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The Different Types of Kratom and Their Effects

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You may have been wondering what the different types of kratom are. Especially if you are new to kratom. There is a wide variety of strains available on the market, and things can get confusing. So, let’s break that down.

Most frequently, kratom is classified by color. There are three main types of kratom: red-vein, green-vein, and white-vein.

But kratom comes from the leaves of the same tree, you may think. Aren’t they all green? Yes, indeed, however, the colors refer to the stem and veins that run through these leaves.

If you look at the kratom leaves, you’ll notice that their stems and veins are a slightly different color. It means a different chemical composition, and, as a result, different properties.

Types of Kratom Art

What Causes the Different Kratom Vein Colors?

While some believe that there is such a thing as a red-vein, green-vein, or a white-vein tree, that’s not actually true. All three vein colors can grow on the same tree in a very similar way to bell peppers. Green, yellow, and red bell peppers can all be on the same plant and are simply at different stages of ripeness.

The different vein colors are the result of how kratom leaves grow and develop. Different strains thrive in different conditions and develop different alkaloids. Their properties will depend on factors such as soil content, the location of the leaves on a kratom tree, sunlight exposure, as well as the rain and dry period ratio, and the maturity of leaves.

These qualities are further amplified by kratom processing methods. Or, more specifically, by the conditions in which it’s dried. Farmers usually keep the exact process secret. But, we’ll give you a little sneak peek into what happens on the inside.

During the grinding process, farmers remove the stems and veins. So, the powder that you buy is purely the leaf matter. Yet, there are a few kinds of coarser kratom that does contain the stems and veins. It’s a matter of preference, but some users like the latter more.

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Red-Vein Kratom and Its Effects

Red-vein kratom is generally the most popular by users and the most widely sold. It’s mainly due to the fact that it generally yields larger harvests. It also tends to be the kind that receives the most sunlight.

Its leaves have red strains and veins, and leaves have higher 7-hydroxymitragynine and lower mitragynine content than other varieties. Farmers dry it outdoors in direct sunlight or indoors under UV light lamps and also longer than the green and white varieties.

Red-vein strains are most widely known for their powerful sedative effect. They have the potential to relieve pain, stress, and anxiety. Red vein strains can also help one to fall asleep, which can be useful for people who suffer from insomnia and other disorders that may negatively affect sleep.

Nonetheless, varieties such as Red Sumatra can provide uplifting, mood-enhancing effects. Especially if used in smaller doses. So, make sure to look into individual strains, especially if you have never used them before.

These are some of the most popular red strains:

  • Red Bali
  • Red Maeng Da
  • Red Thai
  • Red Horn
  • Red Borneo
  • Red Kapuas

White-Vein Kratom and Its Effects

White vein kratom earns its name due to the white, or more so pale green, color of veins and stems. Its leaves receive less light than the red vein or green vein variety. As a result, it has the highest mitragynine and the lowest 7-hydroxymitragynine content out of all types of kratom.

Farmers primarily dry this variety indoors with no exposure to light.

White strains are best known for their stimulant and mood-enhancing properties. It can help you boost focus and concentration. Those who suffer from depression or stress can benefit from white vein kratom as well because it can energize and lift one’s mood. However, they need to be taken carefully and with moderation.

Quite a few users don’t recommend starting off with white strains if you are completely new to kratom. Instead, they suggest starting off with red or green strains and easing into the white ones.

Here are a few of the most popular varieties of white-vein strains:

Green-Vein Kratom and Its Effects

Green vein kratom comes from leaves that have green veins and stems. These are also the leaves that get moderate exposure to sunlight. Farmers dry the leaves indoors with little light and afterward also outdoors. Usually, only for a very short time.

Green vein strains provide a balance between the red and white vein varieties. If red strains primarily have sedative effects and white strains – a stimulating effect, then green strains have both. Yet, they are not as intense in potency, but rather somewhere in between. Both their mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine levels are moderate and in between those of red and green vein strains.

These are some of the most popular strains for this variety:

How About Yellow-Vein Kratom?

Well done, you’ve noticed that something is missing! Indeed.

Although red, white, and green strains are the most common types, there’s also the fourth type of kratom – yellow kratom. And it’s been rapidly gaining popularity.

It’s not yellow vein kratom because no such thing as live kratom leaves with yellow stems and veins exixts. Instead, this variety is known as yellow kratom.

This usually refers to blends, fermented, or differently dried varieties. This can be a green and white mix that’s fermented or a red and green mix that’s fermented. Yellow kratom can also be a red-veined variety that’s been dried longer or fermented. It can also be the green and white strains that have been dried outside rather than inside. But yet again, farmers keep the exact process to themselves.

As per its effects, yellow strains produce effects that are close to, yet slightly more potent than green strains. It also tends to last longer.

Here’s our pick for yellow strains:

  • Yellow Bali
  • Yellow Vietnam

Which Types of Kratom are Best for You?

The types of kratom that suit you best would depend solely on you, your needs, and situation. If you’re looking for a strong sedative or pain-relieving effect, then red strains may work better for you. If, on the contrary, you want to feel more energized, then white or green strains may be your type.

But, if you aren’t quite sure or are looking for a bit of both, you can start with green or yellow strains.

We’ve put together a quick quiz to help you find out which kratom would be the most suitable for you. Check it out here.

What are your favorite types of kratom, and why? Is there a type that you haven’t et tried but would like to? Feel free to leave your answer in the comments section below.

Military Kratom: Can You Take Kratom in the Military

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Kratom in the military

US military members are well-known for their extraordinary abilities, strength, endurance, and capacity to go through rigorous training and extreme and life-changing experiences. As a result, many veterans suffer from handling pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep, and other health issues.

Therefore, it’s not uncommon for veterans to take kratom. The herb has many health benefits and can aid veterans in a wide variety of ways.

But what about active-duty members? There are many ways in which they could benefit from the herb. But can you take kratom in the military?

Can You Take Kratom in the Military?

Unfortunately, kratom is illegal to active duty military members in the United States. The Department of Defense (DoD) prohibits a wide range of substances that could negatively impact military readiness and performance and lead to possible disciplinary action.

The DoD based its reasoning for banning kratom in the military on the statements made by the FDA. It explains the reasons for prohibiting the herb as being the lack of evidence of safe use and deadly risks resulting from its use.

The military allows certain legal substances. These include prescription drugs, alcohol, and nicotine, provided that they are taken adequately and properly. However, the list of illegal substances is long. It includes actual drugs such as cocaine, LSD, heroin, and more, as well as other substances like steroids and smart drugs.

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What Are Smart Drugs?

Smart drugs are a wide range of substances that have nootropic properties and can enhance cognition. This includes mediation. An example of such a smart drug includes Adderall, a common ADHD medication. It’s legal as long as the military member has a valid doctor’s prescription. Otherwise, it is off-limits.

Another class is so-called herbal smart drugs. Examples include cat’s claw, ashwagandha, L-theanine, green tea, piperine, Panax ginseng, and also kratom.

While most of those herbal smart drugs are OK in the military, kratom is an exception. The military prohibits it because, according to its words, it alters mood and function.

What Else Does the Military Forbid?

Kratom in the military isn’t an odd exception. In addition to the herb and substances that are already illegal in the US, the military also forbids the following substances and dietary supplements:

  • Acacia rigidula, also known as blackbrush acacia or chaparro prieto – a dietary supplement that aids weight loss is illegal in the military due to the lack of evidence for safe use,
  • Aconite or wolfsbane – homeopathic medicine that can also be poisonous,
  • Cannabidiol or CBD – used for anxiety, stress, inflammation, and pain relief, illegal due to service policies,
  • Hemp or hemp oil – used for stress and pain relief, illegal due to a DoD policy,
  • Phenibut – a supplement used for anxiety and stress relief, illegal because it’s a synthetic substance that does not meet the standards of a dietary supplement,
  • Salvia – a supplement that produces relaxing effects in small doses and hallucinogenic effects in large doses, also illegal in the military.

Besides these supplements, the military also forbids a long list of synthetic dietary supplements. These include HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), HGH (Human growth hormone), IGF (Insulin-like growth factor), and others.

Does the Military Test for Kratom?

Kratom is an illegal substance in the military and on the DoD forbidden substances list. So, active duty military members can be subject to illegal substance screening. Kratom, however, is unlikely to come up in a routine DoD drug test because most standard tests such as SAHMSA-5 do not test for it.

Nonetheless, it’s not a guarantee that you won’t be tested for kratom in the military. Changes are continuously happening.

In 2017, the DoD announced that it will be expanding its testing to detect 26 illegal substances that active-duty members are tested for in military applicants as well, making substance screening more rigorous. The list included drugs such as cocaine and heroin as well as a range of synthetic cannabinoids or spice.

