Kratom is a unique herbal substance that sits somewhere between coffee and opiates on the effects spectrum. If that sounds like a wide range, it is, and that's part of what makes kratom so fascinating.
This complexity also means that kratom remains largely unregulated in the United States, making it tricky to navigate the legal and safety aspects when purchasing it. That's why we've created this guide on how to buy kratom safely and legally.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What kratom is and its effects
- Where kratom is legal
- What to look for in kratom products
- How to use kratom safely
- Where to buy quality kratom
Let's dive in and explore everything you need to know to make informed decisions about kratom.
What is Kratom?
We mentioned that kratom spans the wide range between coffee and opiates. But what does that actually mean?
Kratom is an herbal substance that comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia, which happens to be in the same family as the coffee plant. The leaves of the kratom tree can be chewed, brewed into tea, or made into powders or tablets.
In Thailand and nearby countries, kratom is a part of daily life for many, much like coffee in the United States. It's used to provide energy for manual laborers and is also enjoyed socially in tea shops, similar to American cafes.
At lower doses, kratom acts as a mild stimulant, comparable to coffee. However, at higher doses, it can have much stronger effects. Kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, leading to powerful pain relief, sedation, and even euphoria.
One of the most common uses of kratom is to help with opioid withdrawal. It's also valued as a safer and more accessible pain reliever compared to opioids. In some studies, kratom has been shown to be even more potent than morphine. Yet, unlike opioids, kratom doesn't seem to carry the risk of respiratory depression, which can be a fatal complication of opioid use.
While kratom, like coffee and opiates, can be addictive, the withdrawal effects are generally considered to be milder than those of opioid withdrawal.
Is Kratom Legal to Buy in the US?
So, we have a substance that's a lot like coffee but also quite similar to opioids. How does the government view such a unique substance? Is it legal or not?
There’s definitely been some heated debate, but for now, kratom is legal in most US states. In 2016, it was briefly classified as an emergency Schedule I substance, which would have meant that the government viewed it as having no medical use and a high potential for abuse. For perspective, other Schedule I drugs include heroin, marijuana, and LSD.
However, there was so much public and academic pushback against the emergency ban that it was quickly revoked.
Kratom is legal in most of the US, with only a few exceptions. This means it's readily available and can be a lifesaver for people dealing with chronic pain. However, the lack of regulation makes it crucial to do your research and buy from a reliable supplier. Always check if kratom is legal in your state and locality before purchasing. Even if it's legal in your state, your city might have additional regulations (for instance, kratom is legal in California but illegal in San Diego).
What to Look for When Buying Kratom
Part of the debate around kratom's legal status stems from the fact that there's still limited research on it. Although it has a long history of use in the East, we lack comprehensive scientific knowledge about it in the West.
Here are a few factors to consider when buying kratom:
Strain – Different strains of kratom can have slightly different effects. If you’re familiar with cannabis, you know how strain variations work. For a strong pain-relieving effect, the red vein variety from Bali might be the best choice. If you're looking for stimulant and mood-lifting effects, the white and green vein varieties from Malaysia are better suited. The white vein is reported to be the most energizing strain.
Dosage – While more research is needed to confirm the dose-dependent effects of kratom, dosing seems to play a significant role. For a stimulant effect, stick to lower doses. Higher doses are more likely to produce sedative and pain-relieving effects. A reliable supplier should be able to provide a dosage guide.
Delivery method – Kratom can be consumed in various forms. In Southeast Asia, users traditionally chew the leaves or boil them into tea. In the West, kratom is more often available in powdered or tablet form, which might contribute to the higher incidence of severe side effects here. While chewing kratom leaves might not be practical, finding a trusted supplier and communicating with them about appropriate usage is essential.
By considering these factors, you can make more informed decisions and ensure a safer kratom experience.
How to Be Safe With Kratom
As we’ve mentioned, the lack of regulation around kratom is a mixed blessing. On one hand, it allows easy access to a potentially life-changing substance. On the other hand, it means users need to be extra cautious about their safety.
Besides its addictive properties, kratom is generally considered to have a good safety profile. The main safety concern is drug interactions.
Here are some precautions to help you avoid dangerous interactions with kratom:
- Avoid taking kratom with other substances.
- Buy kratom from a reliable supplier who can verify the purity of the product.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of kratom while staying safe.
Where You Can Buy Kratom
Thanks to the relaxed legal regulations around kratom, you can easily purchase it online in most states. However, it's important to consider the cultural differences in kratom use between the West and Southeast Asia.
In Southeast Asia, kratom use is part of a long tradition, and people have a cultural understanding of best practices. In the United States, without this cultural context, there is a higher incidence of severe side effects and fatalities from kratom use.
One way to bridge this gap is through education and clear communication between suppliers and consumers.
At Gold Dragon Kratom, we're proud to offer kratom products from a hand-picked list of trusted, dependable brands. We're also available for free consultations to help ensure your safe use of kratom products. If you have any questions about kratom or any of our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
