Is Mitragynine legal in New Zealand?
- Legal status
- Mitragynine, the principal alkaloid of kratom, is controlled together with the plant in New Zealand: Medsafe treats Mitragyna speciosa and mitragynine together as prescription medicines under the Medicines Act 1981, so kratom is lawful only on prescription and may not be used in herbal remedies.
- Consequences if caught
- Selling or supplying a prescription medicine without authority is an offence under the Medicines Act 1981.
- If prescribed or medical
- Lawful only on prescription — Mitragyna speciosa is a prescription medicine and may not be used in herbal remedies.
- Documentation
- Personal import is limited to a prescription-medicine allowance carried with a prescription; kratom may not be sold as a herbal product.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with New Zealand’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →