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Best Kratom Vendors to Try in 2020

January 21, 2020 by Speciosa Guide 4 Comments

While a few kratom vendors dominate the market, we believe that some of the best kratom vendors are actually lesser-known. So, we decided to dig the Internet and see what the kratom community has to say.

How We Found and Reviewed the Best Kratom Vendors

We believe that the most popular does not necessarily mean better. Moreover, one of the main buyer complaints about the top vendors is that their prices tend to be too high. As a result, buyers may opt for lower-quality kratom simply because it’s cheaper. Sadly, cheaper kratom also tends to be of lower quality. Because of that, buyers may end up paying more in the long run.

Therefore, we looked through forums and blogs for kratom vendors that are less popular yet highly recommended by kratom lovers.

As we did that before, when reviewing the top kratom vendors, we went a step further.

We not only looked through their website and buyer reviews for positive feedback and complaints but also placed an order with each of them to get the feel of their customer service as well as their products. Then, the entire Speciosa Guide team tried their products so that we would be able to provide more thorough and accurate feedback.

We placed all our orders on a Tuesday afternoon around 2:20 PM PST. Our goal was to see whether we’ll receive our orders before the weekend.

Since most of us prefer white vein kratom during the day, we looked for white stains, preferable White Maeng Da or close variants of it. Then, we tried each of them twice, two hours after a meal, compared our results, and took notes.

Interested to learn about our findings?

Then let’s proceed!

Best Kratom Vendors to Try in 2020

1. Kraoma

We’ll start our best kratom vendors list with Kraoma, an established kratom vendor that has been in business since 2014.

Background

In their about story, Kraoma explains how they have established relationships with kratom vendors in Indonesia and order directly from them. According to them, they’d been through some bad experiences, had been scammed, and had lost a lot of money before they were able to find reliable suppliers.

If you’ve read our post on buying kratom directly from farmers in Indonesia, their story confirms the fact that it’s extremely risky for individuals to do so. This about story gives a very personal touch, which we definitely like.

Kraoma also displays recent lab-test results on their site. This makes them more credible and trustworthy.

They also regularly blog on different kratom-related issues, such as kratom legality and buying tips. On their blog, they have various posts on kratom legality, and it’s evident that they regularly update them and answer reader questions. So, you can be pretty sure that they’ll have the latest information on kratom legality.

Products

Kraoma has a wide array of kratom strains, and some of the most popular products have hundreds of positive reviews. Kraoma’s products also have unique names that imply the effects that you can expect from each strain, such as Comfort Kraoma for Red Bali or Active Kraoma for White Maeng Da.

Their product descriptions also have some information in them about the strain, more than you can usually find on kratom vendor sites. It’s a nice touch that can help less experienced buyers make a choice.

Customer Experience

Kraoma’s website has links to shipping, returns, and other policies, so it’s easy to find any relevant information.

Depending on your order price, Kraoma has different types of shipping. They basically make sure that any order ships for free. Pricier orders ship faster. Yet, you can also upgrade your shipping for a fee and get your order faster. Buyers also state that Kraoma provides fast shipping.

Kraoma offers free kratom samples. Well, they’re not 100% free; you still need to cover shipping costs, but it’s still a great way to try two 10-gram kratom samples for $4.95. Returning customers can also add one free sample to their order, which is a great way of trying new strains with this vendor.

Kraoma’s website is simple but easy to navigate. It’s easy to find what you are looking for, browse through, and find products. Product images are professional and natural; they show products as they are and are not unnaturally enhanced.

A few other positive features that we came across:

Kraoma offers a 10%-discount when subscribing to their newsletter.
You can get a 20%-discount if you pay in cryptocurrency.
Kraoma also has a loyalty program that allows you to earn points for purchases and later redeem them when you buy.
They offer discount bundles. You can buy different strains in bulk and get a discount.
They always have some extra in their packages.
Kraoma is a Nevada-based vendor. Since Nevada has passed the KCPA, you can expect their kratom to be pure.

We found plenty of good reviews on Kraoma’s customer service. They always try to make up for mistakes or mishaps.

In general, people state that Kraoma’s products are potent and consistent. We also came across some bad reviews on quality, though in the same complaints, people also speak positively of Kraoma’s owner and blame the dip in the quality on the suppliers instead.

As per their prices, many state that they are affordable. However, we also came across a few complaints about their prices being too high.

Our Experience with Kraoma

We found Kraoma prices to be fair and midrange. They are a little higher than what some cheaper vendors, but lower than what other vendors offer.

We ordered White Maeng Da and paid for it in Bitcoin, which resulted in 20% off our order. We opted for First Class Mail. This way, the shipping was free. Had our order been over $75, it would have shipped with Priority Mail and arrived sooner.

Our order shipped that same afternoon and arrived on Thursday, two days after ordering. Out of the vendors we reviewed, Kraoma was the only one that shipped the same day.

In addition to our order of White Maeng Da, we also got two free samples and a coupon for 10% off our next order.

We took the first dose in the morning. We started feeling the effects in about 10 minutes, and full effects were in 30 minutes. All of us took our regular doses, and, to be honest, it was almost a bit too much than compared with other vendors.

We felt a good boost in energy, focus, as well as the mood.

The effects started to fade around 4.5 hours and were gone after 5.

Six hours after the first dose, we took the second. This time, we took approximately 25% less than the first time, and the effects were more tolerable this time. The overall experience was very similar to the first dose.

We most definitely can assure that Kraoma’s kratom is potent. To experience the same effects as with other vendors, we needed less kratom. So, even if their prices are a bit higher, due to the smaller amount needed per dose, their kratom is definitely going to last longer.

Moreover, due to the other perks such as discounts and free samples, Kraoma was definitely worth our money.

2. Viable Kratom (Viable Solutions / Herbal Salvation)

Frequently recommended in kratom forums, Viable Kratom also made it into our best kratom vendors list.

Background

Viable Kratom has been in business since 2011 and used to be known as Herbal Salvations. Since then, they rebranded and identified themselves as Viable Solutions, though they’ve kept their old URL till mid-January, 2019. Now, they call themselves Viable Kratom.

Viable Kratom states that their products come directly from the source. They also state that they test their products for contaminants. You need to enter LOT details to view the results.

In their about story, Viable Kratom state that they were one of the first kratom businesses to test kratom products and push GMP standards. They also emphasize that they strive to set the bar higher and offer the safest, best quality, and most consistent kratom products on the market. Nonetheless, they have recalled their products in the past. Moreover, some reviews noted that they were removed from the Kratom Vendor Daily List due to bad quality, bad reviews, and Salmonella issues.

Products

As per their product selection, it has only a few strains. Their kratom powder strain selection is limited to Maeng Da, Borneo, and Sumatra kratom. However, they also sell blends, enhanced kratom, capsules, extracts, and digital scales for measuring kratom. Viable Kratom also offers sample packs for new buyers. You can get five 25-gram samples for $25 + the shipping fee.

Their product images look enhanced to the point that the products look unnatural. They do state that the photos are stock imagery rather than the representation of the actual product. Nonetheless, this still creates an inauthentic feel.

Customer Experience

Each product has a short description which states basic data on the origin of the products, testing, and similar. The products have only a few reviews on the site, though those are mainly positive.

On kratom forums, you can also find generally positive reviews on the quality of their products, though buyers also state that sometimes their products can be miss.

They also have a loyalty program for return customers.

Our Experience with Viable Kratom (Viable Solutions / Herbal Salvation)

We found the prices of Viable Kratom to be fair and ordered White Maeng Da kratom powder from their selection. No free shipping options were available.

We opted to pay with eCheck. Although Viable Kratom accepts credit cards, most of the US-based card processors consider kratom a high-risk product due to its controversial legality issues. So, most companies willing to work with kratom vendors are offshore processors or are masked under fake companies.

We have heard of people being overcharged or having their card information stolen when buying kratom with their bank card. Although we’ve have not found reports or reviews of that happening with Viable Kratom, it is always a possibility when buying kratom with a credit card. So, we didn’t feel comfortable taking such a risk.

Once again, this has nothing to do with this specific vendor, but rather with the card processors who use deceptive tactics to process cards for kratom sales. That’s not something they are supposed to be doing it in the first place.

Our order shipped the following day, and we received in on Friday, three days after ordering. No freebies came with our order.

We took our regular dose and started feeling the effects 15 minutes later. Full effects were an hour later and lasted for about 5 hours. We felt a very subtle boost in energy and focus, though the mood-lifting effects were rather noticeable.

Six hours after our first dose, we took our second. Overall, the effects were much less noticeable and short-lived. Perhaps, if we had increased our dosage, our experience with the second dose of Viable Kratom would have been the same as the first time. Nonetheless, doing this consistently would have definitely upped our tolerance.

3. First Coast Tea Co.

The next on our best kratom vendors list is another frequently recommended vendor that was formerly known as SoCal Herbal Remedies. We did a bit of digging to find out what caused the rebranding to occur. We found out that SoCal was sued by a family in Philadelphia.

The young man whose family sued the company had a heart attack that resulted in a car crash. Nonetheless, the official cause of death was “acute mitragynine intoxication.” As with most “kratom death” cases, the results were inconclusive, and the full toxicology results weren’t disclosed.

We also found an article that shared screenshots of a former HuffPost journalist being refused to see official toxicology results even after a lawsuit as well as screenshots of the victim’s Facebook posts on his experience with kratom, kava, and an antidepressant.

It’s unfortunate that this company had to go through this as it’s evident that there is a lack of crucial information on the case.

Products

First Coast Tea Co. offer kratom powder and capsules for sale. However, it is virtually impossible to find their kratom products unless you know how to look for them. They also used to offer extracts that, according to reviews, did not seem to be good.

Their main offerings seem to be different botanical products, essential oils, soap, kava, and a variety of teas for sale. Neither their product selection nor product categories indicate kratom.

Even though their kratom products are hidden from the main inventory, First Coast Tea Co. label their kratom powder as “tea.” Since the authorities have not approved kratom for human consumption, selling kratom labeled as tea may not be the best approach.

We found no information either on the origin or their kratom products, not on whether they are tested.

Customer Experience

While some buyers indicated that their quality is consistent, others mentioned that it was hit or miss.

Buyers also referenced high-quality, responsive customer service, and the company sometimes providing samples to buyers who weren’t able to afford them otherwise. In general, we came across very few dissatisfied reviews; most people are satisfied.

Finally, buyers also report fast shipping and free samples, though not always.

Our Experience with First Coast Tea Co.

First Coast Tea Co. prices are low. We ordered White Maeng Da kratom powder, and no free shipping options were available.

We paid with PayPal. Payments with Stripe and credit cards are available as well. While this was convenient, in actually, PayPal classifies kratom as a high-risk product, similarly to credit card processors. So, it is possible that they get around this issue by not openly stating that they sell kratom products but rather tea.

Our order was shipped the next day and arrived the following Monday, six days after we ordered. There were no freebies with our order.

As per our experience with it, effects began 15 minutes later, and full effects were in 45 minutes. We experienced a moderate boost in energy and focus, as well as a mild mood boost. The effects began fading after 4 hours and were completely gone after 4.5 hours.

Overall, our second experience with this vendor’s kratom was very similar to the first.

4. Acadica

Acadica is the next company we decided to add to our best vendors list due to many positive reviews and recommendations.

Background

This vendor is a small business. Yet, buyers refer to the quality of their products as good and on par with the big brands. Some users even call it the best kratom they’ve ever had.

They were working on GMP compliance and clean-room packaging in 2018. Yet, there is no information on whether that was completed.

There is no information on whether they lab-test their products though the owner claims on Reddit they do. Nonetheless, the company has been involved in the 2018 Kratom Salmonella outbreak.

Their website is very basic. They also do not have an about page or blog; so, it’s hard to gauge how good they are without looking for information on them elsewhere. Moreover, links to the Return Policy, Privacy Policy, Payment, and Shipping Info don’t work.

Products

Acadica’s product selection is very limited. They do not sell any of the popular strains, such as Bali, Maeng Da, Thai, Borneo, or Horn kratom. Hulu, Kali, Ketapang, and Jonkong kratom seem to be all they have. Moreover, their product organization is very confusing, and it is hard to see everything that they offer for sale.

Products have only one to three reviews, though those are very positive. Product descriptions are missing for most products.

Customer Experience

Acadica does not offer free samples, but they tend to add extra kratom to their packages in some instances, such as around holidays.

Acadica offers free shipping, and their orders come on time and usually earlier than expected. However, since it’s a small company, people even state that it may be a one-man business. So, he can only handle a certain amount of orders at any given time. Therefore, orders may not always process within a 24-hour window.

The company is regularly low on stock. Some comments also indicating that the vendor doesn’t keep good track of their inventory and sells when there are no products in store. One person also has indicated that their negative comments were deleted. Nonetheless, they seem to refund and send some free kratom when that happens.

We also came across a comment on them using scare tactics to drive sales, though there is no indication of what these scare tactics are.

Buyers state that their checkout is complicated, yet their customer service is good, and correspondence is personal. They engage with their customers in comments on social media and offer a number on their website that is available for texts. The owner tends to respond quickly.

Our Experience with Acadica

Acadica’s prices are low. From their selection, we ordered White Ketapang, the only white strain they had available. We paid with PayPal, and free shipping was included. Our order shipped the following day, and we received it on Friday, three days after placing our order. There were no freebies with our order.

The first time, we started feeling the effects in 15 minutes. We weren’t quite sure when full effects set in as the effects from this strain were very mild. We believe that we felt a slight increase in energy and mood. However, we couldn’t agree on whether that was due to the kratom or a placebo effect.

Six hours after our first dose, we took the second. This time we increased our dose by 50%. The effects began in 15 minutes, and we felt full effects within an hour. This time it felt like we took kratom. We felt a moderate boost in energy and mood, as well as a mild boost in focus. The effects began to diminish after 3 hours and were gone after 3.5 hours.

While our second experience was much better, taking 50% more than our usual dose is neither sustainable nor good for our kratom tolerance. Despite their low prices, we would be paying a lot more over time than initially expected if we were consistently buying from them.

5. Canopy Botanicals

The last vendor we decided to review for this best kratom vendor list was Canopy Botanicals. According to buyers, the owner tries to make sure that his customers are happy and is known having sent his customers extra products when they were not satisfied with their order.

Products

Canopy Botanicals offers soap, tea, spices, and supplements for sale. Similarly to First Coast Tea Co., kratom isn’t obviously seen on their site, you need to search for it to find it. Therefore, it can be confusing for new customers, and people have problems finding their kratom products.

Their kratom powder photos look slightly unrealistic, for example, some white powders look like ashes and their Red Bali, that seems to no longer be in their inventory, looks like red paprika spice. Those are either enhanced images, or they are doing something to the powder.

Customer Experience

Their kratom prices are affordable and are lower than those of some of the more popular brands. Their shipping is fast. Some indicate that that’s due to their warehouse being next to a USPS office.

When it comes to quality, buyers state that their kratom is potent and sometimes too strong, whereas their quality is consistent. However, others also mention that their quality isn’t that good, though there are very few negative reviews in comparison with the positive ones.

Buyers also remarked that Canopy Botanicals send extra sample bags with orders, as well as some other products from what they have in store. They also sell ginger chews, which they sometimes include with their orders. This is a nice touch because ginger is good for the stomach and can alleviate some kratom side effects such as constipation and nausea.

Nonetheless, some reviews online state that there is no refund or satisfaction guarantee policy. There is also no info on kratom lab-testing.

Our Experience with Canopy Botanicals

We found their prices to be very low. We attempted purchasing White Maeng Da and White Elephant. No free shipping options were available.

At the checkout, we tried to send payment to their instructed address, but it would not go through. We reached out to their customer service; however, we never got a response.

As a result, we ended up not buying kratom from this company.

Verdict

From the best kratom vendors recommended by many buyers, Kraoma was our favorite. It is a small company with a big company feel. Through their prices are higher than those of some cheaper companies, their kratom is very strong, and they also offer freebies, free shipping, discounts, and other perks that ultimately pay off.

Curiously, we found fewer people referring to Kraoma on forums than we did on other vendors. Yet, it was the company that has the most consistent feedback, only a few somewhat negative reviews, and no public issues with their kratom.

We came to the conclusion that this vendor does not get the credit they deserve. So, if you are looking for a new vendor, Kraoma is definitely worth checking out.

If you would like to learn how to choose a kratom vendor, feel free to download our FREE guide with tips on it.

Have you ever bought kratom from these vendors? Let us know what your experience with them was.

Who are the best kratom vendors, in your opinion? Would you like us to review another vendor? We are passionate about making sure buyers get honest reviews, so feel free to drop us a line about your picks for best kratom vendors!

Which are the Best Kratom Strains for Beginners?

December 3, 2019 by Speciosa Guide Leave a Comment

Due to the numerous beneficial effects of kratom, more and more people contemplate trying it. However for a complete beginner finding the best strain can be a challenge.

There are several kratom vein types, and, on top of that, each of them also comes in a seemingly infinite array of strains. The selection of strains can vary from a vendor to a vendor, making a beginner’s choice even harder.

Moreover, strain product pages may have limited or no information on what you can expect from them. That’s because kratom is not approved by the FDA, and vendors do not state certain things on their websites to avoid potential problems.

So, if after having browsed through a few stores you feel like you know less than you did before you started, that’s normal. You’re also not the only person who feels like that.

To make your first time shopping for kratom easier, let’s look into different types of kratom and what the best kratom strains for beginners are.

Different Kratom Vein Types

Before jumping to the best strains of kratom for beginners, let’s take a look at the basics. There are three natural kratom vein types:

Red vein kratom – kratom leaves with red vein and stems yield red vein kratom powder. These are also known as the slow strains as their effects are primarily pain-relieving, sedating, and relaxing. More on red vein kratom here.
Green vein kratom – that’s the kratom powder that comes from leaves with green veins and stems. These strains are moderate. They relieve pain, but also boost energy and mood. More on green vein kratom here.
White vein kratom –powder that comes from kratom leaves with pale stems and veins is white vein. This variety is energizing; therefore, the kratom community refers to its strains as the fast. Learn more about white vein strains here.

Nonetheless, you may also see the fourth variety – yellow kratom. While leaves with yellow veins and stems do not actually exist, this variety is usually a mixture of two of the natural strains that farmers dry in a different way, and, perhaps even ferment. Similarly to green vein kratom, its effects are moderate. Read more about yellow kratom.

Kratom potent effects are due to its alkaloids, namely mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the two most abundant kratom alkaloids. However, its amount differs in each strain and vein type. As a result, the effects that each strain and vein type has are also different.

The Best Kratom Strains for Beginners

Generally, we advise absolute beginners to avoid white strains. At least, at the very beginning. White strains are highly energizing at low doses. While there are recommended amounts for each vein type, there are various factors that can impact how much kratom your body is ready for. For instance, athletes who have a lower body fat percentage than the average human, may need a much lower dose.

Secondly, inexperienced users can find fast strains overly energizing. They may feel agitated and jittery, similarly how you’d feel if you drank too much coffee.

So, which kratom strains would be best for beginners, then?

1. Green Vein Kratom Strains

Strains like Green Maeng Da and Green Malay are moderate strains. They won’t provide the strongest pain relief, but they will boost your energy levels, mood, and ability to focus. Because of that green strains are best taken during the morning or early afternoon.

Why do we recommend them for beginners then?

Green strains require moderate doses, and it’s easier to measure and assess what dose is best for you. Greens won’t make you to sleepy and you will be able to better observe your kratom experience.

2. Red Vein Maeng Da

Red strains are sedating and euphoric. Kratom users take them in higher doses. Red Bali is the most popular and widely available strain. Nonetheless, the large dose may not feel good for a complete beginner.

So, we advise introducing yourself to the red strains by trying Red Vein Maeng Da, which has potent pain-relieving properties, yet isn’t as sedating.

Because Red Maeng Da is a slow strain, it is better suited for the late afternoon or evening.

3. Yellow Bali Kratom

A variation of the Bali kratom, Yellow Bali provides milder effects than Red Bali Kratom. Its effects are moderate and can feel more suitable for a beginner.

Because of its moderate effects, Yellow Bali can be a great daytime or afternoon strain.

Kratom Samples or Variety Packs

Manu kratom enthusiasts do not take one, but several kratom strains. It helps them achieve different effects and keep kratom tolerance at bay.

One of the best options to try which the best kratom strains for beginners are is by trying a few strains. Several vendors offer samples or starter packs for symbolic or very low prices. These options allow you to try several different strains without making a commitment to buy a whole pack.

Are you a kratom beginner? Which do you think are the best kratom strains for beginners? Which will you try and why?

Free Kratom Samples: How to Avoid Scams

October 5, 2019 by Speciosa Guide Leave a Comment

Free kratom samples are an excellent way for buyers to sample products from different sellers to choose the best kratom strain and the best kratom vendor for them.

However, the kratom industry is very controversial, and it lacks regulations. So, not all vendors are the same, and not all of them can be trusted. Even getting samples can potentially be risky.

Moreover, new kratom vendors are popping up seemingly out of nowhere, and the selection of kratom strains is rather extensive as well. All this makes buying quality kratom even more challenging and confusing.

So, if you are willing to get a few free samples to try new strains or vendors, here are a few things that you should keep in mind.

Tips When Getting Free Kratom Samples

1. Be Ready to Pay a Little

Don’t be surprised if “free kratom samples” aren’t actually 100% free. That doesn’t automatically mean that it’s a scam.

Quality kratom is expensive, and high-class vendors need to invest in shipping, handling, and testing their products to ensure only the best kratom reaches their customers. Any batches that are fake, contaminated, adulterated, old, damp, or otherwise unsuitable for sale should be discarded.

If a vendor needs to discard an entire batch that they have invested thousands of dollars in, that can be a serious financial loss to them. If, in addition to that, they also ship free kratom samples and cover the shipping fees, this is extra money that the vendor has to pay out of their pocket.

Because of that, some vendors offer kratom samples where you get free kratom but need to pay for the shipping costs. This is money doesn’t actually go to the vendor but rather the shipping service provider, such as the USPS.

Other vendors offer small starter packages that come for a relatively small price.

That being said, you should only get free kratom samples from local US vendors who have a reliable payment system set up. Credit card payments are virtually impossible to set up for kratom vendors. That is why many utilize services such as e-check or accept cryptocurrency.

We strongly advise from providing your financial information or end payments to any self-proclaimed kratom vendors who may have contacted you through Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit.

Due to increased demand, many farmers in Indonesia have switched to selling kratom. However, there are no regulations on kratom there, which would require testing, and the sanitary standards are much lower. This means that you can never be certain of what you’re getting.

This trend has also increased the number of bad players, making scams highly likely to happen.

We’ve written more about buying kratom directly from Indonesia here.

2. Check the Legalities

First of all, make sure that kratom is legal where you are and do not get out of your way to get kratom samples from overseas if you live in a place where kratom is banned. First of all, you risk being charged with kratom possession.

Secondly, if you buy and consume contaminated, fake, or adulterated kratom and get sick, you risk getting into the hospital. There, kratom alkaloids can show up on medical tests. This also can lead to fines or even incarceration.

Moreover, keep in mind that some states have passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. This means that kratom vendors located there must comply with safety regulations even if they sell and ship kratom to other states.

