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Kratom for Sciatica: Best Strains and Tips

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Kratom for sciatica

Sciatica is a debilitating lower back condition that affects approximately 10-40% of the population. Despite such frequency, there are plenty of misunderstandings when it comes to this condition, preventing people from getting better.

The good news is that most sciatica cases respond well to treatment and movement. Therefore, they can be managed with natural herbal products such as kratom.

Let’s take a look at whether you can take kratom for sciatica and which strains are best.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a form of back pain that results from the compression, pinching, inflammation, or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic, also known as the ischiatic, nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.

The sciatic nerve starts in your lower back. Then, it branches out and runs on either side of your back body through your hips, glutes, and legs down to your feet. It provides sensation to the skin of your feet as well as the legs except for their inner parts.

Sciatica pain manifests along the length of the sciatic nerve and normally affects only one side of the body. Pain occurs at the back or side of the legs.

Kratom for sciatica

Symptoms of Sciatica Pain

Sciatica pain can radiate anywhere on the sciatic nerve pathway. However, in most cases, it’s felt from the lumbar spine to the buttock, thigh, or calf, usually in the back or the side of the leg.

It can vary in intensity ranging from mild ache or discomfort to sharp and burning sensation, feeling of a jolt of electric shock, or even intolerable pain.

Some individuals may also experience muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling on the side that’s affected by the pain. Feeling pain in one area of the affected leg and numbness in a different area of the same leg is also possible.

Causes of Sciatica

One of the most common causes of sciatica pain is issues in the lower back, with a herniated disc being the most common reason. However, bone spurs (extra bone matter at the ends of bones) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) can also lead to sciatica pain.

Either one of these conditions can put pressure on the surrounding nerves. When the pressure affects the sciatic nerve, this results in sciatic nerve pain.

Some people are at greater risk of experiencing sciatica. This includes:

  • Individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 – this group is the most likely to experience sciatica pain;
  • People who do lots of heavy lifting – improperly handling heavy weight can put too much strain on the spine causing a herniated disk;
  • People who lead a primarily sedentary lifestyle – this can lead to spine issues that can cause sciatica;
  • Pregnant women – due to increased weight in the midsection, their posture shifts forward deepening the curve in the lower back, without adequate core support this can lead to developinga  herniated disk;
  • Overweight individuals – extra weight can put pressure on the spine, resulting in a herniated disk;
  • Diabetes patients – diabetes can result in nerve damage.

Common Sciatica Treatment Methods

In most cases, the pain resolves in a few weeks. During this time doctors may recommend a treatment method that depends on the severity of the pain. Sciatica pain treatment methods include:

  • Alternating cold and hot pads;
  • Stretching or other forms of movement such as yoga or pilates;
  • Acupuncture;
  • Physical therapy;
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers;
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Muscle relaxants;
  • Steroid injections.

If pain persists for longer than three months, one may require surgery. Intense pain and weakness can lead to complications such as loss of bowel or bladder function. So, if you experience it, you should seek medical assistance.

See a doctor if you notice that you are starting to lose control of bladder or bowel movements as well as if sciatica pain happens after severe trauma such as injury or accident.

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Is Kratom for Sciatica Effective?

Kratom is an effective form of managing different forms of pain, including conditions such as arthritis, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, and more. Therefore, it can also be helpful for sciatica flare-ups.

Various users in the kratom community have reported feeling sciatica relief after taking kratom. Some also suggest CBD in combination with kratom to soothe both pain and inflammation.  Many have also indicated that kratom for sciatica has been more effective than any medication.

Best Types of Kratom for Sciatica

Preferences on which kratom is best for sciatica differ for different individuals and can be affected by factors such as the severity of pain, the time of day pain relief is required, and more. However, there are a few common favorites that the kratom community chooses for sciatica.

1. Red Maeng Da

Red Maeng Da that many refer to as RMD is a potent red strain that originated in Thailand due to the process of grafting. As a red, it’s a slow strain. It has potent pain-relieving and relaxing properties.

Due to their relaxing and sedating benefits, reds are best suited for the evening time and night time. However, some users prefer to take it during the daytime by either mixing it with a white strain or taking it with coffee.

Red Maeng Da provides pain-relieving effects for sciatica whereas white strains or coffee counter the sedating effect by increasing energy.

Keep in mind though that it is best not to mix strains right away. We advise that you get familiar and comfortable with each strain and its effects on your body and only then experiment by mixing it with other strains or coffee.

2 Red Bali

Red Bali, a strain that is originally from Borneo is the most popular kratom strain on the market. That is due to its high production rates, wide availability, and economic prices. Red Bali is effective for pain relief and can also be a helpful kratom strain for sciatica.

3. Green Malay

While the majority of users opt for red kratom stains for sciatica, greens such as Green Malay are a close second. Green Malay, also called Super Green Malay or SGM, is a powerful green strain from Malaysia.

As a green, it is a moderate strain. This means that Green Malay provides moderate pain relief as well as energy in a similar way that red rein strains in combination with whites or coffee would do.

4. Yellow Bali

Yellow or gold strains are rarer than reds or greens, and they are not natural strains. Instead, kratom farmers mix two of the natural kratom strains in a unique mix. Some forms of yellow kratom are also fermented.

Similarly to green strains, yellow and gold ones offer moderate effects. Therefore, they are suited for the morning and daytime. Yellow Bali tends to provide relatively long-lasting effects, which can be a great option for those who need long-term kratom relief for sciatica.

5. Red Borneo

Red Borneo is another red kratom strain that users like to take for sciatica pain relief. Another strain from Borneo Island, it provides potent pain relief that can help those with serious flare-ups.

Precautions When Taking Kratom for Sciatica

Quite a few users have experienced negative side effects after taking kratom for sciatica. These range from intense headaches to sleep issues. In most cases, side effects occur either due to improper dosing and use or low-quality kratom.

To avoid these issues, keep a log of your doses, especially if you rotate strains and take different vein types. In addition to that, always purchase quality kratom from reputable vendors to avoid contamination issues, poisoning, or exposure to harmful chemicals or substances.

Have you taken kratom for sciatica? What have the effects been? Which strains do you prefer?

Kratom Dizziness: What Can You Do?

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Kratom dizziness

While kratom has a wide variety of beneficial properties, users can experience side effects. While those are generally unpleasant rather than serious, as is the case with most prescription medications, they can make your kratom experience less enjoyable.

The good thing is that these side effects are relatively easy to prevent and manage.

Nausea and kratom constipation are some of the most common side effects. Kratom dizziness is another common one, especially among those with little to no experience with the herb.

So, your first few times taking the herb may not be as pleasant as kratom can make you dizzy and cause wobbles.

Don’t worry though; as a raw herbal product kratom can have different effects on different people and it may take an adjustment period until you find what works for you. You’re not alone in this. Many users go through similar experiences.

Let’s take a look at why kratom makes you dizzy and how to manage and prevent kratom dizziness.

Why Does Kratom Make You Dizzy?

Kratom is a complicated herb with at least 25 different alkaloids and other beneficial compounds. There have only been limited studies on the herb and its alkaloids thus far. While more studies are underway, there is still plenty we do not know.

Moreover, there are no regulations on kratom in the United States. The FDA does not regulate it, and only a few states do so with the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

As a result, vendors do not have a standard to follow. Every imported batch can have different freshness and quality, and as a result, different effects.

Below are a few reasons that can lead to kratom dizziness.

1. You Are Taking a Dose That Is Too High

Kratom dizziness and eye wobbles are some of the signs that you may have taken a dose that is excessively high.

Different types of kratom require different amounts to achieve the desired effects. For instance, you would need to take more red vein kratom than white vein kratom.

In addition to that, your body may simply need a lower dose than indicated or the batch may be stronger than you expected.

2. You Are Taking Low-Quality Kratom

Low-quality batches purchased from questionable vendors or vendors who do not provide consistent quality can cause kratom dizziness and wobbles.

That’s because they have weaker properties but the alkaloid composition remains the same. You still get exposed to the alkaloids and may even up your dose, but the beneficial effects aren’t as strong.

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3. You May Have Low Blood Sugar

Drops in blood sugar can result in dizziness, shakiness, and confusion. Your blood sugar drops when you get hungry, and a quick snack can help you with that.

Additionally, kratom can suppress appetite which can potentially result in you not feeling hungry when your body may actually benefit from some food. This is why kratom use can lead to some individuals losing weight.

4. You’re Taking Kratom with Coffee

A high dose of kratom can make you dizzy and so can a high dose of coffee. If your mix kratom with coffee and retain your usual dose of coffee and kratom, it can be too much for your body. Instead, you should be lowering your dose of both.

5. You’re Taking Kratom Too Frequently

Regular kratom use can lead to alkaloids accumulating in your body and develop tolerance. This, in turn, can cause kratom dizziness in some individuals. So, if you take kratom every day without any breaks or take it several times a day, this can eventually make you dizzy.

6. You May Be Dehydrated

Kratom can dehydrate you, and dehydration can result in dizziness. So, if you are not consuming enough liquids to replace what you lose daily, your brain may not get enough oxygen, thus making you dizzy. This is especially true about individuals who are older, seniors, as well as those who suffer from diabetes.

How to Avoid and Manage Kratom Dizziness

Now that you know that kratom can make you dizzy, let’s look into what you can do to manage and prevent kratom dizziness.

1. Take a Lower Dose

Not all kratom produces the same effects. They depend on the vein type and strain, and each vein type has a different concentration of the primary alkaloids. Due to that, strains of different vein types require different dosages to achieve the desired effects:

  • White vein kratom is energizing and uplifting and can result in effects that are similar to coffee. You typically need 2-4 grams of white vein kratom; however, new users should start with 2 grams or even less.
  • Green vein kratom offers mild analgesic, relaxing, and energizing effects. It offers more pain relief yet slightly less energy than white vein strains. The usual dose is 4-6 grams. Nonetheless, new users should start with 2-3 grams.
  • Red vein kratom is relaxing, analgesic, and sedating. You need to take it in higher doses than green or white vein kratom. Usually, users prefer 6-8 grams though new users should start with less and gradually add more.

Due to the lack of regulations on the quality of kratom, there is no standard quality and potency you can expect. It’s natural for t to vary from vendor to vendor. With less reliable or cheaper vendors, you can even expect individual batches to vary.

So, the same dose of kratom from different vendors will not necessarily result in the exact same effects. Because of that, we always recommend starting with a low or threshold dose.

If your dose is too high, you will likely experience unpleasant side effects like kratom dizziness, nausea, and wobbles. However, if our dose is not enough, you can always add on to it, until you finally reach the effects that you are looking for. Do so gradually adding an extra half a gram every 30-60 minutes.

2. Measure Your Dose with a Digital Scale

We suggest that you invest in a sensitive digital scale, one that can measure down to a 0.1-gram precision. This will ensure that you are taking exactly the same dose each time you take kratom.

Measuring kratom with, for instance, a spoon is not precise. Depending on how much you scoop, you may end up with a completely different dose each time. With faster strains like whites and greens, you can easily take an excessively high dose without even realizing it. This can result in kratom dizziness and other side effects.

3. Switch Strains

Some individuals have reported feeling kratom dizziness and wobbles when taking some strains as opposed to others. This would stop when they would switch to different strains.

While this is by no means a guarantee, try taking different strains and see if the dizziness persists. If you are unsure which strains could be a more suitable option for you, do your research on the effects and properties and try samples, smaller packages, or small bundles first.

4. Take a Break from Kratom

Some users have noticed that as their tolerance to kratom increases, they tend to get kratom dizziness. Try taking a few days off and reintroducing kratom at a slightly lower dose. If that solves the issue for you, avoid taking your dose every day. Instead, have a few days a week when you don’t take kratom or opt for kratom alternatives instead.

5. Choose Kratom from a Different Vendor

If the quality of kratom that you are taking is low or it happens to contain contaminants or adulterants.

This may not be a deliberate intention of adding adulterants, but simply mishandling the product, such as exposing it to moisture while packaging which can lead to the development of mold. Improper testing could also lead to pathogens like E.coli and salmonella not being identified.

So, if you are experiencing wobbles or dizziness, try getting kratom from a different vendor, preferably a reputable online one.

Local vendors such as head shops, gas stations, and smoke shops usually have older kratom. That’s because it spends a lot more time in transit and warehouses. This can result in low-quality bathes that may require you to up your usual dose. A number of users testify that.

Research online vendors and try a few to see if you like their quality and the kratom dizziness persists.

