For centuries, the Kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa) has been cherished for its potential in supporting physical and emotional well-being. Native communities in Southeast Asia have long used Kratom powder to promote energy, comfort, and daily balance, and now, that same tradition is spreading rapidly across the U.S.
With increased popularity comes increased scrutiny. In the last decade, buying Kratom online has faced a surge of misinformation, stigma, and political controversy. While millions of Americans use it to improve their quality of life, opponents have pushed for bans, regulations, and restrictions that don’t reflect the science or lived experience of users.
That’s where the American Kratom Association (AKA) comes in – a nonprofit Kratom advocacy group that:
- Supports Kratom legality.
- Provides direction for Kratom legislation support.
- Sets high cGMP standards for Kratom production for the safety of Kratom products.
- It is an essential hub for American Kratom advocacy.
In short, the AKA is dedicated to protecting access, promoting safety, and fighting for the rights of consumers like you.
What Is the American Kratom Association?
Founded in 2014, the American Kratom Association is a consumer-focused nonprofit advocacy organization committed to protecting the rights of Kratom users in the United States. Their mission is to ensure safe, legal access to Kratom by promoting transparency, science-based policy, and public education.
The AKA represents more than 15 million Kratom consumers and supports state and federal legislation that safeguards responsible access and use of Kratom. Whether you’re brand new to Kratom or a long-time supporter, their work affects how Kratom is perceived, accessed, and protected across the country.
You can join the AKA and be part of the movement to protect Kratom access and keep manufacturing standards high.
Leadership and Structure
The AKA is governed by a Board of Directors and supported by scientists, legal experts, and passionate volunteers. Key leaders in the world of Kratom include:
- Rep. Matt Salmon (Chairman): After serving five terms representing Arizona’s 5th District, Matt Salmon joined the AKA as Board Chairman. He’s best known for leading the successful 2016 opposition to the FDA’s recommendation to schedule Kratom as a controlled substance, which would have banned Kratom nationwide. Salmon’s efforts persuaded the DEA to withdraw its Federal Register Notice and secured a major victory for Kratom advocates.
- Dave Herman: A key figure in the American Kratom Association’s leadership and advocacy history. In November 2018, under his guidance, the AKA launched its Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Standards Program.
- Chris Bake: A former marketing executive for CSB Marketing and Management Corporation, Bake has spent the past 15 years involved in Kratom-related fundraising, partnership development, and creative solutions tailored to supporting the Kratom community.
- Peter Candland & Ryan Burroughs: Peter Candland served as Executive Director of the AKA until 2020, and Ryan Burroughs took over in 2022. As Executive Director, Burroughs oversaw daily operations and contributed to strategic planning. As of 2025, it is unclear whether he still holds the position.
- Mac Haddow: Serves as the Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the American Kratom Association (AKA). With a background in public policy, Haddow has been instrumental in the AKA’s efforts to advocate for Kratom’s legal status and promote responsible regulation. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). Haddow’s expertise and dedication have been crucial in advancing the AKA’s mission to ensure safe and legal access to Kratom.
The AKA also works closely with state representatives who coordinate legislative advocacy at the local level, ensuring that Kratom regulations reflect both consumer safety and scientific evidence. This approach is most visible in the ongoing promotion and adoption of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).
What the AKA Stands For
The American Kratom Association stands on three pillars:
- Consumer Freedom: Defending the right of individuals to make informed choices about their health and wellness.
- Product Safety: Promoting industry standards for Kratom suppliers on manufacturing, labeling, and lab testing through its Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) quality standards program.
- Education and Transparency: Fighting misinformation and increasing public awareness about Kratom’s role in health and wellness.
The AKA is a leading Kratom advocacy organization that combines personal stories, scientific data, and legal strategy to make real change.
Looking for regular Kratom? Kratom gummies or Kratom shots? High-quality Kratom you can trust? Kats Botanicals is proud to one of the reputable Kratom suppliers endorsed by the AKA! See what Kratom offers here at Kats!
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) and the AKA
One of the American Kratom Association’s most impactful initiatives is the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), a model legislative framework designed to regulate Kratom responsibly while preserving consumers’ legal access to Kratom products. This dynamic legislation sets legal Kratom standards, which many states are choosing to implement:
- Establish age restrictions for purchasing Kratom.
- Require product labeling with alkaloid content and country of origin.
- Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-level production standards.
- Protect consumers from contaminated, adulterated, or mislabeled products.
The KCPA, developed and championed by the AKA, has already passed in several U.S. states, including Utah, Georgia, and Oregon. Other states like Mississippi, Nevada, and Colorado have passed related legislation or bills influenced by the KCPA framework. Other states are actively considering similar bills, thanks to ongoing efforts by this Kratom advocacy organization.
By advocating for structured, science-backed regulation, the AKA offers lawmakers a better alternative to a full ban on Kratom, one that ensures product safety without limiting personal freedom. Their work continues to set the standard for how Kratom can be legally and safely sold in the U.S.
