Speciosa Guide, Author at Speciosa Guide

Kratom Facts: How Does Kratom Work?

April 9, 2021 by Speciosa Guide Leave a Comment

As the popularity of kratom increases, it keeps amassing a controversial reputation. Some swear by it stating that it has saved their lives. Others arduously advocate against it trying to ban it.

One thing is certain – if you know about kratom, you most likely aren’t indifferent to it.

But how is that possible? How does a single plant cause such opposing viewpoints? How does kratom work? Let’s take a look at a few facts on kratom and find out what’s behind this controversy.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa is a plant indigenous to Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea. It’s also from the coffee, Rubiaceae, family.

For centuries, Southeast Asian natives have been chewing its leaves to keep their energy levels high while working in the fields. Or, they have been brewing kratom to manage pain as well as treat a variety of ailments such and coughs, gastric problems, and diarrhea.

Since kratom comes from the coffee family, the latter may not make much sense. Taking coffee to treat diarrhea may not get you very far.

But that’s what makes kratom unique. It’s powerful properties and versatility of use.

Kratom Effects and Benefits

While differences apply when it comes to different kratom veins and strains, kratom dosage largely determines its effects. In smaller doses kratom has stimulating effects, while in larger doses it’s relaxing. Kratom also has pain relieving and euphoric effects regardless of the dose you take.

Because of these versatile properties people taking kratom to help with a variety of conditions such as:

anxiety,
depression,
different kinds of pain,
difficulty concentrating,
lack of energy,
low mood,
sleep issues,
stress,
and much more.

Kratom Alkaloids

The plant owes its properties to kratom alkaloids, compounds that have powerful medicinal properties. These range from pain management to fighting inflammation and more.

Kratom leaves contain a high concentration of alkaloids. According to the data available at the moment, there are 40 different compounds in kratom. 25 of them are alkaloids. However, these numbers may even be higher as we only have limited information on kratom available.

Most alkaloids are found in small quantities. This by no means signifies that they are not potent. Quite the contrary. Nonetheless, two of these alkaloids are more prominent than others. These are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Mitragynine makes up around 60% of all alkaloid content in kratom, while 7-hydroxymitragynine accounts for around 2%. Yet, their exact concentration varies per each individual strain.

Mitragynine is responsible for kratom’s stimulating effects. Thus, you are more likely to find a higher concentration of it in the green and whites strains, for instance, in Green Maeng Da.

Meanwhile, 7-hydroxymitragynine may be less prevalent in kratom, but it’s much more potent. It causes kratom’s relaxing and sedative properties. Thus, it is the most abundant in the red strains like Red Bali.

The FDA lists kratom as a “Drug of Concern” and refers to it as an opioid. States and cities that ban kratom most often list in under Schedule I synthetic drugs or opioids.

Due to kratom’s controversial nature, studies have been done by a group of researchers to make sure kratom remains legal. It’s known as the Kratom 8-Factor Analysis. It has proven the FDA claims inaccurate.

So, How Does Kratom Work?

Just like alkaloids in coffee, those found in kratom also affect the human brain. Mitragynine binds with mu-opioid receptors in the brain. These are receptors that are responsible for drug addictions as they mediate positive reinforcement.

But, not so fast! This does not automatically mean that kratom is an addicting drug. Things are a little more complicated than that. So, keep reading!

When a person responds to certain stimuli such as a piece of chocolate cake, winning in a computer game, or getting praised, that activates the reward circuits in their brain. That, in turn, produces dopamine, one of the feel-good hormones. The more often this person reinforces that same action and activates the reward circuitry, the stronger these connections in the brain become.

As a result, this person starts craving these stimuli in order to feel good. And the stronger these connections, the more the person craves that what is giving them this satisfaction.

But that’s not all there is to it when it comes to kratom and drug addiction though. Same as craving chocolate is not nearly the same as being addicted to drugs.

There’s also a protein called beta-arrestin 2.

Beta-arrestin 2 is the one that is responsible for mediating the behavioral effects of drugs. When it’s activated, addictive behaviors form.

Research shows that kratom does bind with the same receptors as opioids and helps our brain produce dopamine that, in turn, helps manage pain better. However, in contrast with drugs it does not recruit the beta-arrestin 2 protein. As a result, it does not get activated.

So, humans simply experience analgesic effects without forming an addictive behavior.

Because of this, kratom does not have the touted abuse potential. In fact, it’s about as addictive as coffee. Alter all, kratom and coffee are cousins.

Kratom also causes significantly lower respiratory depression.

When it comes to stimulating effects, kratom alkaloids activate receptors responsible for adrenalin and block those responsible for serotonin. Thus, the boost of adrenalin and lower levels of serotonin help us to stay alert.

However, things are more complicated than that.

More Data on How Kratom Alkaloids Work

While it was previously believed that the concentration of alkaloids in kratom leaves contributes to the effects of the powder produced from them, recent research has come to different conclusions.

According to some of the latest findings, tea made from dry kratom powder available in the United States is about 109%-520% more potent in its pain-relieving abilities than tea made from fresh kratom leaves that has been traditionally consumed in Southeast Asia.

Why is it so?

This is due to a higher concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine in dry kratom powder.

The primary function of mitragynine is stimulation which is why traditionally local farmworkers in Southeast Asia used tea from fresh kratom leaves to boost their energy levels. While mitragynine does have pain-relieving properties, they are relatively weak when compared to those of 7-hydroxymitragynine.

7-hydroxymitragynine forms from the oxidation process that affects mitragynine during the drying and manufacturing process.

Moreover, additional chemical processes occur when kratom is ingested. 7-hydroxymitragynine metabolizes in the human plasma, forming mitragynine pseudoindoxyl.

Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is a compound that’s even more potent than both mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine and may be the reason why humans experience strong pain-relieving effects from kratom strains rich in 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Curiously, this process is the strongest in human plasma. Studies performed on animals such as mice, rats, monkeys, and dogs did not show results at the same intensity. Data is still limited, and studies on human plasma have only been performed in-vitro. However, this may indicate that kratom can be beneficial for pets but humans are likely to experience stronger pain relief.