6. Take Kratom with Some Food

If you take kratom on an empty stomach, the effects tend to be faster and more pronounced. This happens because your stomach only has kratom to digest and the process of you taking your dose and it reaching your bloodstream through the digestive tract is much faster.

If, however, you take kratom with food, your stomach digests kratom and releases it into your bloodstream at a slower rate.

Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, and there are users who prefer taking kratom on an empty stomach. Nonetheless, new users may find it more pleasant to have kratom with some food such as a small snack or some time after a larger meal.

If you are hungry, your blood sugar levels tend to be lower. Moreover, kratom can suppress your appetite. As a result, you may be hungry but not aware of it. Try taking a small snack and see if the dizziness gets better.

7. Drink Plenty of Liquids

Dehydration can make you feel dizzy, and kratom tends to dehydrate. Therefore, make sure to consume plenty of liquids if you take the herb. Try to stick to water and avoid beverages that can further dehydrate you such as coffee, soft drinks, and store-bought juices.

Final Thoughts

While kratom dizziness can be unpleasant, it can be rather easily manageable and preventable. Take a suitable dose, choose high-quality kratom, and drink plenty of liquids. Switching strains or vendors, and taking a break from kratom can benefit you too.

Have you ever experienced kratom dizziness? What was causing it in your case and how did you deal with it?

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. 

Kratom for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Does It Work?

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Kratom for Chronic fatigue syndrome

We all know what it’s like to be tired if we have too much on our plates and don’t get an adequate amount of sleep. However, for some people, this tiredness never goes away.

This condition is called chronic fatigue syndrome, and it’s actually more common than many think. Let’s look into what it, and if you believe you may have it, how kratom could help.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a complex chronic health disorder. Its most prominent characteristics are extreme fatigue, which lasts longer than six months. This unpleasant condition can’t be explained in full detail, and neither can be its underlying cause or medical condition.

Chronic Fatigue Symptoms

Chronic fatigue has a wide range of symptoms. These can come and go or persist all the time. The combination of symptoms may vary from one person to another, and so can the intensity.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Extreme fatigue that worsens and persists for longer than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise,
  • Having sleep issues and not feeling refreshed even after having slept enough time,
  • Difficulty concentrating as well as maintaining attention and memorizing,
  • Feeling dizzy upon standing up or sitting up,
  • Muscle pain,
  • Joint pain, often accompanied by redness or swelling,
  • Headaches that are different in terms of pattern, intensity, or type from what a person usually experiences,
  • Continuous or frequent sore throat
  • Tender lymph nodes under the arms and in the neck.

While these are rather common, there is a range of symptoms that are less frequent, yet may still occur. These include:

  • Blurring, light sensitivity, pain in the eyes, blurring, and other vision issues,
  • Night sweats and chills,
  • Irritable bowels,
  • Either low body temperature or low-grade fever,
  • Allergies or sensitivities,
  • Burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands, feet, or face,
  • Irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, anxiety, mood swings, or other psychological changes.

These symptoms may not be obvious to others. Therefore, a person with chronic fatigue may seem normal and healthy to others, and it may be hard for friends, family, and colleagues to emphasize what they are going through.

Chronic fatigue is not only unpleasant and debilitating, but can also lead to other issues such as depression, social isolation, frequent work absences, and lifestyle limitations or restrictions.

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What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

There is no definite answer to what causes the condition. Possible causes include prior viral infections, chronic stress, physical or emotional trauma, hormonal imbalances, and immune system disorders.

Common Chronic Fatigue Treatment Methods

Since we do not know what the cause of chronic fatigue is, a cure for it currently does not exists. Therefore treatment methods focus on managing the symptoms.

There is also no test to confirm that one has chronic fatigue. Symptoms may often mimic other health conditions, and people with this disorder may also suffer from other chronic health disorders. These can be various sleep disorders, IBS, anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia.

Treatment may involve a combination of medication as well as therapy.

Medication can be either prescription or over the counter. Some of the most commonly prescribed ones include:

  • People with long-term chronic fatigue tend to also have moderate to severe depression. Antidepressants are prescribed to improve a person’s ability to cope with chronic fatigue symptoms as well as can help get better sleep and better manage pain.
  • Pain medication. Since it is common to experience muscle and joint pain and conditions like fibromyalgia may go hand in hand with chronic fatigue, pain relief medication like over-the-counter ibuprofen and prescription drugs like pregabalin and gabapentin may be used.
  • Blood pressure and heart rhythm medication. These can aid people who become nauseated and feel like they will faint when sitting or standing up.

