To listen to the companies that manufacture it, you would think that kratom is some wonder drug meant to cure all ills. To be sure, there do appear to be legitimate medicinal uses for the drug.
However, that hardly indicates that it is harmless to all users. But putting aside the potential dangers of ingesting the powdered leaves of this plant that’s indigenous to Southeast Asia, what do the laws of our state have to say about kratom usage?
Kratom in South Carolina
Under current state and federal laws, kratom usage and possession is legal here in South Carolina. But that is far from saying that using kratom couldn’t still cause you legal difficulties. Using any substances, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like antihistamines and cough syrup, that impair the user can get you into trouble if you get into a car wreck.
For instance, some people use kratom as an alternative to opioid drugs to control pain. When your bum knee or aching back respond to the alkaloids in the crushed leaves that act on your central nervous system’s opiate receptors, the subsequent release of endorphins and enkephalins can bring a welcome numbness.
But that same numbness can also be accompanied by opiate-like side effects that can cause drivers’ reactions to slow. That means that you could potentially face an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) even though you consumed no alcohol or took any illegal drugs.
Underage sale or possession of kratom
There is no pending legislative action on kratom here in our state. However, just across the North Carolina state line, underage users in possession of the drug could run into considerable legal woes. Our northern neighbor restricted the use of kratom to those 18 and older. That’s something to keep in mind for teen users who may be traveling with their legally purchased supply.
It should be noted that our nation’s drug laws are in a state of flux regarding kratom and other drugs like marijuana. If you do use kratom, it is wise to remain abreast of any upcoming changes that could affect you. If you wind up charged with any drug violation, get ahead of the situation as much as possible by launching an aggressive defense to your charges.