How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?

The effects of kratom last for several hours. Depending on the kratom dosage and the strain it could be anywhere from 2-8 hours for kratom effects to wear off by half. This is the kratom half-life. However, the average is usually around 4-5 hours.

Nonetheless, kratom does not completely leave the body during this time. It takes around 24 hours for your body to completely eliminate it, yet trace amounts of it remain in your system for up to 7 days.

More Research on Kratom Needed

Yet, due to limited research currently available on kratom, the information we know about kratom may yet be only the tip of the iceberg.

In late 2018, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) granted $3.5 million to the US College of Pharmacy for 2-year kratom research. Hopefully, this gives us more insight into the effects and benefits of kratom and helps keep kratom legal.

Have you read any interesting facts on kratom recently? Feel free to share those with us and other kratom enthusiasts!

Kratom: A Life-Saving Plant Mistaken for Drugs

March 23, 2021 by Speciosa Guide Leave a Comment

Kratom has attracted quite a lot of attention in the media. Some praise it for its healing properties and call it a miracle herb. Others label it as a life-threatening kratom drug and advocate for its ban. Each of the sides claims that the other one spreads false claims.

These contradicting statements can easily confuse one. Especially because kratom is illegal in several countries as well as in specific locations within the USA. Both the FDA and DEA warn against using the kratom drug claiming that it’s an opiate and can cause death.

So, whom should you side with in this debate?

Is kratom an opiate or not?

How does kratom work?

Is kratom safe? Or should we side with the ban arguments?

Is it a truly dangerous fatal drug or simply a life-saving yet misunderstood miracle herb?

Let’s delve deeper into the topic and find out.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, is a plant from the coffee plant family that’s native to Southeast Asia. It’s rich in alkaloids and has numerous health benefits. Some of the most popular ones include relaxation, increased energy, pain relief, and reduced anxiety and stress. But, the nature of the effect differs depending on the dosage and the type of kratom taken.

There are generally four types of kratom:

red vein,
green vein,
white vein, and
yellow kratom.

Each of the types its own unique set of benefits. Kratom comes in the form of powder, capsules, tea, and extracts.

Popular Arguments Against Kratom (and What’s Wrong About Them)

1. Kratom Drug Is Causing an Increasing Number of Deaths

Some of the FDA’s most arduous arguments against the use of kratom are that it causes addiction, seizures, kidney failure, liver damage, and even death.

In 2016, it wanted to ban kratom and include it in the Schedule I list. One where you can find the most dangerous drugs such as heroin, LSD, and cannabis. This would have not only made kratom illegal but also would have drastically limited the possibility to perform studies on it.

In a press release in early 2018, an FDA representative stated that the kratom drug had claimed 44 lives at that point.

However, the cases presented were rather inconclusive. In most of them, kratom wasn’t the only substance present in the blood of the deceased.

The same occurred in 2019 when the CDC released a report on nearly 100 deaths by kratom. According to postmortem toxicology results, just 7 of the victims had only kratom present in their blood and, even in those cases, the CDC admitted the possible presence of other drugs.

When it comes to drug tests, such as those needed for employment, most standard tests do not test for kratom.

Incomplete and Inaccurate Interpretation of Kratom Death Reports

Instead, these people took kratom together with drugs, alcohol, and prescription medications with clearly stated fatal risks.

Some of the deaths also included homicide, suicide, and falling out of the window after which the person refused medical treatment. Neither one of which had been directly caused by kratom itself. One death was even counted as two because it had been reported twice.

Yet, since kratom was in their blood, the FDA stated it as the main cause of death. (A more detailed report on these deaths and their cause can be found here.)

The FDA also refers to and sometimes includes in the number of kratom drug fatalities nine deaths that occurred in Sweden in 2010. Interestingly though, these deaths weren’t the result of pure kratom. Instead, the deceased took pills that contained kratom laced with synthetic opioids.

So, was kratom the actual cause of these deaths? Or was it something else? Or perhaps kratom was simply a supplement that these people were taking to deal with something very serious and life-threatening, such as clinical depression?

Also, compared to the death toll caused by alcohol and opioid (both heroin and painkiller) overdose every year, which is 88,000 and 28,000 respectively, the danger of kratom seems rather…

…exaggerated.

2. Kratom Is an Opioid that Must Be Scheduled

Is kratom an opioid or not is a question that puzzles many. Both kratom and opioids bind with opioid receptors. But, the way each of them interacts with these receptors is different.

When opioids bind with the receptors, they recruit certain proteins in the process. These proteins then regulate signal transduction in the body. Because of this, they are the ones causing respiratory depression and death, the most dangerous opioid side effects.

Is kratom an opioid then?

In 2018, the FDA made a bold statement that kratom indeed was an opioid posing deadly health risks. They said that after investigations they had concluded that, if kratom acted like an opioid, that it indeed was one. Moreover, their statements were partially based on a computational model called PHASE that the FDA had developed in-house to simulate the interaction of kratom alkaloids with the human brain (more on that below).

Much controversy arose due to that, and the FDA later changed its statements. Since then, it no longer refers to kratom as an opioid but rather a herbal product with opioid-like effects.

So, is kratom an opioid?

The answer is no. Kratom does not belong to the opioid plant family and does not engage the proteins mentioned above in the same way that opioids do.

As a result, even though the alkaloids in kratom do target the same receptors as opioids do, they themselves are not opioids and do not produce the same dangerous effect. As a result, kratom can provide relief from opioid withdrawal without the risks that opioids cause.

Therefore, referring to kratom as a plant with opioid-like properties as the FDA does now is a more accurate approach.

Schedule I Requirements

Drugs or other substances can be scheduled based on their risks and abuse potential. Schedule I substances have the highest abuse potential whereas Schedule V has the lowest. According to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) , for a substance to be listed in Schedule I, it needs to have:

high abuse potential,
no accepted medical use within the United States,
a lack of accepted use or safety under medical supervision.

When a proposal to add or remove a substance from the Controlled Substances List is made, the following factors must be considered:

the substance’s actual or relative abuse potential,
scientific evidence of the substance’s pharmacological effects,
current scientific knowledge such as research on the substance,
abuse history and current pattern,
the duration, scope, and severity of abuse,
risk to the public health,
psychological or psychic dependence liability, and
relatability or connection to another scheduled substance.

The CSA also requires a scientific and medical evaluation as well as a recommendation from the HHS on whether a substance should be added to or removed from the Controlled Substances List. Without this recommendation, changes cannot occur.

HHS’s Recommendations Were Rescinded, but the Fact Wasn’t Made Public

In 2017, nearly a year after the DEA announced its intent to Schedule mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragnine, the person who at the time was the Acting Assistant Secretary of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services wrote to the DEA that the HHS recommends both primary kratom alkaloids to be classified as Schedule I substances.

The recommendation was made based on the scientific and medical evaluation prepared by the FDA.

However, a year later, in August 2018, the new Acting Assitant Secretary reviewed the recommendation and the scientific evidence on kratom.

Citing animal studies, he concluded that despite having opioid-like properties mitragynine does not have abuse potential and can reduce the intake of morphine. Due to this, it did not meet the requirements needed to be listed as a Schedule I substance.

While he had some concerns about 7-hydroxymitragynine, he indicated that neither the FDA’s data nor the research he came across were enough for the alkaloid to be classified as a Schedule I substance. He also pointed out that multiple reputable scientists were questioning the instances of fatal kratom overdoses.

To conclude, he stated that scheduling kratom alkaloids without further research would be premature and could potentially harm the public.

While this letter definitely speaks in favor of kratom, its content was never made publicly known thus keeping the public unaware of the misinformation on kratom.

In fact, this was only discovered in early 2021, two and a half years later, meaning that the FDA had chosen to not notify the public about it. The letter has since been archived by the American Kratom Association and can be found here.

3. Kratom Can Cause Salmonella

In April 2018, there was a kratom-related salmonella outbreak in the United States. According to the FDA data, 199 people in 41 states fell ill with salmonella after consuming contaminated kratom.

There is no denial of the fact that salmonella can be present in kratom. But, that’s not a strong enough reason for a complete kratom ban.

Salmonella can also be present in poultry, raw meats, eggs, as well as in unpasteurized milk and other products such as romaine lettuce. It causes regular outbreaks. Yet, none of the contaminated products are getting banned. Just the infected batches.

The bigger problem does not lie in the fact that kratom can contain contaminants. But rather in the fact that the US doesn’t properly regulate it. It’s up to each individual seller to ensure that they test their product properly. That they offer high-quality, contaminant-free kratom to its buyers.

It’s easy for the governing institutions to place the blame on kratom. When, in actuality, there would be fewer instances of contaminated and otherwise unsafe kratom if it was regulated just like other herbal supplements available.

Due to instances like this, the American Kratom Association (AKA) has pushed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, legislation that is being lobbied in individual states. It aims to regulate kratom sales, manufacturing, and processing as well as punishing incompliance with it with fines or jail time.

4. Kratom is Unsafe and Ineffective

The Mayo Clinic has an article that states just that. And there are many other sources in the media claiming the same. According to them, studies on kratom brought up many safety concerns and no clear benefits. Governmental agencies also warn about the dangers that kratom poses to mental health.

Nonetheless, in late 2017, the University of Rochester published a review on kratom studies. It compiled the data from 57 years of international studies. The researchers focused on 13 different studies that collectively examined nearly 30,000 individuals.

Contrary to the claims of the FDA, DEA, and others, this review proves that kratom can indeed be a safer alternative to opioids. It also confirms that kratom can improve the mood and help with anxiety and other issues.

Studies and research on kratom are limited at this time. Because of that, we are not yet fully aware of the full potential of kratom and the alkaloids present in it. Nor do we know the full scope of the potential risks to properly advise users.

Yet, this may change in the future. A team led by Dr. Cristopher McCurdy at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy has been awarded two grants from NIDA to study kratom alkaloids. While the team has 7 years total to study the herb, they have already come forward with positive results that kratom could indeed be a viable alternative in managing opioid dependence.

The research also contradicts the claim that kratom is unsafe. Kratom has such minimal respiratory depression that it is unable to affect a human when taken in pure and raw form.

So, this research may completely void the claim that kratom is ineffective and has no medicinal uses.

5. Kratom Is Addictive

Another popular statement about kratom is that it is addictive. More specifically, according to statements by the FDA data keeps showing that kratom has a strong potential for abuse and attention. Instead of being a cure for opioids, kratom is a gateway to continue opioid addiction.

A solid reason to list it among the Schedule I drugs, isn’t it?

Yet, in 2016, a group of scientists and doctors conducted an 8-factor study according to the CSA (Controlled Substance Act). They concluded that kratom is not only safe, but also not nearly as potent in terms of abuse, tolerance, and dependence as claimed by the FDA.

As a matter of fact, it is even less addictive than many Schedule IV and V drugs and is also within the range of many non-scheduled substances. Such as coffee and nasal nicotine spray.

The group has submitted their study to the FDA but is yet to receive a response.

Are the FDA’s Studies on the Dangers of Kratom Reliable?

The FDA had conducted its own studies which lead to the conclusion that kratom was an opioid, a statement that since then has been reworded. Why such a stark difference? How can two sides come up with radically different results using studies?

The answer lies in the way the FDA conducted these studies. While the studies included real people, the FDA has developed a computer program, called PHASE, that predicts the effects of kratom based on an algorithm.

There is a lack of transparency around PHASE. It has been developed in-house and very few details have been released about how it works.

Is it a reliable program or simply a means to confirm a bias?

Andrew Kruegel, a Columbia University chemist who has authored several studies on kratom, points out that the studies conducted by this algorithm are a lot less rigorous than many other studies on kratom.

The FDA also seems to be lumping all substances with opioid properties under the same category. When that isn’t a reliable practice.

