and sale are illegal.
Status
Illegal
Age requirement
No state rule
KCPA status
No KCPA
Last reviewed
2026-04-19
Penalties
Possession
Schedule I controlled substance — possession can carry up to 3 years prison and $5,000 fine for a first offense. Small-quantity diversion may be available.
Sale / distribution
Schedule I distribution — up to 30 years prison and significant fines for manufacturing or distribution.
How Rhode Island got here
Rhode Island added mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine to its Schedule I in 2017 through an administrative scheduling order by the Department of Health. The order was challenged by consumer advocates but upheld. Unlike Alabama and Arkansas, RI's action came via regulatory action rather than legislation, which means de-scheduling requires an agency decision rather than a legislative repeal — generally a higher bar.
What you can do
Do not purchase, possess, or have kratom shipped into Rhode Island.
Pending legislation
Active bills
No active rulemaking to unschedule as of April 2026. The AKA has petitioned the Department of Health twice; both petitions were denied.
Traveling through Rhode Island
I-95 and I-195 cross RI. Very short state crossing (~30 miles on I-95) but possession during transit is still an offense.
Enforcement patterns
Relatively low-profile enforcement compared to AL or IN. Primary enforcement vector has been Providence-area smoke-shop inspections.
Frequently asked — Rhode Island
Can neighboring Massachusetts vendors ship to RI? +
Legitimate MA vendors will decline RI shipments. Shipping to a banned state is a federal-state conflict that reputable brands avoid entirely.
Neighboring states
Related
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