Supplements & botanicals
Shipping supplements? Some states say no.
Most supplements ship anywhere. The exceptions — kratom, some hemp-derived products, certain novel ingredients — are banned or restricted in a handful of states, and shipping into one of them risks seized parcels, fines, and marketplace payment holds.
The patchwork problem
Kratom is the clearest example: legal federally, banned in six states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin), with additional county-level bans elsewhere. Hemp and CBD rules vary by state and by product form. The list changes as legislatures meet — which is exactly why enforcement belongs in checkout, not in a spreadsheet.
How sellers handle it on Shopify
Tag restricted products (for example kratom), create one rule per restriction set, and let checkout enforce it. With ShipEmbargo the buyer in a blocked state sees your exact message — for instance “Sorry — Kratom Capsules can’t be shipped to Alabama” — instead of a silent failure.
When a state changes its law, you edit the rule once. No theme edits, no rate juggling, no missed orders.
Common questions
Which states ban kratom?
As of mid-2026: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, plus some county bans elsewhere. Laws change — verify before selling.
Can I block just one product instead of a whole category?
Yes. Rules can target a single product, a collection, or a tag.
This guide is general information for merchants, not legal advice. Regulations change — verify current law for your products and destinations.