While kratom wasn’t mentioned in the list, certain military members have reported that their divisions have started testing for kratom, as well.

Therefore, it’s best to abstain from taking kratom in the military. Even if your unit does not currently test for kratom, this can change at any time. This can put you at unnecessary risk if you take the herb while on deployment.

Active duty members are subject to drug testing three times a year and this occurs at random. Kratom alkaloids remain in the system and can come up on a urine drug test for up to 7-9 days. With this in mind, you cannot prepare for a kratom drug test.

And even if kratom isn’t among substances a drug test screens for, there have been instances of it resulting in a false positive. This can be an unnecessary and highly damaging risk for active-duty members.

Is Kratom Safe?

The DoD bases its judgment of kratom on statements by the FDA. Thus, it should come as a surprise that the military questions its safety. It mentions the side effects of kratom, including death, and the risk of it being laced with other substances like opioids.

The DoD also claims that kratom is addictive while its 8-Factor Analysis states the opposite, saying that kratom is no more addictive than coffee, a plat from the same plant family as kratom that is legal in the military.

Contrary to the FDA claims, the safety concerns regarding kratom use are exaggerated. Kratom deaths that it cites as proof of its deadly effects are misinformation. None of the “kratom deaths” had conclusive results and other substances with deadly effects were present.

Final Words

While kratom is prohibited to active duty military members, it’s legal in most states when one is out of the military and no longer serving. Kratom has numerous benefits that can help veterans lead better lives.

Regardless of that, it is important to always get high-quality raw kratom products from a trusted vendor.

While most claims by the FDA and DoD are untrue about kratom, one thing however is possible. That’s the fact that kratom can be contaminated or adulterated by other dangerous substances. To avoid that, one should always purchase kratom that has been accurately and properly tested, processed, handled, and labeled, preferably from US states with an active Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

Are you an active-duty military member or a veteran? Have you ever tried kratom? And most importantly, thank you for your service.

Kratom Alkaloids and Their Effects

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Kratom provides diverse effects and benefits which is one of its most astonishing features. This is due to kratom alkaloids, natural chemical compounds present in Mitragyna speciosa leaves.

Users report feeling differently after using different strains and strain varieties. And even different doses of the same strain can have one experience distinct effects. This occurs due to the different alkaloids that are present in the kratom leaves as well as their concentration in each individual strain.

While many kratom lovers know that alkaloids are beneficial and responsible for kratom effects, most don’t know their specifics and they actually work.

Kratom Alkaloids and their Effects

What Are Alkaloids?

Just like any other living organism, plants contain natural chemicals. In plants these plant chemicals also known as phytochemicals.

There are different kinds of phytochemicals such as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and many more. Alkaloids are one of them.

Alkaloids are naturally occurring nitrogen-containing molecules in plants and fungi. Scientists hypothesize that they protect plants from insects and animals. However, it’s not entirely clear what the purpose of alkaloids in plants is.

What we do know is that they have powerful medicinal as well as other properties, even in small quantities. They have unique effects on the human body and provide diverse effects and health benefits.

Alkaloids can treat pain, inflammation, immune disorders, and even more. Nonetheless, some can also be toxic.

Because of this, alkaloids are popular in conventional medicine and other industries. Some of the popular alkaloids the effects of which you may be familiar with are:

  • caffeine – alkaloid with stimulant properties found in coffee and cocoa beans and tea plant leaves,
  • ephedrine – it’s a stimulant used in asthma medication and to prevent blood pressure drop during anesthesia,
  • quinine – alkaloid used in malaria medication,
  • morphine – the primary alkaloid in the opium poppy with strong analgesic properties,
  • nicotine – stimulant alkaloid present in tobacco.

The Main Types of Kratom Alkaloids

It’s believed that kratom’s leaves have at least 25 different alkaloids. Other hypothesize there are at least 40 or even more. But, there have only been limited scientific studies on kratom thus far to confirm the exact number.

While there are many different alkaloids in kratom, two of the most powerful ones are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Both of these alkaloids are different in terms of the benefits that they provide. But, they both are responsible for pain relief as well as opioid withdrawal relieving effects.

The variety and amount of kratom alkaloids both depend on various factors. These can be the type of strain, the maturity of the leaves, where and in what conditions it grows, how it is harvested, and more.

