15 Plants Deemed Illegal to Own or Sell in the US

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Plants have always been a source of beauty, nourishment, and medicine. However, some plants can be harmful or deadly if consumed or touched. As such, the United States has laws to regulate the ownership and sale of certain types of plants.

Here are 15 plants that are deemed illegal to own or sell in the US.

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

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Peyote is a small, spineless cactus which can be found in the wild in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It contains hallucinogenic and/or psychoactive compounds (most notably the phenethylamine mescaline) Peyote is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States because it can be abused and addicting.

Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

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Opium poppies are known for their beautiful flowers but also contain opium, a highly addictive substance. The production, sale, and possession of opium poppies are strictly prohibited in the US. These plants are closely monitored and regulated due to their potential for abuse and illegal drug production.

Marijuana (Cannabis spp.)

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Despite the growing acceptance of marijuana for medical and recreational use in some states, it is still considered an illegal plant on a federal level. The possession, sale, or cultivation of marijuana without proper licenses is punishable by law.

Coca Plant (Erythroxylum coca)

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Cocaine, an addictive stimulant that the coca plant in the Andes region of South America produces. Although chewing coca leaves is a long-established tradition for indigenous peoples in South America, its active compounds — leaves and the refined form, cocaine — are classified as Schedule II controlled substances in the US and is illegal, according to the US Customs and Border Protection.

Salvia divinorum

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Native to southern Mexico, salvia divinorum is a plant with psychoactive properties. It can cause intense hallucinations and altered states of consciousness when consumed. Due to its potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use, it is illegal to possess or sell in many states in the US.

Khat (Catha edulis)

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Khat is a shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its leaves contain a stimulant called cathinone, which is similar in structure and effects to amphetamines. Khat is illegal in the US due to its potential for abuse and addiction.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

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Mitragyna speciosa (common name: Kratom) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain substances that can have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects. It is a natural herb with distinctive qualities and has been used traditionally for stimulant effects and also as an analgesic. It also leads to addiction among various side effects. Some US states ban the sale and possession of kratom.

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

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Also known as devil’s snare, jimsonweed contains alkaloids that can cause delirium and hallucinations when ingested. It is considered a poisonous plant and prohibited from being sold or possessed in some states of the US.

Wild Sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum)

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Wild sugarcane, also known as giant reed or elephant grass, is a tall perennial grass native to Africa and Asia. It has been considered an invasive plant in the US, and cultivation and sale are prohibited due to its potential to displace native plants and damage the environment.

Kudzu (Pueraria Montana)

Kudzu is a climbing vine native to Asia that has become an invasive species in the US. It can quickly overtake and smother other plants and harm ecosystems. According to the Library of Congress, kudzu sale, possession, and cultivation are illegal in some U.S states.

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Purple loosestrife is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced as an ornamental plant in the US. It has spread rapidly and outcompeted native plants, causing significant damage to wetland ecosystems. As such, it is illegal to sell or possess purple loosestrife in most states in the US.

Yellow Iris (Pseudacorus)

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Yellow iris, also known as yellow flag, is a wetland plant in many parts of America. However, it is considered an invasive species that has harmed native plants and wildlife. In some states, it is illegal to cultivate or sell yellow iris.

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Giant hogweed is a large flowering plant originally from Asia that was introduced as an ornamental plant in the US. Its toxic sap can cause severe burns and blisters on the skin upon contact. Due to its potential harm, possessing or selling giant hogweed in the US is illegal.

Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

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Water hyacinth is a floating aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin. However, it has become an invasive species in many states in the US, harming waterways and ecosystems. Its sale and possession are prohibited in some states.

Giant Reed (Arundo donax)

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Giant reed, also known as Spanish cane, is a tall perennial grass native to the Mediterranean region. According to the Global Invasive Species Database, giant reed was introduced as an ornamental plant and can harm ecosystems by outcompeting native plants. Its cultivation and sale are banned in some states.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.