As a means of therapy, people with chronic fatigue may be recommended:

  • This can help cope with additional stress, depression, and limitations that occur due to the chronic condition.
  • While intense and aggressive exercise can worsen chronic fatigue symptoms and should be avoided, light impact and low-intensity exercise can help improve the mood and prevent reconditioning, which may result from decreased physical activity level.
  • Lifestyle changes to improve sleep. A doctor may advise a variety of practices and lifestyle changes to improve sleep hygiene and quality. These may include bedtime routine, lower caffeine intake, set bedtime, reduced use of technology before bedtime, and more. If the case of disorders like sleep apnea, a breathing machine can be helpful.

Can Kratom Relieve Chronic Fatigue?

Due to its wide range of beneficial alkaloids and effects, kratom can help manage chronic fatigue and improve the quality of life. Users report Mitragyna speciosa being more effective than various chronic fatigue drugs. Moreover, the effects of kratom are so diverse that a person can use it instead of various medications.

The herb can help in the following ways:

1. Provide Energy throughout the Day

Green and white kratom strains have effects that are similar to caffeine. Therefore, they can help one stay alert and energetic without needing an extra cup of coffee.

While both greens and whites can be beneficial, greens may be a more suitable starting point for less experienced users and people who also suffer from depression.

Green vein kratom for chronic fatigue can also be more effective if one suffers from pain. That’s because greens have stronger pain-relieving properties.

2. Improve Focus and Concentration

While coffee can make one jittery and agitated in larger doses, making focusing and concentration harder, kratom, especially green vein strains, can be extremely helpful in improving focus and concentration as well as productivity. Greens create a calm focus, which, in combination with increased energy, can help you get more tasks done.

3. Improve the Mood

One of the beneficial effects of kratom is euphoria, which all strains can provide to a greater or lesser degree. A better mood can help you manage chronic fatigue symptoms much more effectively.

4. Relieve Anxiety and Stress

Greens and reds have soothing and relaxing abilities, which can ease stress and anxiety. Moreover, these types of kratom for chronic fatigue can also help control intrusive thoughts and relieve social anxiety.

5. Help Manage Depression

Greens can be beneficial in managing depression symptoms. They not only provide additional energy but also boost the mood and help deal with racing negative thoughts.

6. Improve Sleep

While reds have relaxing and sedating properties and can help sleep through the night as well as alleviate conditions like restless leg syndrome or fibromyalgia, greens can also improve sleep.

In a counterintuitive way, they can help stay awake and alert throughout the day and be tired enough just in time to go to bed.

7. Relieve Pain

Reds have the most potent pain-relieving properties and can be beneficial throughout the night. While greens are milder, they still can provide potent pain relief that can ease one’s tasks and activities throughout the day, making day-to-day life more pleasurable.

Which Type of Kratom for Chronic Fatigue is Best?

Due to its moderate and balanced properties, green vein Mitragyna speciosa is typically the most suitable type of kratom for chronic fatigue. It offers moderate energizing effects combined with relaxation and pain relief.

These properties can help one stay alert, energetic, and focused, yet also ease stress, anxiety, and pain.

Precautions When Buying and Taking Kratom for Chronic Fatigue

Since people with chronic fatigue tend to experience other health issues in addition to the condition, it is extremely important to only buy fresh, consistent, and high-quality kratom that is properly lab-tested and pure. Contaminants, adulterants, and other pathogens could be extremely damaging to an already weakened immune system.

Moreover, one needs to be very consistent and precise with their dosage. Exceeding doses can lead to experiencing jitters, nausea, and vomiting, which could be especially unpleasant and even harmful if added to the typical chronic fatigue symptoms.

Having kratom that is consistent rather than fluctuates in quality can also help one maintain consistent doses and keep tolerance low. Buying cheap kratom can result in getting stronger kratom one time and weaker kratom another. Such fluctuations in potency can lead to overdosing, experiencing kratom side effects, as well as increasing tolerance and burning money.

Do you suffer from chronic fatigue? How long have you had it, and what have you been taking or doing to manage it? Have you tried kratom for chronic fatigue syndrome? If so, what was your experience like?