For example, younger kratom leaves have a higher mitragynine concentration and the amount lowers as the leaves mature. The opposite is true about 7-hydroxymitragynine. Young leaves have less 7-hydroxymitragynine and the amount increases as the leaves mature.

So, the younger leaves tend to have pale green veins and stems. As the amount of mitragynine lowers and that of 7-hydroxymitragynine increases, the stems and veins gradually turn green and then red. As a result, all three – red, green, and white vein leaves can be present on the same tree and mature in a similar way to how bell peppers do, turning from green to yellow and then red.

Factors such as the amount of sunlight can also affect the concentration of the alkaloids. For instance, leaves that develop during the rainier and less sunny periods of the year tend to be white or green-veined.

This change in alkaloid concentration does not only affect the appearance of the leaves but also the effects that they produce.

Mitragynine Kratom Alkaloid

Mitragynine and Its Effects

Mitragynine is the most abundant of all alkaloids in the kratom leaves, making up around 60% or more of the total content of kratom alkaloids. It is primarily responsible for the stimulant effects of kratom. That’s why it is found in higher amounts in green-vein and white-vein strains.

Mitragynine’s stimulating effects are much smoother and much more stable than those of other stimulating substances, such as caffeine.

Yet, stimulation is not the only benefit of this alkaloid. It has a variety of different properties.

Mitragynine effects slightly vary from person to person. It mostly depends on their sensitivity towards kratom. Nonetheless, its overall effects are quite consistent. A few of them are:

  • Anti-malarial
  • Anti-tussive (relieving or stopping cough altogether)
  • Anti-diarrheal
  • Stimulation
  • Pain relief

While mitragynine provides pain-relieving properties, they are lower than those of 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Also, its effects can vary according to how large a dose is. Lower dosages generally provide more stimulating effects, while higher dosages result in less stimulating, but rather more pain-relieving and relaxing effects.

Due to its versatile nature, mitragynine still needs to be scientifically studied in more depth to understand the full breadth of its potential.

7-Hydroxymitragynine Kratom Alkaloid

7-Hydroxymitragynine and Its Effects

7-hydroxymitragynine is the fourth most abundant alkaloid in kratom. It is more concentrated in sedating kratom types, such as red-vein strains. It is less versatile in terms of its properties and effects and is present in much lower amounts than mitragynine. However, it is a lot more potent than mitragynine.

In fact, it is the most potent alkaloid found in kratom.

Some experts believe 7-hydroxymitragynine may even be 30 times stronger than mitragynine. Studies have indicated that it is also 13 times stronger than morphine.

The most prominent effects of 7-hydroxymitragynine include:

  • Powerful pain-killing effects
  • Opiate withdrawal relief

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Other Kratom Alkaloids

As we already know, kratom has a lot more than just these two alkaloids. Though there are numerous alkaloids present in its leaves, some of these need to be studied in more detail to know their full potential

Below, you’ll find a few of the important alkaloids that are inside kratom leaves. Although they appear in kratom in much smaller quantities, they are working together with each other to create the unique effects of kratom.

  • Ajmalicine is a muscle relaxant as well as an anticoagulant (a blood thinner that can prevent blood clots).
  • Ciliaphylline works as a sturdy analgesic.
  • Corynoxeine serves as a calcium channel blocker. It helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
  • Corynoxine helps dopamine move throughout the body.
  • Corynantheidine is an antagonist of the opiate receptors. It blocks opioid receptors from responding to opioids and endorphins. That can help with opioid addiction.
  • Epicatechin has numerous functions. It is an anti-leukemic alkaloid. In addition, it also has anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It also helps to prevent fat cells from clogging the arteries and controls blood sugar levels.
  • Paynantheine is a muscle relaxant.
  • Speciophylline has an anti-leukemic action.
  • Speciogynine gently releases the muscles.
  • Tetrahydroalstonine has an anti-adrenergic (can help with anxiety, heart disease, and high blood pressure) and hypoglycemic activity (can lower blood sugar).

Note that these are only a few of the alkaloids present in the leaves that we know more about.

Even though the effects and benefits of kratom can be life-changing, we may only be scratching the surface when it comes to understanding kratom’s full potential.

More Studies on Kratom Alkaloids

Sadly, scientific research on kratom is still quite limited at this time, preventing us from knowing the full potential of the herb.

Yet, more are being carried out.

