Kratom in South America: Legal Status, Cultivation and Growing Popularity

Kratom in South America

Last Updated on January 29, 2025

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained significant attention in North America and Europe. However, its status in South America remains relatively underexplored. While some countries permit its use and cultivation, others have imposed strict bans, classifying it as a controlled substance.

This guide explores the legal landscape, cultivation potential and market presence of kratom in South America, with updates on Argentina’s recent ban and the growing awareness of the herb across the region.

Is Kratom Legal in South America?

The legality of kratom in South America varies significantly. Some countries have embraced it as a natural botanical, while others have classified it as a controlled substance due to its psychoactive alkaloids.

Here’s a breakdown of the legal status of kratom in South America (as of November 2023):

CountryLegal StatusDetails
ArgentinaIllegalIn 2023, Argentina officially banned kratom, classifying it as a controlled substance under Decree 69/2017. Importing, selling, or possessing kratom is now a punishable offense.
ChileIllegalChile banned kratom in 2021, listing it as a psychoactive substance alongside synthetic drugs.
BrazilLegalKratom is legal in Brazil. The country’s humid, tropical climate makes it ideal for kratom cultivation, and local farmers have started to grow it for export.
ParaguayLegalKratom remains legal, but awareness is low, and availability is limited.
UruguayLegalKratom is legal, but its use is uncommon. No official government stance exists.
PeruLegalKratom remains unregulated, with minimal availability.
ColombiaLegalKratom is not a controlled substance, though it remains a niche market.
EcuadorLegalKratom is legal, but not widely available.
VenezuelaLegalNo known restrictions, but market presence is limited.

Takeaway: Argentina and Chile are currently the only two South American countries where kratom is explicitly banned. Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay remain key markets where the herb is gaining traction.

Argentina’s 2023 Kratom Ban: What Led to It?

In March 2023, the Argentine Ministry of Health officially banned kratom, citing concerns over its opioid-like effects and potential for misuse. The decision followed recommendations from Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT), which classified kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance.

This move aligns with Argentina’s broader crackdown on unregulated herbal substances, following similar bans on kava and kanna.

The ban has sparked mixed reactions:

  • Medical professionals cite concerns over kratom’s unregulated status.
  • Kratom advocates argue the decision was rushed and lacked proper scientific research.

Will the Ban Be Reversed?
There’s currently no movement toward re-legalization, but activists and researchers continue to push for more scientific studies to challenge the ban.

Growing Kratom in South America

Although kratom is native to Southeast Asia, South America’s tropical rainforests offer an ideal environment for cultivation. Brazil, Colombia and Peru have climates similar to kratom-growing regions like Thailand and Indonesia, making them prime locations for future kratom farms.

How Kratom Thrives in South America

  • High Humidity & Rainfall: Essential for kratom’s growth cycle.
  • Nutrient-Rich Soil: Helps trees produce alkaloid-rich leaves.
  • Warm Temperatures Year-Round: Prevents frost damage and supports year-round harvesting.

Brazil has taken the lead in South American kratom farming. Small-scale farmers have begun cultivating kratom near riverbanks, which provides natural irrigation and reduces soil erosion. Unlike palm oil plantations, which cause deforestation, kratom trees support ecological balance by stabilizing soil.

Potential for Sustainable Kratom Farming
Experts predict that South American kratom farms could reduce dependency on Southeast Asian imports, creating a new industry for local farmers.

Where to Buy Kratom in South America?

While kratom is not widely available in retail stores, online purchases remain the best option for users in South America.

Countries Where You Can Find Kratom in Stores

  • Brazil: Smoke shops, health stores, and some gas stations stock kratom.
  • Paraguay: Limited availability in select herbal stores.
  • Uruguay & Peru: Found in alternative medicine shops.

Buying Online
For those in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela, the best way to access kratom is through international online vendors like My Kratom Club that ship to South America. However, import regulations vary, so always check local customs policies before ordering.

Challenges and Future of Kratom in South America

While kratom’s presence is growing, several challenges remain:

  • Lack of Public Awareness: Most people in South America don’t know what kratom is.
  • Limited Research: Scientific studies on kratom’s effects in South America are scarce.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty: Some countries may follow Argentina’s lead in banning kratom.

However, advocacy groups and kratom research initiatives are working to educate policymakers and prevent further bans.

Key Takeaways for the Future:

  • More education is needed to raise awareness about kratom’s benefits and risks.
  • Scientific studies could influence legal changes in countries like Argentina.
  • Brazil’s growing kratom farms may turn South America into a new production hub.

Conclusion: The Future of Kratom in South America

aerial photography of city building near the seashore during daytime.

Kratom’s legal and commercial landscape in South America is still evolving. While Argentina and Chile have moved to ban the herb, Brazil and other nations continue to embrace it.

As scientific research progresses and demand grows, South America could become a major player in kratom production, reducing reliance on Southeast Asian imports.

For now, users must stay informed about changing laws and purchase from reputable sources to ensure quality and legal compliance.

Are You Looking for High-Quality Kratom?

At My Kratom Club, we provide lab-tested, high-quality kratom to ensure safety and potency. Check out our latest kratom selection and find the right strain for your needs!

2 Responses

  1. I’m Brazilian and I’ve never seen a physical shop that sells Kratom, while it’s not illegal, it’s kind of on a grey area of law, so you can find sellers online but i’ve never found it selling anywhere besides online.

    1. Hi Samuel,

      Thank you for taking the time to leave your thoughts and feedback.

      We do now ship to South America.

      As far as kratom in your local area it might be hard to find. IN the USA you are able to locate kratom at your local cultural goods shop.

      If you would like to learn about how to buy kratom locally in the USA if/when you visit please check out our article HERE.

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