The states that have passed the KPCA are Arizona, Utah, Georgia, and Nevada. So, buying kratom from vendors based in these states lowers or eliminates your risk of buying low-quality or otherwise unfit kratom.

3. Make Sure Kratom Is Lab-Tested

Kratom is a raw botanical product, and even consuming a small amount of a product that is not pure, can lead to serious health problems.

Therefore, it should behoove you to check if the samples that you may be getting are tested for quality and purity and make sure that these lab tests are reliable.

As mentioned above, vendors located in the states that have passed the KCPA, need to comply with local regulations. This adds another layer of protection for those willing to purchase from them.

4. Avoid Subscription Service Scams

Be particularly critical of vendors who target you through social media and do not have a dedicated selling platform. Once you submit your financial information to them, they may keep changing you for subscription services without you having given your consent to it.

If you find yourself in such a situation, you can notify the vendor and request a refund. However, don’t expect that to work with everyone. Scam artists are often experienced and take the precautions needed to avoid such occurrences.

So, you may want to contact your bank and inquire about the possible action you may take. You may also want to notify the authorities and find the best option for you to report a fraud.

5. Check the Smell and Consistency after Receiving

Before you take your first dose, make sure to inspect your free kratom samples for quality, odor, and consistency.

Does the powder smell fresh and grassy? Does it have a fine, flour-like consistency? Or is it lumpy, damp, and smells like mildew?

Fresh quality kratom should have a pleasant grassy smell. It should also be dry and fine, with no lumps in it. Kratom is a raw botanically, and it requires lots of humidity and moisture to fully develop. So, it’s normal for it to have a minute quantity of mold present in it.

However, if kratom leaves were picked from the ground rather than trees or have been improperly handled or dried, kratom powder can develop high levels of mold. Mold can also develop if kratom powder gets moist during packing or handling, or it’s stored improperly for an extended period of time.

Moist kratom can start developing mold, and mold can be dangerous to one’s health. It can result in various serious health conditions and even de deadly.

Some vendors try to get rid of wet kratom or contaminated kratom through free samples.

Because of that, you should always check your powder before you use it. You will likely not see mold, but smell it first. Therefore, if your free kratom sample smells anything other than fresh and grassy or if it is wet or clumpy, it’s best not to risk and discard it.

Final Thoughts

Free kratom samples can be beneficial to both buyers and vendors. Buyers can try out new vendors and new strains. Meanwhile, kratom vendors can reach new customers and increase their sales over time.

However, you need to carefully select a vendor whom you get your samples from. Even a small quality of fake, polluted, or adulterated kratom can be harmful to your health.

Have you tried free kratom samples? Who’s your favorite vendor offering them, and why?

Should You Buy Kratom Directly from Kratom Farmers in Indonesia?

May 28, 2019 by Speciosa Guide 8 Comments

Buying kratom directly from kratom farmers in Indonesia or any kratom where kratom is indigenous to may have crossed your mind. Especially if you’ve had negative experiences with kratom vendors in your home country, be it America or a different country you may live in. But how do you go about it? And most importantly – should you?

We recently received a comment from a person asking for recommendations of how to find best kratom farmers in countries where kratom is legal. When responding to it, we decided to address this in greater detail a blog post so that more people could benefit from it.

We’ll focus specifically on kratom farmers in Indonesia since that’s what most of the kratom products come from. However, the same will apply to any country where kratom is indigenous to such as Malaysia and Thailand.

Keep in mind that our goal with this blog is to provide reliable and trustworthy information on kratom, clear out the misinformation, and help keep kratom legal. We also aim to empower kratom lovers with valuable information to ensure that they make wise and informed buying choices.

However, our answer to whether you should look for local kratom farmers Indonesia to buy your kratom supply from may seem counterintuitive.

Don’t.

Yes, you could technically establish a relationship with a kratom farmer in Indonesia and get fresh and potent kratom powder for cheaper. Yet, the risk involved a far greater than the benefits of taking this route.

Trust us on this. We have your best interests in mind and buying kratom directly from the source isn’t actually the best choice. And we have some pretty solid reasons for why you should not do it.

Let’s take a look at them.

Reasons NOT to Buy Directly from Kratom Farmers in Indonesia

1. Kratom Legality Is a Grey Area in Indonesia

You may be surprised to find out that kratom isn’t actually legal in Indonesia. Not really. Indonesia is a member of the ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. There is a blanket regulation that forbids kratom in all ASEAN countries.

Considering the fact that most of the kratom comes from Indonesia, this may not make much sense to you. Well, that’s our point.

In Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, kratom is illegal for domestic consumption. But, it is legal to grow it and sell it in unprocessed form. So, you can absolutely grow kratom in Indonesia and cash in on its popularity, yet not take it yourself.