The University of Florida College of Pharmacy is where Christopher McCurdy, the pioneer of kratom research works. He was the person to first uncover and perform studies on kratom in the United States.

NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) has awarded Mr. McCurdy and his team two grants to study kratom, its alkaloids, and their effects. They are worth $6.9 million and give the team seven total years for this research.

The team has already come up with some positive conclusions, suggesting that kratom could treat opioid withdrawal and addiction. While kratom users already verify that from personal experience, having scientific studies back that up could improve the general reputation of kratom and help keep it legal and accessible.

Common Misconceptions about Kratom Alkaloids

Much attention is drawn to the fact that kratom alkaloids hit the same receptors as opioids. That does not mean that the kratom alkaloids themselves are opioids. But rather that they target the same receptors that opioids do.

Opioid use comes with a dangerous side effect of affecting the user’s respiratory system. It slows down the breathing and can result in death, especially if used improperly and irresponsibly.

Kratom does not do that. It causes minimal respiratory depression that doesn’t endanger human life, and Mr. McCurdy’s team’s research has proven that.

As a matter of fact, kratom is actually an opioid antagonist. It can help to minimize opioid withdrawal symptoms as well as overcome opioid addiction.

Chemically, the structure of alkaloids resembles that of psychedelic drugs. However, kratom users do not actually experience psychedelic effects.

Instead, they feel pain relief and euphoria among other effects and benefits. Ones that are already discussed above.

What kratom strains have you used and what effects have you experienced?

Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Kratom Consumer Protection Act: Here’s What You Need to Know

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kratom consumer protection act

[Latest update: November 2020]

Spring, 2019, came with a new term in the kratom world. The Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Just a few weeks prior, no one knew about it. Suddenly, about a dozen states were considering it, and it was popping in the news at least every other day.

So, you may be wondering what the Kratom Consumer Protection Act is and what’s the big deal about it.

Therefore, we’ve done some research to answer all of your questions about the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

What Is Kratom Consumer Protection Act?

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act or KCPA for short is a bill that intends to regulate kratom and ensure safe access to it in individual states.

Developed by representatives of the American Kratom Association (AKA) and the Botanical Education Alliance (BEA), it intends to make kratom use as safe as possible for the consumer and prevent any negative incidents such as contamination or adulteration that could potentially push the authorities to ban kratom in the entire US.

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act covers the production, sales, possession, and labeling requirements of kratom. It also defines an age limit for kratom sales, possession, as well as the use of kratom.

Some of the statements proposed in it are:

  • Production, sales, and distribution of adulterated, contaminated, or otherwise unsafe kratom products cannot be sold.
  • Only individuals over the age of 18 can buy kratom.
  • All kratom products need to be labeled and disclose the content of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
  • Kratom vendors cannot produce, import, or sell any kratom products that have more than 2% of 7-hydroxymitragynine of the total alkaloid content.
  • Vendors must state the contents of any kratom product, the exact alkaloid content, and the origin of the product.
  • Producing, selling, or distributing contaminated, adulterated, or otherwise unsafe kratom or kratom products leads to fines or incarceration.

The AKA presents the Kratom Consumer Protection Act and lobbies it in individual states. It is a guideline to educate the authorities and serve as a guideline to what is important to make kratom safe for the consumers. However, states can modify and amend it.

While it appears that the Kratom Consumer Protection Act came out of the blue and seemingly overnight, it’s not actually the case. The AKA and the BEA were looking for ways to ensure that kratom remains legal yet is also safe to users for a long time.

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Why Do We Need the Kratom Consumer Protection Act?

In 2016, the DEA announced its intent to ban kratom in the entire country. This received a massive backlash from the kratom community. Kratom users and supporters expressed their strong support for the herb in a variety of ways such as signing petitions, leaving comments, and sending letters to the DEA.

In the meantime, regulating kratom nationwide as a medication or dietary supplement would be much harder, more expensive, or even impossible. To make it a regulated drug with approved medical properties, it would require decades of research and study and millions or possibly billions of dollars.

While the University Of Florida College Of Pharmacy received a $3.5 million grant for 2 years of kratom study and another 5-year grant worth $3.4 million, that alone will most likely not be enough.

In addition to that, if kratom was truly recognized by the FDA, we do not know how that would affect the price of kratom and availability. The UF team studying kratom has already concluded that kratom may be beneficial in overcoming opioid addiction. As a result, it may simply become another expensive drug that the masses cannot afford.