Algorithms can be used in medicine, yet they need to be used in combination with other methods to yield accurate results. Because the effects of a substance on the human body depend on many more factors than simply a prediction of patterns.

Ignoring that would mean that the FDA isn’t actually conducting valid studies, but instead finding a way of proving its bias.

What Causes This Debate?

We recently came upon an interesting article. It told about how big pharma is trying to extract the alkaloids found in kratom for medicinal use.

While we can’t claim the validity of this source, this is definitely some food for thought. It is also absolutely plausible.

Think about it. Morphine and codeine are two common pain relief drugs in medicine. Both derive from raw opium and can be further processed into heroin. Which, by the way, is a Schedule I drug.

So, morphine is an actual opioid and so is codeine. Yet, we use them in medicine.

This leads us to think about one thing.

If kratom is truly effective in helping people to feel better yet easily available for purchase from individual vendors, then the pharmaceutical industry is losing out on lots and lots of money.

Wouldn’t that make sense if they’d like to take credit for the benefits of kratom and pocket all that income?

What’s Our Stance on All This?

As you already know, we are fully for people having easy and affordable access to kratom. No one should be denied the right to freely purchase a herbal supplement that is helping them.

Sadly though, we still do not know everything about kratom. There is a need for a greater number of controlled studies on the benefits and risks of kratom use.

That would provide users with the necessary information to make fully informed decisions.

Until then, it all comes down to personal responsibility. Buying kratom from a reputable and trustworthy source, taking adequate doses of kratom, and not mixing it with incompatible substances. Learning about different aspects of kratom, as well as purchasing it from trustworthy and credible vendors to avoid salmonella and other contaminants is also necessary.

Which is what our blog aims to help you with. Empower you with the knowledge you need to stay safe, get the most out of kratom, and make informed decisions.

If you like our content and find it useful, don’t hesitate to join our mailing list so that you get regular updates on similar content.

What is your stance on this topic? Is kratom dangerous? Are you for the kratom ban? Or, should it be studied in greater detail and be easily accessible in natural form? Feel free to share your thoughts with us.

How Kratom Can Help with Fibromyalgia Symptoms

March 16, 2021 by Speciosa Guide Leave a Comment

Fibromyalgia is a long-term health condition that causes pain all throughout the body. Though there are several ways of easing the pain and improving the quality of one’s life, there is currently no cure for it.

Common treatments include conventional medicine such as painkillers, antidepressants, sleep medication, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and muscle relaxants. That’s a lot of medication. Yet, it needs to be complemented with additional treatment options, for instance, exercise, psychological help, relaxation techniques, and more.

For various reasons, there are people who turn to alternative treatment methods. One of them is kratom. Let’s take a look at more detailed information on fibromyalgia and how kratom can help with it.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder. Along with pain in the bones and muscles, those who suffer from it experience fatigue. They also frequently have sleep, mood, and memory issues.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are considered subjective. This means that they can’t be measured or determined by tests. They also can overlap with symptoms of other conditions. Because of that, doctors often misdiagnose it as another disease such as multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, or lupus.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia causes pain and aches on “tender points.” It normally affects specific places like arms, hips, shoulders, legs, and back. They hurt when one puts pressure on them. In addition to the aforementioned pain and discomfort, common Fibromyalgia symptoms include:

1. Exhaustion and Extreme Fatigue

These are common symptoms of this chronic disorder. However, some people also experience “fibro fog.” It’s a condition when one has difficulty remembering information, following conversation, and concentrating. This can make everyday activities and work difficult.

2. Sleep Disturbances

People suffering from this condition struggle to fall asleep or have disturbed sleep. The reason is a pain on tender points that wakes people up many times throughout the night. Common sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea are also common.

3. Psychological Symptoms

Fibromyalgia can be associated with imbalances in brain chemistry. Thus, there are many psychological symptoms as well. They occur due to irregular levels of particular neurotransmitters, dealing with the disorder. These psychological symptoms include:

Anxiety
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Causes of Fibromyalgia

The actual cause of this chronic condition is not clear yet. But many believe that it’s the result of trauma, infection, or surgery. Below are a few factors involved:

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin help our bodies to process pain. If their levels are lower than normal levels, one may become more sensitive. Inadequate hormone levels interrupt pain signals to the brain.

2. Triggers

In some people, fibromyalgia symptoms start after a physical or emotional trauma, or due to an infectious disease. As compared to men, women are more prone to this condition. Common triggers include:

Repeated injuries
Infections such as the flu
Traumatic events in life such as the death of loved ones, divorce, or breakup
Childbirth

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or ‘Mitragyna Speciosa’, is a rare tree found in some of the richest lands of Southeast Asia. It provides a complete drug-like effect to treat a number of health issues. A few of them are depression, opiate withdrawal, lower back pain, and anxiety. But the list definitely doesn’t stop here.

Kratom is also excellent for managing fibromyalgia symptoms.

How Can Kratom Benefit Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

There are many different strains of kratom available. While purchasing, it is important to pay close attention to the strain you are buying. Especially, if you aim to use kratom for fibromyalgia pain and symptoms.

Kratom classifies into three main types: red vein, green vein, and white vein. Red vein kratom is a muscle relaxant whereas white vein type is a stimulant. Green vein kratom assists in both managing pain and boosting energy levels. But, at a lower intensity. Each of the varieties offers benefits for fibromyalgia patients.

1. Reduced Pain

One of the most popular and prominent qualities of kratom is its analgesic qualities. Red vein kratom provides pain relief similar to what you can expect from pain medication and opioids. However, kratom comes with minimal side effects and very low abuse potential compared to opioid drugs.

2. Increased Energy Levels

White and green kratom strains are effective in upping energy levels. White vein kratom is a lot more potent in this regard than green vein. Yet, its pain-relieving effects are minimal. Green vein strains offer a moderate increase in energy as well as moderate pain relief.