Indonesians knew very well about the opioid crisis in the United States and the growing popularity of kratom. Which means an excellent opportunity to cash in on it. As a matter of fact, about 90% of all exports from West Kalimantan those of kratom to the US. Data from 2016 shows that total exports of kratom were approximately $130 million.

Considering that Indonesia ranks the 121^st according to the projected GDP as opposed to the US which is the 8^th, that’s a lot of money for Indonesians. This brings us to our next point which is…

2. There Are Plenty Dishonest Kratom Farmers in Indonesia

Indonesians can be wonderful and friendly people and many travelers point that out. However, things can be different when money is involved.

So, basically, the scamming game is strong in Indonesia. And the kratom industry is no exception to it. Here’s some proof, some more, some more, and some more. Yes, sure, there are also legitimate and trustworthy farmers out there. But do you really want to deal with the headache of finding out which one you’re dealing with?

Kratom vendors in the US aren’t foreign to scams either. Even those who sell from the source have experienced issues with vendors in the past.

3. Indonesia Has Poor Sanitary Regulations

From our own experience traveling in Southeast Asia, we can tell that things there don’t work in the exact same way as they do in the West. When it comes to sanitary regulations, they are poor. You will notice that people do not wash or change their clothes as often as your average American would and places like restaurants would not pass a basic US-standard sanitary expectation.

Unicef also states that access to a safe and sanitary environment in Indonesia is extremely low.

What does it mean for kratom? It’s unregulated. Which means that there are no rules or regulations which would require kratom to be clean.

In addition to that, most farmers in Indonesia aren’t wealthy. As a matter of fact, a while ago there was a video online of kratom farmers in Indonesia begging the US not to ban kratom as it would mean going out of business and losing out on a lot of profit. (The original video has been taken down, but if you get a hold of it elsewhere, please let us know.)

Because these farmers are, for the lack of a better word, poor, you can’t expect them to be able to comply with US sanitary regulations and standards.

4. Your Risk of Getting Contaminated, Fake or Adulterated Kratom Increases

That is, of course, if you get your kratom, to begin with. There is a risk that the Indonesian or your local customs may seize your package. In certain countries, you may even need to cover importing fees which can be higher than the cost of what you’re importing.

Reputable and trusted kratom vendors lab test their kratom for purity and quality. Ideally, they send a batch of each shipment of each strain they receive to an independent 3^rd party laboratory.

These kratom lab testing results are actually rather detailed. They can not only detect contaminants, any foreign substances, but also the concentration of alkaloids and even tell if the stain is actually the one that the label claims it to be.

If any products test as contaminated, adulterated or otherwise unsafe or inadequate, kratom vendors should be discarding them.

Lat tests are a reliable way of telling whether the kratom you buy is safe to consume. So, you could technically do it by yourself. The problem is that these tests aren’t cheap. The prices aren’t a huge deal if you import and lab test kratom in bulk. For individual shipments though, this isn’t the most optimal approach price-wise.

5. Many Kratom Vendors Are Inexperienced

Imagine if you were a potato farmer all your life, and suddenly you decide to switch to growing tomatoes because they yield more profits. While growing both of them would qualify you as a farmer, you cannot apply the same knowledge and experience to produce both.

This also translates to the kratom industry. The increased demand for kratom has resulted in many farmers abandoning other traditional industries such as growing rubber trees and harvesting palm oil and switching to kratom. While that could indeed mean a greater kratom supply, many of the new kratom farmers in Indonesia aren’t actually experienced with kratom.

6. You Risk Putting Your Health and the Future of Kratom in Danger

Kratom is regulated neither in Indonesia nor the US. This means that you most definitely can end up with fake or unsafe kratom and put yourself at risk.

In addition to that, you risk negatively affecting kratom legality. If you take fake, contaminated or adulterated kratom and up in a hospital, your records would inevitably indicate that there is kratom in your system.

Then, how it’s going to be interpreted is up to whosever hands this data reaches. We know very well that the FDA wants kratom banned, and despite the fact that most CDC kratom deaths were likely not caused by kratom, it’s still spreading negative fame about kratom.

What Should You Do Instead?

To save yourself the headache and to minimize the risks, it’s best to go for US-based trusted kratom vendors.

That’s because trusted and reputable vendors will have already done all the hard work for you. They have already done the vetting and found farmers who can be trusted and provide a consistent supply.

They also lab test their products to ensure their purity and quality. In addition to that, it’s much easier for you to locate authentic reviews and determine whether you can trust them or not.

Of course, you still need to choose carefully and you still have the risk of choosing a bad vendor, however, your risks are much lower with US-based vendors than with kratom farmers in Indonesia. Especially because individual states are becoming more open to passing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act and regulating kratom statewide.

Basically, the saying “better the devil you know than the one you don’t” applies to this situation perfectly.