Kratom also does not completely comply with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 which would be able to recognize kratom as a dietary supplement. While the AKA made a step forward by developing its Good Manufacturing Practices in 2018, the AKA’s meeting request is still being ignored by the FDA.

The Good Manufacturing Practices program or GMP  also has its flaws. It’s completely voluntary, and incompliance with it simply leads to losing the GMP status. Vendors do not actually get punished by fines or otherwise for improper actions.

So, the fact the Kratom Consumer Protection Act is being positively received by many states, is excellent news.

Which States Have Signed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act?

Utah became the first state to regulate kratom. The Utah Senate reviewed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act and passed it on March 26, 2019.

Arizona passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act a month later, in April 2019. So did Georgia.

Nevada joined the states that regulate kratom a month later.

Kratom Consumer Protection Act KCPA by States November 2020
Latest update: November 2020

Which States Are Currently Reviewing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act?

According to the AKA, in November 2020, about a dozen states are considering the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Even more are being planned to be targeted.

The states that are currently reviewing or considering the Kratom Consumer Protection Act or their own variation of it are:

Rhode Island where kratom is currently illegal was already considering the KCPA once but the bill died in committee. Hopefully, this attempt succeeds.

Oregon also had a bill on regulating kratom, but they decided not to do it at the time. Maine, New Hampshire, and Kansas also had KCPA bills, but they failed.

What Can Kratom Supporters Do?

While the AKA is doing what it can to ensure that kratom buyers have safe and easy access to the herb, it’s a non-profit organization that is limited by budget. Therefore, it requires support from the kratom community to keep lobbying the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in more states.

If you would like to make sure that kratom remains legal and is regulated in your state, you can do a variety of things.

First of all, you can donate money to the AKA. It can help them lobby it across more states in the US. Here is a relevant link:

Secondly, you can sign any petitions that intend to keep kratom legal. Many petitions are filed via Change.org platform. You can keep an eye on those in your state. You can also join a kratom supporter group, where you can get quick access to any action from other kratom supporters.

Finally, you can make a statement by choosing to buy kratom from a vendor who cares about the future of kratom and keeping it legal. Make sure to thoroughly research whom you choose to buy kratom from.

If you aren’t quite sure whom to buy kratom from, we outline our tips on how you can avoid kratom buying mistakes in our Kratom Buying Guide that you can download from us or free. We’ll send it to you in exchange for your e-mail.

Rest assured that your email address will be safe with us. We’ll only use it to send you updates on new blog posts on kratom, kratom legality news, any important petitions that are active, and any other interesting bits of information that we found online.

[Latest update: November 2020]

What do you think of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act? Have you heard any news about kratom legality in your state? We make sure to include the latest information on it. However, if we have missed anything, feel free to leave a comment below and let us know. 

A Guide to Kratom Legality: Where Is Kratom Legal?

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Where is Kratom Legal?

[Latest update: November 2020]

Kratom legality is a question that concerns many. 

Users want kratom to remain legal because it helps them manage pain, stress, and anxiety, boost their mood and gain extra energy. According to testimonials and stories from users, kratom can be used instead of prescription drugs for numerous health conditions. Such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, back pain, depression, and even PTSD.

Federal agencies, on the other hand, want to ban it. They claim that kratom has no medical benefits and poses high health risks.

At the moment, kratom remains legal in certain locations. However, it’s outlawed in others and you can face serious consequences for disregarding that. There are also countries where kratom legality is unclear.

Therefore, knowing if kratom is legal or not in your geographic location is important to know before you purchase it. 

But, before we tackle this, let’s look at…

The History of Kratom Use and Legality

Relatively new to the western world, kratom was a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia for centuries. It was used as a stimulant and pain reliever, as well as for a number of conditions such as digestive disorders, intestinal parasites, and cough.

There were no rules or regulations about kratom. Peasants and workers could freely use it.

In the early 1800s, kratom was discovered by Dutch settlers. They brought kratom to Europe and started investigating it. Yet, it became popular among users only in the early 2000s.

The AKA (American Kratom Association) estimates that there are about 3-5 million kratom users in the United States. And, according to the data from 2016, kratom industry in the US was worth over a billion dollars.

Kratom Legality by Country and Continent

Kratom Legality: US

In late August 2016, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) announced it’s intent to place kratom and its active components under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Their reason was kratom’s opioid-like properties and concern about public safety.

