I mean nothing is stopping you from using it. Just like if Bitcoin was banned somewhere and you still used it.

It's FOSS and you can do with it what you please. There isn't a license requirement built in, not like it checks or anything. But legally yes, you would be required to have a license.

There are some Lora TNC modems that use KISS protocol I think. Perhaps it could be forked to run with those. Not sure. They don't require a license in the US. But range is much less.

I am more interested in the long range abilities, personally

Hope that helps.