3. Improved the Quality of Sleep

Kratom can boost the quality of sleep in a few different ways. First of all slower strains like reds have relaxing and sedating properties. They can help one fall as well as stay asleep. Yet, greens and whites can help too. They can help one regulate their sleep by keeping them alert and energized throughout the day and tired enough to fall asleep in the evening.

4. Improved Emotional Wellbeing

Kratom strains have the potential to improve one’s mood and aid with depression, anxiety, and stress. Those who suffer from stress and anxiety can benefit from red and green strains. Green vein kratom can also be helpful to ease depression symptoms. While whites have mood-boosting properties, those with depression should exert caution taking them or avoid them completely as whites can easily make one jittery and anxious.

Dosing and Usage Tips

Since fibromyalgia comes with a wide range of symptoms, users can benefit from taking different types of kratom together.

To get analgesic relief from fibromyalgia, you can use a mix of white and red strains. Together, they act as stimulants and muscle relaxants and can provide pain relief.

It is also possible to use a blend of green and red strain. Green strains boost energy levels and red strains provide muscle relaxation.

Some users report using a blend of all three strains as well.

As per specific strains, for instant pain relief and to fall asleep easier, red vein strains and Maeng Da Kratom are a good mix. To reduce discomfort or pain due to fibromyalgia, Red Bali strain can be very useful.

Are you taking kratom to deal with fibromyalgia pain? Which strains or blends are you using?

Kratom Legality 2021: Is Kratom Legal in My State?

March 2, 2021 by Speciosa Guide 8 Comments

[Latest update: April 2021]

Kratom legality concerns any buyer, especially when it comes to their specific state. Since no law refers to all of the United States, kratom legality can be a tricky subject.

There are also times when new bans and updates just seem to pop of nowhere, and, sometimes, it can be really hard to find credible and reliable information on whether kratom is legal in a particular state.

Therefore, we’ve done the boring digging for you and compiled a list of all states within the U.S. and listed the most recent kratom legality status along with any relevant source that you may need.

If you are looking for information on kratom legality elsewhere in the world, we’ve compiled that too in a guide on kratom legality around the world. We’re just that awesome. Just kidding. We genuinely care about the reputation of kratom, the kratom community, making sure that kratom users have access to plenty of accurate information on kratom.

We do our best to update this post as soon as any changes occur. However, we are human just like you and some news updates may slip by us. So, if you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know by leaving a comment below and will make the necessary changes.

Below is a list of all 50 states along with a few details on kratom legality in each of them.

Is Kratom Legal in Alabama?

No, kratom is illegal in Alabama. In 2016, Alabama added mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine to the Schedule I Controlled Substance Act. Both are under synthetic substances which is an inaccurate classification of kratom.

Is Kratom Legal in Alaska?

Yes, kratom is legal in Alaska. People can buy kratom in tobacco shops in the largest towns in Alaska such as Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Soldotna. However, because of how vast the state is, for most Alaskans the best option is to buy kratom online.

Is Kratom Legal in Arizona?

Yes, kratom is legal in Arizona. In late April 2019, Arizona passed a bill that aims to regulate it. This bill is called Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Under this bill, kratom is available for people over 18 and needs to carry labels.

Currently, one can buy kratom in Arizona locally as well as online. Some Arizona stores also have vending machines that sell kratom.

There is new legislation (here as well as here) that suggests changing the wording of the Arizona Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Currently, any person or business selling kratom is referred to as a “dealer.” The word has a negative connotation and is often used to refer to sellers of illegal drugs. The bills suggest changing that to “retailer.”

In addition to that, the two pending bills suggest making it illegal for financial institutions to terminate or refuse service to kratom retailers as well as for governmental institutions to seize kratom products from vendors unless kratom is made illegal by the DEA.

Is Kratom Legal in Arkansas?

No, kratom is illegal in Arkansas. Both primary kratom alkaloids are classified as Opioid Derivatives under Schedule I drugs of the Controlled Substance Act. There is interest in reversing the ban, and state residents have started several petitions asking for it to be considered. Nonetheless, no legislation has taken place yet.

Is Kratom Legal in California?

Yes, kratom is currently legal in most of California except for the City of San Diego. Keep in mind that kratom is illegal in San Diego City, but not the San Diego County. Therefore, you can legally buy kratom in San Diego County and the rest of the state both locally and online. This, however, may change in the future as San Diego State has considered banning it, too.

Is Kratom Legal in Colorado?

Yes, kratom is legal in Colorado. In the City of Denver, it is illegal to sell kratom for human consumption. It is still legal to sell and buy kratom in Denver.

However, vendors cannot give any advice on how to use it, and all kratom products need to carry a label that states that it is not for human consumption. There are no problems with it as long as they comply with these regulations. These regulations do not apply to the rest of the state.

In addition to that, in October 2019, Parker Town banned kratom sales. So did Monument.

Is Kratom Legal in Connecticut?

Yes, kratom is legal in Connecticut. You can buy kratom online as well as in numerous local tobacco and vape stores as well as in herb and cannabis stores.

A new bill may regulate kratom in Connecticut.

Is Kratom Legal in Delaware?

Yes, kratom is legal in Delaware. Up to this point, no intent to criminalize kratom has taken place. So, you can freely buy kratom online or locally.

Is Kratom Legal in Florida?

Yes, kratom is legal in Florida except for Sarasota County. There have been a few intents to ban kratom, but none has succeeded so far. So, it is available for sale online and locally.

There is pending legislation that may regulate kratom within Florida. Another pending bill suggests that kratom retailers should pay an annual registration fee worth $500 to the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services.

Is Kratom Legal in Georgia?

Yes, kratom is legal in Georgia for anyone over the age of 18. There have been past attempts to ban kratom statewide none of which succeeded.

In 2019, however, the Georgia Senate unanimously voted for passing its own version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. The bill was passed to the governor and approved in April 2019. It prohibits the sales of kratom to minors and requires vendors to label their products clearly stating the ingredients and any disclaimers.

Is Kratom Legal in Hawaii?