While the proposal received major backlash from the public and was withdrawn, the battle for kratom continues.

Kratom Bans in the US States

Currently, kratom is legal in most of America except for the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Indiana
  • Rhode Island (though Rhode Island may reverse the ban)
  • Vermont (though Vermont may reverse the ban)
  • Wisconsin (though Wisconsin may reverse the ban)

Kratom Bans in the US Cities and Counties

Kratom is also illegal in the following cities and counties:

  • San Diego in California
  • Monument Town in Colorado
  • Parker Town in Colorado
  • Sarasota County in Florida
  • Jerseyville in Illinois
  • Alton in Illinois
  • Edwardsville in Illinois
  • Alcorn County in Mississippi
  • Belmont County City in Mississippi
  • Blue Mountain City in Mississippi
  • Booneville City in Mississippi
  • Bruce City in Mississippi
  • Burnsville City in Mississippi
  • Caledonia City in Mississippi
  • Calhoun City in Mississippi
  • Calhoun County in Mississippi
  • Columbus City in Mississippi
  • Corinth City in Mississippi
  • Derma City in Mississippi
  • Fulton City in Mississippi
  • Guntown City in Mississippi
  • Itawamba County in Mississippi
  • Iuka City in Mississippi
  • Lowndes County in Mississippi
  • Mantachie City in Mississippi
  • Marietta City in Mississippi
  • Monroe County in Mississippi
  • New Albany City in Mississippi
  • Noxubee County in Mississippi
  • Okolona City in Mississippi
  • Oxford City in Mississippi
  • Pontotoc City in Mississippi
  • Prentiss County in Mississippi
  • Ripley City in Mississippi
  • Saltillo City in Mississippi
  • Senatobia City in Mississippi
  • Tippah County in Mississippi
  • Tishomingo City in Mississippi
  • Tishomingo County in Mississippi
  • Union County in Mississippi
  • Vardaman City in Mississippi
  • Franklin City in New Hampshire

In the remaining locations, it is legal to grow, possess, and use kratom. You also do not need a prescription to buy it. 

Regulating Kratom

The FDA does not regulate it at this time. There are no regulations on the federal level that would endure the purity and quality of kratom products. Therefore, kratom cannot be sold or marketed to treat any sort of condition or disease. That means that kratom is legal as long as vendors do not sell it labeled as a dietary supplement.

To counter that and ensure buyer safety, individual states are taking the initiative to regulate sales, manufacturing, and labeling of kratom products using the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. A few states in the US regulate kratom and more consider regulating it.

For more detailed information on kratom legality in each state, view this post on kratom legality in the United States.

Kratom Legality
Latest Update: November 2020

Kratom Legality: Canada

Kratom legality in Canada is a grey area, similarly to how it is in the United States. There is also an ongoing debate about whether the government should implement a kratom ban.

According to CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) and Health Canada, kratom is illegal if one sells or possesses it with an intent to ingest.

Yet, kratom powder and capsules are available for sale in Canada. As long as it’s not meant for ingestion, kratom remains legal.

Kratom Legality: Europe

While the European Union has no borders and has a unified currency, each country has its own legislation.

Thus, kratom legality by country will vary.

As of 2016, it is illegal to import, export, or sell kratom in the United Kingdom. There is a UK based kratom company that claims that kratom is 100% legal in the UK. Nonetheless, the UK Psychoactive Substances Act that came into effect in May 2016, does include in the list of outlawed substances that produce psychoactive effects.

In 2017, Ireland also enlisted kratom as a Schedule I illegal drug.

Kratom also remains a controlled or illegal substance in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, and Turkey.

Since 2016, kratom has been listed among major drugs in Italy. It is illegal to possess, sell, or import it there.

In Denmark and Finland, kratom is a controlled substance, yet one can purchase it with a valid doctor’s prescription.

Germany remains a grey area for kratom users. It is not an illegal substance, but it can only be bought or sold as a herb that isn’t supposed to be ingested. Therefore, vendors sell it as an ethnobotanical sample or sometimes even as paint. 

Hungary has a similar situation. Kratom is illegal for human consumption, yet it’s possible to buy and sell it as a botanical sample for analytic purposes.

In the rest of the European countries, kratom is currently legal.

Kratom Legality: Australia and New Zealand

In 2003, Australia banned kratom as a narcotic substance due to concerns about potential abuse. However, no actual instances of kratom abuse have ever happened there.

