About Us

Who Are We?

The AKA is comprised of Kava growers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers who advocate for the safe and responsible distribution of kava in the United States.

The 3,000 year old traditional Polynesian medicinal root, Kava, has experienced a tremendous resurgence in the United States in recent years. With this resurgence, the need for a Kava-centric regulating body has arisen to oversee the responsible and sustainable cultivation, manufacture, and distribution of Kava to ultimately ensure its long-term availability in the US market, free from the threat of legislation which would devastate the Kava Market both domestically and abroad.

We are particularly concerned with the manner in which Kava is being imported, processed and marketed. Many smaller vendors are not FDA compliant and market kava with non-compliant health claims. These existing establishments and all future establishments are encouraged to adhere to a minimum set of standards, such that Kava is presented in a positive light thereby preserving its regulatory-free distribution status. An industry that polices itself is far less likely to suffer regulatory consequences over one that is like the wild west when it comes to standards.

What Do We Do?

  • Set MINIMUM quality control standards for the distribution of Kava in North America through lab testing and responsible marketing bylaws.
  • Issue memberships and certifications to wholesalers, retailers and consumers and provide incentives for each group to support responsible Kava businesses.
  • Provide regulatory advice to retailers, bars, and suppliers to help them understand and mitigate risk.
  • Preemptively publish positive press on Kava and establishments that serve it responsibly
  • Educate consumers about Kava and dispel myths about it.
  • Work hand-in-hand with trade organizations as well as regulatory agencies at the local, state, and federal level to protect Kava from unreasonable government regulations, as well as unscrupulous companies who pose a threat to the Kava industry.
  • Combat any negative press that Kava may get – Mostly from irresponsible establishments.
  • Direct consumers to responsible, Association approved Kava establishments and be a watchdog for irresponsible ones.

©2024 American Kava Association

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