Yes, kratom is legal in Hawaii. There was a bill that aimed to classify the primary kratom alkaloids as Schedule V substances. However, it died in committee. So, kratom is legal and it’s possible to freely buy it in Hawaii.

Is Kratom Legal in Idaho?

Yes, kratom is legal in Idaho. While the Idaho Office of Drug Policy issues warning about kratom on their site, no prior attempt to ban kratom in the state has occurred.

Currently, there is a bill that aims to regulate kratom in Idaho.

Is Kratom Legal in Illinois?

Yes, kratom is legal in Illinois for people over the age of 18 except for the City of Jerseyville, the City of Alton, and the city of Edwardsville. There was a bill that intended to ban kratom statewide, but, fortunately, it died at the beginning of 2019.

In February 2020, two new bills were introduced: one to regulate kratom and another to ban it. Both died in committee.

Is Kratom Legal in Indiana?

No, kratom is illegal in Indiana. It is currently a Schedule I drug under Indiana law. The Indiana kratom ban took place in 2014. The American Kratom Association aims to reverse the ban and regulate kratom. However, no legislation to do so has been filed thus far.

Is Kratom Legal in Iowa?

Yes, kratom is legal in Iowa. There was an intent to ban kratom in 2014 and list it as a hallucinogenic Schedule I substance. Fortunately, it did not pass thanks to activism from kratom supporters.

Is Kratom Legal in Kansas?

Yes, kratom is legal in Kansas. In 2018, the Kansas Senate reviewed a bill that aimed to criminalize kratom and make it a Schedule I controlled substance. Due to activism from kratom advocates, the legislators passed the bill outlawing a list of different substances but chose to remove kratom from the bill.

Kansas was reviewing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in 2019 and early 2020, but both bills failed. There is another intent to regulate kratom in Kansas in 2021.

Is Kratom Legal in Kentucky?

Yes, kratom is legal in Kentucky. There have been a few attempts to ban kratom. First, there was a bill in 2016 which intended to ban kratom in Kentucky and list it as a synthetic opioid. This bill did not succeed.

A year later, there was another bill that would have made kratom illegal. Its intent was to create Schedule A. This would have been a new category that would have included any substances that had properties similar to those of already banned substances. The bill did not succeed either.

In 2021, however, there is new pending legislation that aims to regulate kratom in Kentucky as ell as prevent financial institutions from terminating or refusing services to kratom vendors.

Is Kratom Legal in Louisiana?

Yes, kratom is legal in Louisiana. However, in May 2019, a bill to ban kratom in Louisiana was introduced. If it passed, kratom users would no longer be able to buy kratom in Louisiana. Yet, in June 2016, the bill passed with changed wording. According to it, the state will criminalize the two primary alkaloids in kratom if the DEA lists kratom as a Schedule I drug.

In 2018, the Louisiana Senate passed a bill that requested the Louisiana Department of Health to study the effects of kratom and whether it should be a controlled substance. Another bill to study the effects of kratom passed in May 2019.

Is Kratom Legal in Maine?

Yes, kratom is legal in Maine. Yet, in 2017, there was a bill that aimed to classify kratom as a Schedule W drug. Schedule W in Maine is reserved for hallucinogenic drugs such as methamphetamines. The bill passed but kratom was removed from it.

Is Kratom Legal in Maryland?

Yes, kratom is legal in Maryland. However, there is a bill that intends to ban kratom sales for those under 18 and another bill that aims to classify mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I substances.

Is Kratom Legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, kratom is legal in Massachusetts. No legislation to ban or regulate kratom has taken place in Massachusetts.

Is Kratom Legal in Michigan?

Yes, kratom is legal in Michigan. However, on August 20, 2019, a bill with the intent to schedule kratom was introduced. If this bill passes, kratom will be a Schedule II substance and only available with a doctor’s prescription.

In 2017, there was intent to place kratom under Schedule V of the Michigan Controlled Substance Act, but the bill died.

Is Kratom Legal in Minnesota?

Yes, kratom is legal in Minnesota. There has not been any legislation to regulate or ban kratom.

Is Kratom Legal in Mississippi?

Yes and no. Kratom is legal in most of Mississippi State; however, certain counties and cities have banned kratom. According to the latest available sources, a total of 30 counties and cities in Northern Mississippi have banned kratom.

Union County, Alcorn County, Lowndes County, Monroe County, Tishomingo County, Itawamba County, Columbus City, Pontotoc, New Albany, Senatobia, and Caledonia are among locations that have banned kratom. Moreover, several other locations in Mississippi are considering banning kratom too.

In February 2020, there were two bills to ban kratom in Mississippi (this by a democrat representative and this by a republican representative). Both failed.

More information, as well as a complete list of cities and counties that have banned kratom in Mississippi, are in this post on kratom legality in Mississippi.

Is Kratom Legal in Missouri?

Yes, kratom is legal in Missouri. St. Charles country was considering banning it but paused their efforts to do so, remaining open to regulations.

Moreover, there were two bills introduced in early 2020. One intended to ban kratom, the other to regulate it. None succeeded. In late 2020, a new bill to regulate kratom was introduced. It’s been successful in three House hearings and has been directed to Senate. If it passes, kratom will be legal and regulated in Missouri State.

Is Kratom Legal in Montana?

Yes, kratom is legal in Montana. There has not been any legislation aiming to ban or regulate kratom.

Is Kratom Legal in Nebraska?

Yes, kratom is legal in Nebraska. No legislation to ban kratom or regulate it has taken place in Nebraska.

Is Kratom Legal in Nevada?

Yes, kratom is legal in Nevada and regulated by the KPCA.

Is Kratom Legal in New Hampshire?

Yes, kratom is legal in New Hampshire for those over 18. However, kratom is banned in Franklin City.

There was a bill that aimed to make kratom a controlled substance in the entire state. Though due to activism from kratom supporters, the New Hampshire Senate amended it instead and prohibited the sales of kratom to minors.

A bill introduced in February 2020 intended to ban kratom sales in the state. Fortunately, it failed.