Did you know? In the US, some states are cracking down on specific Kratom alkaloids, synthetic compounds, or the use of Kratom extracts. Learn more about Kratom powder vs Kratom extracts.
How the AKA Fights Kratom Bans
The legal status of Kratom is constantly evolving. At any given time, multiple states may introduce legislation that threatens to ban or restrict access to the plant, often without consulting scientific data or consumer voices.
For example, as of 2025, North Carolina’s House Bill 328, titled Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables, is awaiting Governor Josh Stein’s signature and will classify Kratom as a Schedule VI controlled substance effective December 1, 2025. This law will ban the sale, distribution, and possession of Kratom in the state, placing it alongside marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids. The change poses significant legal and market impacts for Kratom consumers and vendors in North Carolina.
The American Kratom Association actively monitors these developments through its AKA Kratom Legality Tracker and takes swift action to counter misinformation and bad policy. Their efforts include:
- Notifying supporters of pending Kratom-related bills.
- Mobilizing grassroots advocacy to contact local lawmakers.
- Providing science-backed testimony at legislative hearings.
- Building strategic partnerships with researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient rights groups.
This proactive approach has led to meaningful victories. The AKA played a central role in reversing the DEA’s 2016 attempt to classify Kratom as a Schedule I substance, a move that would have effectively banned it nationwide. Today, they continue to block or reshape legislation in states like Arkansas, Mississippi, and Indiana, helping protect legal access where it’s most threatened.
Did you know? Kratom user testimonials help! Here’s a user testimonial from 2016 that highlights the personal impact of Kratom and the community’s response to the proposed DEA ban: Jessica M., shared,
“I rely on Kratom as part of my daily routine and appreciate its role in my well-being. Losing legal access would take away a personal freedom and a choice that matters to me.”
Her story was one among many that fueled grassroots mobilization to oppose the ban and protect consumer rights.
This testimony underscores the significant role Kratom played in many individuals’ lives and the strong opposition to the proposed ban. And it worked. The ban attempt was defeated in 2016. But in 2025, there’s still more work to be done to ensure you have access to legal Kratom.
AKA Resources and Tools for Consumers
One of the most valuable services the American Kratom Association provides is public access to tools and resources that support safe use, consumer protection, and informed advocacy:
- Kratom legality maps showing up-to-date legal status by state.
- Lab testing guidance for ensuring clean, unadulterated products and avoiding mislabeled or unsafe items.
- A list of GMP-certified vendors, including Kats Botanicals, that meet strict, high standards in quality and transparency, including third-party lab testing on all Kratom products, like powders, capsules, and liquid Kratom.
These tools help users navigate legal gray areas, understand their rights, and choose Kratom vendors that prioritize safety and compliance. Whether you’re new to Kratom or a long-time supporter, the AKA’s resources make it easier to stay informed, stay safe, and stand up for continued access.
See Kats Botanicals’ customer online Kratom reviews.
How to Support or Get Involved with the AKA
The AKA is a dedicated Kratom education nonprofit that relies on support from everyday consumers, advocates, and wellness professionals. Whether you’re passionate about protecting Kratom access or simply want to stay informed, there are multiple ways to get involved:
- Donate directly to support their advocacy, education, and legal efforts through the AKA official site for Kratom news.
- Volunteer your time to assist with outreach, public testimony, lobbying, or awareness campaigns.
- Share updates, sign petitions, and educate your local community about safe Kratom use and current legal developments.
Want to keep Kratom legal? Advocacy starts with awareness, and even small actions can help protect Kratom rights on a national scale. The AKA makes it easy to participate in the movement, whether you contribute financially or use your voice to build support.
FAQs About the American Kratom Association
No. The AKA is a nonprofit Kratom advocacy group. It operates independently of government oversight but collaborates with legislators, public health officials, and regulatory agencies to support well-informed, balanced Kratom policy.
The AKA works on multiple fronts to shape legislation. They provide lawmakers with peer-reviewed research, organize testimony from medical experts and consumers, and propose model bills like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act that emphasize safety and access.
Both. While the AKA advocates primarily on behalf of Kratom consumers, they also support responsible vendors through the GMP Standards Program, which outlines best practices for product safety and transparency. Many top sellers, including Kats Botanicals, actively participate in the program and meet or exceed these quality benchmarks.
Final Thoughts: Why the AKA Is Important for the Future of Kratom
The American Kratom Association is more than a watchdog. It’s the reason Kratom legality updates, science-based education, and consumer protections exist in a coordinated, unified way.
Their efforts provide clarity in a space that’s often clouded by misinformation and legal ambiguity. Without the AKA, Kratom legislation would be far less transparent, and consumers would lack the resources and organization needed to defend their rights and access to quality Kratom.
From championing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act to equipping individuals with the tools to fight unjust bans, the AKA is a vital force behind a safer, more informed future for Kratom.
Visit americanKratom.org to explore their work, or check out our Kratom legality guide to understand where Kratom stands in your state and how you can stay involved.