What are your thoughts? Vendors in the US or kratom farmers in Indonesia? We’d love to hear your take on it.

If you are looking for tips on how to choose a vendor, you can check out our post on common beginner buying mistakes, whether cheap kratom is worth buying, what the best strains for beginners are, as well download our FREE e-book on how to buy kratom.

Cheap Kratom Powder: Is It Worth It?

December 18, 2018 by Speciosa Guide Leave a Comment

One of the most common questions when it comes to buying kratom powder is its price. Some vendors tend to be rather expensive, others are cheaper. You’ve likely wondered if price affects the quality and how much you should actually be paying for kratom.

So, how much should you actually pay for kratom? Should you buy cheap kratom powder, or invest in a more expensive product?

There is no one definite answer to that. However, we can give you pointers to consider when selecting a kratom vendor.

Don’t Go for the Cheapest Option

We get it. Kratom is expensive and we all are interested in saving a few dollars whenever we can. However, we don’t advise you to save on kratom.

We admit that there may be an excellent cheap vendor out there. (Or at least we’d like one to be there.) Yet, more realistically, you’ll get what you pay for.

Many kratom users have reported often weak or nonexistent effects after taking cheap kratom powder.

Online Vendors Will Be Cheaper

You can find kratom both online and offline. While buying kratom offline may seem like a great idea because you can get kratom and start using right away, it’s all that there is to it.

Smoke shops that sell kratom, usually offer it for prices higher than those found in online stores. And a great number of users have reported that the quality of kratom from smoke shops is usually lower than what most online retailers offer. So, you may end up paying more for lower-quality kratom if you buy offline.

Online sellers such as kratom specific vendors and ethnobotanical stores also have a vaster database of knowledge on kratom. They will be able to advise you on the different veins and strains of kratom if you have any doubts. Reputable vendors also test their kratom for bacteria, heavy metals, and contaminants.

On the other hand, most offline sellers rarely have enough knowledge about kratom. Therefore, you may not get proper advice and may purchase a vein or strain that does not meet your needs.

Look for Vendors Who Have Access to the Source

Another reason why kratom prices may be higher is if the vendor is a reseller. That means that they purchase kratom from a distributor who acquires kratom from the source and then resell it to customers. Since both the distributor and the retailer are interested in gaining profits, this results in higher kratom prices.

Moreover, kratom purchased from a reseller may not be as fresh and potent. That will depend on how long it takes for it to get from the source to the buyer, as well as on how it has been stored.

You have higher chances of scoring fresh high-quality kratom for a lower price if you buy it from a vendor who has direct access to the store.

In this case, we do not advise you to buy it directly from the source. While you may find this as the cheapest option, there is no guarantee that kratom you’ll buy will be quality or free of contaminants. The ethics in the USA and in the kratom’s country of origin may not necessarily be the same. There are also other risky factors involved, which we have a whole post about. Check it out here.

Upon importing kratom from Southeast Asia, reputable vendors test (or at least should test) kratom in third-party independent labs before offering it for sale. This ensures that the product that you’re getting has no harmful substances in it and that it is not fake.

But, be careful when choosing a vendor because not all of them have the best interests of their users in mind.

Look for Consistency in Quality

One more factor to consider is that the potency and quality of kratom may vary based on different circumstances. The effects of kratom come from the concentration of its alkaloids. And that can vary depending on where kratom was grown as well as in what weather conditions. The way in which it was processed can affect its quality too.

As a result, not every batch is going to be exactly the same. Labs that test kratom can determine the potency of its alkaloids. Then, it’s up to each vendor to decide what they would consider unfit for sale.

Based on our own experience as well as what we’ve heard from users, price doesn’t always determine quality. However, vendors who have higher prices do tend to have more consistency in high quality. As a result, you will be more likely to get high-quality kratom more often if you purchase from those.

Your chances of consistently getting high-quality kratom from cheap vendors are considerably lower.

Look for Higher Price and Higher Potency

While the highest price on the market does not necessarily guarantee the highest quality, there are vendors who sell their kratom for higher prices simply because it is much more potent.

That is why the dosage that you would need to take would also be lower. So, you may be paying more upfront, but your batch will last longer. And it will be more potent.

In Conclusion

All in all, we advise you to look for these things when buying kratom:

online vendor that sells kratom from the source,
lab-test results,
higher-than-average-price,
consistent quality, and
high potency.

Keep in mind that you may not be as susceptible to noticing lower quality if you are new to kratom. That normally happens to people who have been taking kratom for some time and those who have developed kratom tolerance.

Therefore, it may be a good idea for you to try a few different vendors and decide which one works best for you. Most vendors offer samples, which is a great way of trying different sellers without spending too much.

Do you prefer cheap kratom powder or an expensive one? What experiences have you had with either one of them? What do you look at when choosing a kratom vendor?