Since 2009 kratom and its active ingredients are illegal to grow, buy, or sell in New Zealand without a medical prescription. If you do have one, you can use kratom in New Zealand without problems.

Best Kratom Quiz

Kratom Legality: Asia

Ironically, the very region that kratom is indigenous to, does not allow its free use. At least not everywhere. 

ASEAN

ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, refers to kratom as a drug. No traditional medicines or dietary supplements in these countries can contain kratom or its derivatives. Thus, it is illegal to use, buy, or sell kratom there. Countries that are a part of the ASEAN are:

  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

Yet, you’ll notice that some of the countries on this list, for example, Indonesia and Malaysia, are where kratom is currently grown and produced.

Despite the blanket regulation, in several of these locations kratom legality remains a grey area. It’s neither legal or illegal, having no rules regulating it within the country. Or, it is illegal and heavily punishable, yet allowed to be grown, harvested, and exported (without using it, of course).

This makes it dangerous to purchase kratom directly from these countries. No laws or regulations means that there is no guarantee that their kratom is safe, lab-tested, and contaminant-free. We highly advise anyone against purchasing directly from Asian countries and instead choose US-based vendors who test kratom in US-based labs to ensure that it is contaminant and adulterant free. Read more here.

If you travel to any of these countries and are unclear about the status of kratom there, it’s best not to put kratom in your luggage. Southeast Asian countries normally have strict drug laws and heavy punishment for breaking them if you get caught.

Thailand

In addition to that, Thailand legalized kratom for medicinal use in December 2018. Nevertheless, it remains not entirely “legal” as Thai police keep repeatedly seizing kratom possession. Moreover, in August 2019, Thai Prime Minister critically referred to kratom starting that it may be legalized if proven useful.

Since then, Thailand has been inching toward legalizing kratom. In summer 2020, the country decided to decriminalise the use of kratom in certain parts of the country, aiming to monitor the effects of legalizing kratom.

Korea, Japan, China, and India

South Korea also prohibits the use of kratom. You risk fines or jail time if you choose to import or export it.

Kratom is illegal in Japan.

Its status is unclear in China and there are no reliable sources to clarify that. However, according to our sources various vendors on TaoBao, the Chinese equivalent of Amazon, were shut down after listing it for sale. Also, considering China’s policy on opioids (which are illegal), we wouldn’t risk using or importing kratom into China.

In India kratom is currently legal, though be careful purchasing it there. There is a tree of the Mitragyna family that grows in India. While it has similar properties they aren’t the same as those of kratom. Indian vendors label it as Indian Kratom which is much cheaper. Yet, users have complained about it not being nearly as effective and causing nausea.

Kratom Legality: South America

The only official reports on kratom legality are available on Brazil where kratom is legal.

Is kratom legal in other locations around South America?

Currently, there is no reliable information available in other South American countries. But, users have reported having no problems traveling into and around South America with kratom.

They do, however, advise against traveling back to the USA from countries such as Colombia. They mention that border officials can mistake kratom for coca leaves and may cause issues.

Traveling with Kratom

If you intend to travel with kratom, be sure you know the latest information on the legislation of kratom in your destination. Is kratom legal there? Then, most likely you will be fine because, in most locations around the world, kratom is currently legal.

Nonetheless, there are countries where you will face a fine or other punishment if you act against the law. If you are an active-duty military member, you cannot take kratom with you either. The US military prohibits kratom. 

Keep in mind that there are locations that are still unfamiliar with kratom. As a result, they may not have any rules or regulations about it at all.

Meanwhile, other countries have kratom legality in the unclear, grey area.

If that is the case and you can’t find a definite answer to whether you can enter the specific country with kratom, it may be safer to leave your kratom at home. Doing so will ensure that you don’t get into any legal problems.

It will also prevent the reputation of kratom from being tarnished even further. Any negative incident anywhere in the world can be used by federal agencies as a reason for the kratom ban.

Do you have any experience with kratom in the countries that we have and haven’t mentioned? Is kratom legal there? Any other comments on kratom legality in different corners of the globe? Feel free to share them with us.

We do our best to ensure that we have the latest and most accurate information on our website. However, we wrote this post in September 2018, and the information included in it may change over time.

[Latest update: November 2020]

If you notice a recent change in legality that we have not included yet, don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know. Or simply leave a comment. We will highly appreciate it.