Destination: AKA

Key Takeaways

• The American Kratom Association has played a major role in organizing kratom advocacy in the United States.
• Its work has evolved from public education to a broader focus on consumer protection, responsible regulation, and state-level advocacy.
• Kratom laws continue to change by state, making current legal updates important for shoppers and advocates.
• The Kratom Company supports clear education, transparent testing, and responsible access for adult kratom customers.

The American Kratom Association remains one of the most visible advocacy organizations in the kratom space. This article originally looked at how the AKA’s journey mirrored the rise of kratom awareness in the United States. Today, its work remains closely tied to state-level consumer protection efforts, responsible regulation, and public education around kratom policy.

– How the journey of the American Kratom Association mirrors that of kratom itself

Rep. Matt Salmon

The American Kratom Association was established in 2014. However, it didn’t really emerge as a formidable force until 2016, when the FDA and the DEA attempted to add kratom to their scheduling program and effectively ban it. Ironically, the AKA would have likely remained relatively obscure were it not for the efforts to ban kratom.

In the vacuum of administrative leadership, the AKA emerged and proved to be a unifying force behind the torrent of support for keeping kratom available. Ever since, the organization has grown in visibility as a political and consumer advocacy voice.

The AKA has seen leadership changes that may be indicative of not only the goals of the organization but also the national climate regarding kratom. Dave Herman, who led the AKA from its early years, stepped down as the requirements for the position continued to evolve. This alone provides fascinating insight into the perceived changes to the relative position of kratom in the minds of lawmakers and policy leaders.

Herman had retired from his work in public policy some years earlier. He was able to dedicate himself full-time to a mission more closely aligned with education and policy ideation. This reflects the relative obscurity of kratom before the FDA’s effort to ban it. Kratom was, at that point, still very much a niche botanical product. Herman’s mission reflected that the primary work of the AKA was to inform and educate, bringing kratom out of the dark.

Matt Salmon, who spent five terms as a congressman from Arizona, became Chairman of the Board. His extensive and recent experience in Washington was no coincidence and further illustrated the evolution of not only the AKA but also kratom’s place in the nation’s consciousness. Mr. Salmon brought experience with constituents and lawmakers, something that became especially relevant as the AKA’s mission shifted from simply informing to supporting responsible regulations and laws regarding kratom.

As of 2026, the AKA still lists Matt Salmon as Chairman of the Board, and its public materials continue to emphasize advocacy, science, and consumer rights. That continuity matters because kratom policy remains active at the federal, state, and local levels.

His background in education policy no doubt made him cognizant of the need to dispel ignorance and encourage a factual basis for kratom-related policymaking. The AKA’s emphasis on reaching lawmakers shows that kratom has moved beyond its infancy as a niche product and is now poised to be affected by consequential regulatory motions. The AKA is showing dexterity in its approach to protecting kratom.

As seen in our own interview with Mac Haddow, the AKA has applied significant pressure to legislative bodies, both federal and state, to help protect access to kratom. Welcoming transparency and encouraging reasonable regulations have become important tactics for advocates seeking to help lawmakers better understand kratom consumers, vendors, and product standards.

That work is especially relevant today as more states consider consumer protection laws, age requirements, labeling standards, and product testing expectations. If you are researching current rules, The Kratom Company recommends checking updated kratom legal updates before ordering or traveling with kratom.

Salmon’s connections in Washington helped give credibility to the movement, and the AKA continued to consolidate its gains and elevate its aspirations.

Thanks to the AKA, we've yet to see the gavel.

An examination of the other AKA board members provides further insight. Chris Bake, a board member, is a successful and energetic venture capitalist with extensive business and marketing experience. His placement no doubt helped ensure that the AKA’s public perception and regulatory goals stayed aligned with the needs of kratom consumers and responsible vendors.

The executive director, Peter Candland, is noted for having a working relationship with and knowledge of the IRS. This is indicative of the AKA’s forward-thinking approach to business, as such a relationship pays little dividends now but ultimately may become relevant as kratom becomes a more significant niche of American commerce.

In just six years since its inception, the AKA saw tremendous growth. But when one tracks the explosive evolution of the plant they advocate for, this comes as little surprise. With 2016 as a watershed moment in the history of kratom in America, the stages of the evolution of the plant and all that accompanies it, like its legal status and business considerations, continue to move along a somewhat unprecedented path.

The effectiveness of the AKA cannot be ignored, as the AKA has matched lock-step the changes kratom has seen impressed upon its community.

For today’s kratom shoppers, that advocacy also connects to practical product questions. Responsible vendors should make product details easy to understand, keep testing information available, and communicate clearly about shipping policies. The Kratom Company supports those expectations with current lab test results, a focused selection of kratom powder, kratom capsules, and extract products, plus free shipping over $50.

Perhaps it should come as no surprise that a community fighting for such an important cause attracts good people and has remarkable results.

Why the AKA Matters in 2026

Kratom policy has not stood still since the inception of this market. State legislatures, local governments, regulators, and advocacy groups continue to debate how kratom should be sold, labeled, tested, and regulated. The AKA remains part of that conversation by organizing advocacy efforts, sharing consumer alerts, and encouraging lawmakers to consider regulation over outright prohibition.

That distinction matters. Clear rules can help adult consumers understand what they are buying while also providing responsible vendors with a more consistent framework for product quality and labeling. For readers who want to stay informed, following policy updates is just as important as comparing strains or product formats.

If you are new to kratom, start with education before making a purchase. Learn how laws vary by state, review product testing, and choose a company that communicates clearly. When you are ready to compare products, you can buy kratom from The Kratom Company and explore a limited, easy-to-understand product lineup built around quality and customer support.

—Andrew Whitney

FAQs About the American Kratom Association

What is the American Kratom Association?

The American Kratom Association, often called the AKA, is a kratom advocacy organization that focuses on consumer rights, public education, science, and policy conversations around kratom in the United States.

Why did the AKA become more visible after 2016?

The AKA became more visible after federal agencies considered scheduling kratom in 2016. That moment helped organize consumers, vendors, researchers, and advocates around a shared goal of keeping kratom available while encouraging more informed policy discussions.

How does the AKA support kratom legality?

The AKA supports kratom legality through advocacy, consumer education, policy engagement, and efforts connected to state-level consumer protection laws. Because laws vary by location, readers should always review current state and local rules.

Where can I check kratom laws before ordering?

You can start with The Kratom Company’s kratom legal updates page, then confirm your state and local rules before ordering. The Kratom Company blocks orders to states where kratom is banned.