What is kratom? Have you heard the buzz about kratom but are not sure exactly what it is? If you’ve only just discovered the novelty that is kratom, you’ve probably got tons of questions. Is it a drug? Is it a plant? Where does it come from? How do you consume it? What are its uses and benefits? Where can I buy good quality kratom? Is it even legal? Our comprehensive intro to kratom guide will answer these questions and more so follow along to find out.
What Is Kratom?
The term “kratom” refers to any product derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant, a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family. Kratom has been used for centuries to help prevent fatigue, increase productivity, and help manage pain in many cultures across its native Southeast Asia. Like our use of coffee in the west, farm workers and other laborers would chew the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant for its energizing effects.
The kratom industry has changed a lot since then, and with growing research and development, the production of kratom has become more sophisticated. Kratom users now report a variety of benefits to their health and wellbeing, depending on the strain of kratom they use.
What Produces Kratom’s Effects?
So, what is kratom—scientifically speaking? To truly understand what kratom is and how it produces certain effects, it’s pertinent to understand how the human body reacts to kratom.
Though research is still being conducted on the pharmacological uses, there is a basic understanding that kratom’s effects are a result of its alkaloid content, namely mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds, found naturally in the plant, along with around 40 other alkaloids, interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce analgesic, mood enhancing, and stimulating effects.
Kratom Uses and Benefits
So, what is kratom used for and what are its reported benefits? Kratom can produce different effects depending on the strain as well as the dosage.
In low doses, kratom typically works as a stimulant and users report the following effects:
- Boosted energy
- Better focus
- Enhanced mood and sociability
In higher doses, kratom can have more sedating effects with users reporting the following benefits:
- Pain relief
- Better sleep habits
- Reduction in anxiety and depression
Kratom Products
One benefit of kratom is its versatility in form. Modern kratom can be found in a variety of forms, each with their own pros and cons. For an extensive review of the different forms of kratom available today, check out our blog “How to Use Kratom Safely.”
- Powder—Pure kratom leaves crushed into a fine powder which can be mixed in with beverages or other food products.
- Capsules—Pre-measured kratom powder in an easy-to-swallow and fully digestible capsule.
- Tea—Loose leaf or powdered kratom brewed in hot water.
- Gummies— Kratom-infused gummies are a low-maintenance option for those lacking the time or resources to make or consume a kratom beverage.
- Extract—The most potent kratom product on the market, just a few drops will do the trick.
- Chocolates—Similar to gummies in maintenance and dosage.
- Beverages Other Than Tea—Energy drinks and other specialty drinks infused with kratom.
Kratom Strains- A Brief Review
As a novice kratom user, perusing websites that sell kratom can be overwhelming especially with all the different names and strains available. If you’re new to kratom and don’t know where to begin, it’s best to identify what your reasons are for using kratom. Each strain of kratom produces slightly different effects so narrowing down your “why” will help guide your search in the best strains for you.
When it comes to strains, there are two components—the “vein” color (red, white, or green) and the name (i.e. Bali, Malay, Borneo, or Maeng Da.) Arguably the more important component is the vein color, as different vendors use strain names somewhat arbitrarily.
White Vein
White vein kratom leaves are the youngest of the three, and are harvested before green and red. The leaves are harvested and dried in complete darkness. White vein kratom is typically less potent than green or red vein kratom and boasts more energizing and euphoric effects.
Green Vein
Green vein kratom leaves are more mature than white vein leaves when harvested and thus are slightly more potent. The leaves are processed with a combination of white and red vein techniques. The leaves are first dried indoors in an airconditioned room and then moved outdoors or under UV lights for final drying. Green vein kratom combines some of the effects of both white and red varieties working as a pain reliever, mood-enhancer, and energizer.
Red Vein
Red vein kratom leaves are harvested at peak maturity and are the most potent variety of kratom on the market. The leaves are dried in the sunlight or under UV lights and sometimes stored in bags to accelerate fermentation. This method of curing creates a unique alkaloid profile which maximizes the sedating effects of kratom, including pain relief and relaxation.
Is Kratom Legal Where I Live?
Currently, kratom is legal in most of the United States, but there are six states that have banned the use of kratom completely– Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
To better regulate the production and sales of kratom, eleven states have passed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, including: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Utah, and West Virginia. Other states are working on their own versions of a KCPA as well. These laws are put in place to protect consumers and require that kratom vendors remain transparent with their production and selling practices, include age restrictions, follow proper labeling and lab testing, prohibit elevating levels of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and preventing other adulterants in their products.
How to Find Quality Kratom
Now that we’ve reviewed the fundamentals, where can you find affordable high quality kratom? That answer is easy enough—right here at the Kratom Store! Our kratom is lab-tested and sourced from the most trusted kratom farms in the business. Begin your kratom journey today and check out the Kratom Store for all your kratom needs!
