According to the law, can you drive on kratom? Is this herbal supplement a safe on-the-road booster or a one-way ticket to a DUI?
Kratom is gaining popularity in the US. It’s a recreational substance with reported therapeutic benefits, and as such, is becoming a part of many people’s daily lives.
A person may take strong Bali pills without contaminants to energize, relax, or manage pain. They generally remain functional enough to perform tasks at home or work while under the influence. What if they need to drive?
This decision shouldn’t lead to legal penalties, but the situation isn’t clear-cut. Let’s explore the relationship between kratom and driving and see whether it can lead to a DUI charge.
Can You Drive on Kratom?
Kratom is a herbal supplement from Southeast Asian Mitragyna speciosa tree leaves. It’s available in tea, capsules, and powder form. It gained attention in the West due to its feel-good and potential healing effects.
The specific effects of this herb depend on the amount. Small doses might boost alertness, mood, and physical energy, while larger ones induce peace and sedation. Visit https://www.kratomcountry.com/blog/how-many-grams-of-kratom-in-a-tablespoon to learn about kratom measurements and dosing.
How does kratom pair with driving? Some people claim it helps them maintain a sharp focus on the road, and others find it very disorienting. It’s on you to determine your ability to operate a car under its influence, so be realistic and honest with yourself.
Note: You can drink on kratom but shouldn’t consume alcohol before getting behind the steering wheel. Our tips relate only to scenarios where you’ve taken the herb in isolation.
What Does the Law Say?
Is taking kratom safe from a legal standpoint? The answer is affirmative in most of the country, but not across the board.
Kratom is federally legal in the USA, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate it. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers it a “drug of concern.”
At the moment, no federal agency oversees kratom use or possession. Instead, each state devises its unique legalization. The herb is legal everywhere except Arkansas, Indiana, Alabama, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Rhode Island. Only Utah, Nevada, Georgia, and Arizona regulate it.
If you live in any of the six states where the plant is prohibited, officers can arrest you for owning or using it. The rule applies whether or not you’re driving. Since it’s not a controlled substance in the rest of the US, no laws prevent you from using it while driving.
Based on the wave of cannabis legalization, we expect new kratom laws with time and rising popularity. Since it induces changes in perception, it’ll likely be considered unsafe for the road.
Can You Get a DUI for Kratom?
Driving under the influence (DUI) means operating a vehicle after consuming intoxicating substances that alter your perception, coordination, and judgment. It’s an offense that can lead to monetary fines and jail time.
Numerous substances can lead to DUIs, from illicit drugs to excessive alcohol and over-the-counter meds. Police may perform random spot checks or pull people over for erratic driving, test them, and proceed accordingly.
How would a kratom DUI work, considering the lack of regulation? The herb is not a controlled substance and doesn’t appear on drug tests. Instead of a DUI, police may press reckless driving or endangerment charges if you break traffic laws.
Kratom Testing
Before making a DUI arrest, the police confirm their suspicions by conducting a drug test. They may ask you to blow into a breathalyzer or analyze a sample of your blood, urine, or saliva. At the moment, none of these tests can detect kratom.
What does this mean for people driving on kratom? You’re good to go if you follow traffic laws. You get pulled over, tested, cleared, and sent on your way. The trouble lies in reckless conduct.
Kratom may affect your ability to control a vehicle. It can lead to poor coordination or excessive confidence, making it obvious you’re under the influence of something. Police officers can use their discretion to presume intoxication, arrest you for unsafe driving, and charge you with DUI.
If you caused a crash while on kratom, get a car accident lawyer specializing in DUIs. Should the authorities realize you weren’t sober, they may up your charges regardless of the tests.
Final Takeaways
In the end, can you drive on kratom? It depends on the dose and effects. Consuming the herb won’t get you in trouble, but reckless driving will.
The authorities can and will charge people who put themselves and others in danger while on the road. Prioritize safety and only operate a vehicle if you’re focused and confident. If you’re insecure about your ability to drive, don’t.
Even if you feel steady, avoid intoxicated driving as much as possible. Only do it when necessary, dose yourself responsibly, and shop with reputable retailers for safer, easier dosing.