In 2021, there is a new bill that aims to regulate kratom in New Hampshire.

Is Kratom Legal in New Jersey?

Yes, kratom is legal in New Jersey. Nonetheless, there has been legislation to ban kratom, but the bill died in committee. There have been more bills in the following years intending to criminalize kratom.

Introduced in January 2020, a new bill suggests banning kratom in New Jersey.

Is Kratom Legal in New Mexico?

Yes, kratom is legal in New Mexico. There hasn’t been any legislation to ban kratom or make it regulated.

Is Kratom Legal in New York?

Yes, kratom is legal in New York. However, there were two bills in October 2017, and November 2017, that aimed to prohibit kratom sales to minors and another one in January 2017, that aimed to ban kratom statewide. Luckily, all three bills died in committee.

In May 2019, the was a bill to regulate kratom in New York State. It ended up dying in committee. The following month, a bill to ban kratom sales for those under 18 was introduced, followed by a bill to ban kratom sales to individuals under 21. None succeeded.

In 2021, there is new pending legislation suggesting regulating kratom in New York. Two additional bills suggest setting an age limit to kratom sales – one bill intends to prohibit kratom sales for everyone under 18 whereas another aims to ban kratom sales to those under 21.

Is Kratom Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, kratom is legal in North Carolina for people older than 18. In 2015, a bill to ban kratom was introduced. Yet, due to activity from kratom supporters, it did not succeed.

Is Kratom Legal in North Dakota?

Yes, kratom is legal in North Dakota. There has been no legislation to criminalize kratom. It is legal to buy kratom online and locally.

Is Kratom Legal in Ohio?

Yes, kratom is legal in Ohio. A bill to ban kratom was introduced, but it was delayed. Instead, Ohio authorities are currently reviewing a bill on regulating kratom products.

Is Kratom Legal in Oklahoma?

Yes, kratom is legal in Oklahoma. In 2014, there was intent from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics to ban kratom. Yet, the authorities amended it due to activism from the kratom community and left kratom out.

Oklahoma authorities were considering the Oklahoma Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Despite the initial positive feedback, the bill did not succeed.

Is Kratom Legal in Oregon?

Yes, kratom is legal in Oregon. The Oregon Senate reviewed a bill that proposed studying kratom and whether it should be a controlled substance, but the bill failed. Oregon was considering regulating kratom in 2019, yet decided against doing so. Another bill to regulate kratom filed in 2020 did not succeed either.

In 2021, there is new pending legislation aiming to regulate kratom in Oregon.

Is Kratom Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, kratom is legal in Pennsylvania. No legislation has taken place, but due to recent deaths that have been attributed to kratom, there are raising concerns about it.

Pennsylvania is currently reviewing a bill that aims to regulate kratom.

Is Kratom Legal in Rhode Island?

No, kratom is illegal in Rhode Island. In 2017 Rhode Island banned kratom; however, there are continuous efforts to reverse the ban and, instead, regulate kratom manufacturing, processing, and sales.

A bill to decriminalize and regulate kratom was filed in 2019 and another bill proposing Kratom Consumer Protection Act was filed in 2020, but eventually, both of them failed. The sponsors aren’t ready to give up and have filed another bill to reverse the ban and regulate kratom in 2021.

Is Kratom Legal in South Carolina?

Yes, kratom is legal in South Carolina. There has been no legislation to ban or regulate kratom.

Is Kratom Legal in South Dakota?

Yes, kratom is legal in South Dakota. A bill filed in early 2020 aimed to ban kratom in the entire state of South Dakota. The efforts did not succeed, and, in 2021, its author filed another bill, this time aiming to ban kratom sales to individuals under the age of 21.

Is Kratom Legal in Tennessee?

Yes, kratom in its natural plain leaf form is legal for individuals over 21. There was confusion about the legal status of kratom after synthetic kratom was criminalized in 2014. Therefore, the authorities clarified that kratom in its natural form is legal to buy for anyone over 21 after reviewing a bill that intended to update the controlled substances.

In 2021, a new bill was filed. It aims to allow only kratom retailers to sell kratom products as well as to make it legal to only sell kratom products in packaging that contains 5-7 oz.

Is Kratom Legal in Texas?

Yes, kratom is legal in Texas. No intent to criminalize kratom has happened to this date. In 2021, there are bills (here and here) that may regulate it.

Is Kratom Legal in Utah?

Yes, kratom is legal in Utah. In 2019, the Utah Senate passed the Kratom Customer Protection Act which requires kratom to be labeled and legal to purchase for those over the age of 18.

Is Kratom Legal in Vermont?

No, kratom is illegal in Vermont. The Vermont Senate scheduled the two primary kratom alkaloids in 2016. However, a new bill may decriminalize kratom.

Is Kratom legal in Virginia?

Yes, kratom is legal in Virginia. A bill aimed to direct the Board of Pharmacy to study whether the state should ban kratom or not. It died in committee.

Is Kratom Legal in Washington State?

Yes, kratom is legal in Washington State. There has been no legislation to ban or regulate kratom thus far. Buying kratom is legal online and locally.

Is Kratom Legal in West Virginia?

Yes, kratom is legal in West Virginia. There was a proposal to schedule kratom and other substances. The West Virginia Senate removed kratom from the bill and, eventually, the bill died in committee.

Is Kratom Legal in Wisconsin?

No, kratom is illegal in Wisconsin. In 2014, the Wisconsin Senate decided to criminalize the two primary kratom alkaloids and place them under Schedule I stimulants.

Nonetheless, after a positive hearing with the Wisconsin State Health Committee in late October 2019, the ban may be removed and the state may pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

Is Kratom Legal in Wyoming?

Yes, kratom is legal in Wyoming. There has been no intent to ban or regulate it. So, it’s legal for anyone to buy kratom online or in local stores.

And finally…

Is Kratom Legal in Washington D.C.?

Yes, kratom is legal in Washington D.C. In 2106, the main kratom alkaloids were included in the Washington D.C. controlled substances act. However, 2 years later, in 2018, it was removed from it. Thus, it is possible to buy kratom in Washington D.C.

