Introduction
Albuquerque just banned stores from selling kratom, and a lot of people are confused. Does this mean kratom is now illegal in the city? Can you still order it online? This article explains what’s really going on, why it happened, and what it means for people in New Mexico who use natural kratom. It also clears up how this started because of fake, dangerous versions of kratom called “7-OH” and “7OHM.”

At Bagus Botanicals, we only sell pure, natural kratom. We never use chemicals or synthetic extracts. If you live in Albuquerque, you can still order from us online. We’ll explain how.

Albuquerque New Mexico skyline with headline text Kratom Ban and New Mexico state flag showing question Is Kratom Legal in New Mexico.

1. What Happened in Albuquerque

In October 2025, the City of Albuquerque started banning kratom sales inside city limits. The Environmental Health Department said kratom is “not recognized as safe for human consumption.” Because of that, the city told all local stores to stop selling it.

City inspectors went to over 50 stores and removed more than 5,000 kratom products. They also gave fines to stores that refused to comply, starting at $250 and going up for repeat offenses.

You can read the city’s statement here:
www.cabq.gov/environmentalhealth/news/environmental-health-department-enforces-ban-of-kratom-sales

So what does that mean for you? It means you can’t buy kratom in stores in Albuquerque anymore, but having it in your home or ordering it online is not illegal right now.

2. Why This Happened: The 7-OH and 7OHM Problem

This ban didn’t happen because of natural kratom. It happened because of fake products pretending to be kratom.

A chemical called 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, can be found naturally in kratom leaves in tiny amounts. But some companies started extracting and concentrating it into a powerful drug that acts like an opioid. These products were sold under names like “7OHM” and advertised as kratom, even though they were not natural or safe.

The FDA warned that 7-OH products can be much stronger than morphine and can cause addiction and overdose. The FDA said it plans to regulate and possibly ban those products completely.
www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products

Because of companies that sold this fake version, Albuquerque officials decided to ban all kratom products in stores. Sadly, that includes real kratom too. It’s a classic case of a few bad players ruining things for everyone.

At Bagus Botanicals, we completely support keeping 7-OH and other chemical extracts banned. They are dangerous and have nothing to do with natural kratom. We only sell pure kratom leaf, tested for safety by third-party labs.

3. Is Kratom Legal in New Mexico?

Kratom is still legal in New Mexico. There is no state law against buying, owning, or using kratom. Only Albuquerque has banned it in local stores.

So if you live in Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, or Las Cruces, you can still buy kratom in person. If you live in Albuquerque, you can’t buy it from a local shop, but you can order it online.

A New Mexico law firm confirmed that kratom is legal statewide and not a controlled substance.
www.clarkjonespenningtonlaw.com/blog/2021/05/can-i-be-arrested-for-possession-of-kratom-here-in-new-mexico

So don’t worry. Kratom is still legal to own and use in New Mexico. The city is only banning store sales, not you as a customer.

4. Can You Still Order Kratom Online in Albuquerque?

Yes, you can. The Albuquerque ban only applies to stores that sell kratom inside the city. It does not apply to online stores that ship from outside Albuquerque.

Here’s what to know:

  • You can legally order kratom online and have it shipped to your home in Albuquerque.
  • The safest way is to buy from a company based outside the city.
  • Always order from a vendor that shows lab test results and proof that it sells natural kratom only.
  • Keep your receipts and batch info in case anyone asks about what you bought.

As of now, no one has been punished for ordering kratom online in Albuquerque. The city is focused on local stores, not regular customers.

5. How to Find Quality Kratom (and Why Bagus Is the Best Choice)

Since kratom isn’t regulated like medicine, quality can vary a lot between brands. Some products are great, others are unsafe. Here’s what to look for when buying:

  1. Independent lab testing — make sure every batch is tested for purity and heavy metals.
  2. Transparency — companies should show where their kratom comes from and how it’s processed.
  3. No chemicals or “extracts.”
  4. Consistent quality — clean packaging and clear labeling.
  5. Honest reviews — real customers, not fake posts.

Bagus Botanicals checks every box. We are known as New Mexico’s most trusted kratom brand because we focus on natural quality. Every batch is tested by third-party labs, and we only sell fresh leaf powders and capsules.

Even though the city’s ban stopped us from selling in stores, we still ship everywhere in New Mexico, including Albuquerque. Use code ABQ for 20% off your online order.

6. Kratom Safety Tips

Kratom is a natural plant, but that doesn’t mean you can take as much as you want. Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Start small. Use the lowest dose that works for you.
  • Don’t mix it with alcohol or drugs.
  • Drink water since kratom can be dehydrating.
  • Take breaks. Don’t use it every single day to avoid building tolerance.
  • Avoid extracts or “super kratom.” These are usually fake and unsafe.
  • Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or sick, stop using it and rest.

At Bagus Botanicals, we encourage people to treat kratom with respect. Used responsibly, natural kratom can help with focus, calm, or mood, but abusing it or mixing it with other substances can be harmful.

7. Common Questions About Kratom in Albuquerque

Q: Is it illegal to buy kratom online in Albuquerque?
A: No. The ban is for store sales only. You can still order online from outside the city.

Q: Can I be arrested for having kratom in Albuquerque?
A: No. The city does not punish people for owning or using kratom. The ban is focused on retailers.

Q: Why did Albuquerque ban it?
A: The ban happened because of dangerous fake products called “7-OH” and “7OHM” that caused health problems. Officials banned all kratom to stop those items from spreading.
www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products
www.cabq.gov/environmentalhealth/news/environmental-health-department-enforces-ban-of-kratom-sales

Q: Is kratom legal in the rest of New Mexico?
A: Yes, it’s legal statewide. You can buy and use it anywhere outside Albuquerque.
www.clarkjonespenningtonlaw.com/blog/2021/05/can-i-be-arrested-for-possession-of-kratom-here-in-new-mexico

Q: How fast does Bagus ship to Albuquerque?
A: Usually within a few days. We ship daily and use discreet packaging.

Q: Is there a discount for ABQ customers?
A: Yes. Use code NEWMEXICO for 20% off any order from www.bagusbotanicals.com

Final Thoughts

The Albuquerque ban came from fear of fake, dangerous kratom products made with chemicals, not from natural kratom leaf. Sadly, it means honest stores can’t sell kratom in the city anymore.

The good news is that you can still legally order kratom online. Just choose a trusted brand that cares about safety.

Bagus Botanicals is proud to keep serving New Mexico. We sell only natural, lab-tested kratom sourced directly from Indonesian farms. Our mission is to protect customers by promoting purity, safety, and truth.

If you live in Albuquerque and want safe, natural kratom, visit www.bagusbotanicals.com and use code NEWMEXICO for 20% off your order.