If you’ve found this post useful, make sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, where we share news, kratom updates, and other articles on health-related content that we find useful.

Yellow Kratom: A Complete Guide

March 2, 2021 by Speciosa Guide 22 Comments

Yellow kratom, sometimes referred to as yellow vein kratom, may be something that you’ve noticed browsing through kratom sites. It’s a relatively new and rare addition that is slowly conquering the market.

Generally, kratom classifies into three main types depending on the color of the stems and veins that Mitragyna speciosa leaves have. These are red-vein, green-vein, and white-vein. So, where does yellow kratom fit in? Let’s find out.

What Is Yellow Kratom?

First off, yellow vein kratom isn’t actually a thing. It does not exist.

Shocker, right?

Well, that’s because there are no natural Mitragyna speciosa leaves that have yellow veins and stems. Therefore, referring to this variety as yellow vein kratom is incorrect. Instead, it’s yellow kratom.

There’s a bit of debate and speculation about how this variety originated. Kratom farmers and harvesters aren’t keen on sharing all their secrets on how they produce it. And understandably so. If you knew the secret to making a life-changing herbal supplement that can help with a myriad of health conditions, would you easily expose it? We thought so.

Some suggest that yellow kratom comes from leaves picked at later stages of their life. According to them, that’s the reason behind the yellow hue. This theory is the least popular one.

Others claim that yellow strains are actually blends of the main kratom strains. These can also be blends that have been fermented. And, in some cases, that’s actually true.

Nonetheless, the most widespread opinion about the origins of yellow kratom is that it’s due to a different drying process. This means that any of the main three types of kratom can eventually become yellow.

This happens by drying red vein leaves for much longer than usual. Or drying green or white vein strains outdoors in the sun rather than indoors. Dried leaves may also be fermented afterward. Different vein types can be mixed, too.

This different drying process eventually alters the color of the kratom leaves as well as the alkaloid properties.

Let’s take a look at how that affects the effects and benefits that users receive.

Effects and Benefits of Yellow Kratom

Most users report feeling similar effects to that of green vein kratom strains. Yellows also tend to last longer. The most common effects include:

Moderate pain relief
Stimulation
Heightened concentration
Euphoria
Better mood
Anxiety relief
More positive thoughts
Stress relief

Because of its effects, yellow kratom is best to take in the morning. It’ll give you an energy boost and make you more alert, yet not provide as sharp of a spike as a white vein strain.

Because of this, yellow strains can be a suitable strain for beginners who’d like to start with the stimulant strains. Especially if you’ve never tried whites before. It can also be a great way to ease into white strains if you’re looking for strong energizing and stimulating effects.

Yellow strains are also great to use at the beginning of the day because they’ll help you set a more positive mood for the rest of the day. This can be helpful for those suffering from stress and anxiety. Those suffering from depression may benefit from this variety as well.

If you are looking for an energy boost in the second half of the day, the early afternoon can be another good time for this variety. However, make sure not to take it too late as it may keep you up longer. Due to that, it may be best to take yellow strains in the morning first. Once you know how long the effects last for you, you can try taking it in the afternoon.

Since kratom is a plant, its effects, and benefits, as well as intensity, may vary from person to person. Factors such as your body chemistry, the age of kratom, when, where, and how it was harvested and processed can all affect the results.

Types of Yellow Kratom and Their Effects

Since yellow kratom is a newer addition to the kratom family, vendors usually have a more limited choice of the different types available. However, these are the most frequently encountered varieties:

Yellow Bali Kratom

It comes from Green or White Bali leaves. It provides relaxing effects similar but considerably less intense than those of Red Bali. It is also stimulating but won’t give you as much boost as White Bali. According to users, mood-boosting is its strongest quality.

Yellow Borneo Kratom

Depending on the vendor, it originates from Red, White, or Green Borneo. Effects are similar to those of Green Borneo. It’s predominantly stimulating and euphoric, yet also possesses pain-relieving properties. Yellow Borneo users also report feeling more positive and motivated.

Yellow Sumatra Kratom

It’s one of the rarest yellow strains. That’s due to the scarcity of the Sumatra kratom trees available. Yellow Sumatra primarily provides euphoric and energizing effects. It boosts the mood and overall well-being as well as increases energy and lowers stress and anxiety levels. Users also report feeling fewer mood swings.

Yellow Indo Kratom

This strain provides strong euphoric and mild stimulating effects. It also mildly relieves pain, though the intensity of it varies by person. It is one of the most long-lasting strains and users also say that it has a particularly good aroma.

Yellow Malay Kratom

It offers mild pain-relieving effects that users describe as subtle and homeopathic. Yellow Malay is also stimulating and energizing but in steadier and less intense bursts than White or Green Malay. You’ll likely feel more creative and productive.

Yellow Vietnam Kratom

This strain is the new kid on the kratom block and the most recent addition. It originates from Vietnam, mainly from the forests around the Mekong Delta. The area where the kratom trees grow has high humidity levels and nutrient-dense soil. Due to that, the leaves that the Yellow Vietnam strain comes from are believed to have 20-25% higher alkaloid content than other kratom plants.

Its effects are similar to those of Red Vietnam and Maeng Da, but more stimulating and euphoric. Yellow Vietna provides physical relaxation and relieves anxiety. Users also say that they feel more motivated and think clearer. It’s also one of if not the most long-lasting kratom strains available.

Conclusion

Yellow strains are rather new, yet highly popular and with steadily growing demand. Make sure you only purchase through a trusted and reputable vendor. That will ensure that you buy a quality product and don’t end up with a low-quality or fake yellow strain.

If you are unsure of which strain to start with and whether yellow kratom is for you, order and try samples first. You’ll not only be able to see whether it’s the right strain for you but also find out which of its varieties suits your needs best. You’ll be able to personally evaluate how it makes you feel without the compromise of buying a bigger bulk that you may never use up.

Have you ever give yellow kratom a shot? How did it make you feel? Which one would you like to try and why?