Kratom’s popularity has soared in recent decades. Many rely on kratom products to soothe discomfort, balance their mood, and boost overall wellness. But as with any natural supplement, it’s imperative to verify the safety and quality of kratom. Choosing the highest quality kratom means you’ll experience better effects and get more value from your purchase.
Currently, in the United States, kratom is not federally regulated. Organizations like the American Kratom Association (AKA) are working to create industry-wide quality and safety standards, but some kratom vendors may ignore these efforts. That’s why it’s vital to learn how to verify the safety and quality of kratom on your own.
At Joe’s Botanicals, we strive to create the best customer experience for all kratom users. We’re here to help you navigate the complex world of buying kratom online. In this article, we’ll discuss how to verify kratom products for safety and quality.
Why Safety and Quality Matter
Why are these factors so crucial, anyway? Although kratom is a natural product made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, it’s still important to consider safety before putting anything into your body.
Low-quality kratom carries a greater risk of contamination and impurities. It may contain mold, pathogens, unsafe levels of heavy metals, or artificial preservatives and fillers. This may result in side effects or health issues such as gastrointestinal problems or dizziness. Users with allergies or chemical sensitivities may also become triggered if exposed to unlisted ingredients in low-quality kratom.
Kratom quality also affects your wallet. High-quality kratom products are fresher and contain more mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids are the natural chemicals present in kratom that are responsible for its pleasing effects. High-quality kratom is often fresher and more potent, which can offer a more satisfying experience.
In contrast, low-quality kratom may be stale. It may also be derived from poor-quality leaves containing a lower alkaloid concentration. You may need to consume more to achieve the same effects as a similar dose of higher-quality kratom.
So, how can you tell the difference between high-quality and low-quality kratom? Due to the lack of nationwide consumer protections in the United States, there’s no “one size fits all” method for verifying online kratom vendors. However, paying attention to the factors below will help you make an informed purchase.
Sourcing Your Kratom
First, research the vendor’s supply origins. The kratom tree is native to Southeast Asia and many retailers will specify whether their products come from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, or other regions. If you can’t find this information easily, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.
Once you know the region, you can do further research to learn about the kratom’s quality. Like wine or coffee, environmental conditions such as humidity and soil composition will affect the quality of kratom. Products from Indonesia are often considered the highest quality kratom, but other growers in other regions also cultivate premium strains.
Additionally, when sourcing your kratom, look for vendors that work with organic and sustainable farms. This helps ensure that your kratom won’t contain harmful pesticide residues. Sustainable farming practices also support the local environment and community.
Look for Lab Testing
Third-party testing is one of the most vital considerations in kratom verification. It demonstrates that vendors go the extra mile for their customers to guarantee the safety and quality of their products.
Proper testing is conducted by an independent, third-party lab. Vendors send batch samples to the lab, which then screens the kratom for contaminants such as:
- Mold
- Microbial pathogens
- Toxic heavy metals
- Chemicals and pesticides
- Unlisted ingredients
Additionally, lab testing verifies the freshness and alkaloid concentration of each batch. This ensures that the kratom is properly labeled. Accurate labeling provides consumers with clarity on the product’s content and potency.
When shopping for kratom, you can always contact the vendor to request a Certificate of Analysis for their lab-tested kratom products.
Vendor Transparency & Reviews
Next, consider the vendor itself. Trustworthy online kratom vendors will provide detailed information about their products, as well as general kratom education and news. They will be happy to answer questions, too.
Trustworthy vendors also work with the American Kratom Association to meet the AKA’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. These vendors go the extra mile to obtain AKA-GMP certification and display this seal on their website and product packaging.
It’s also recommended to check independent customer reviews before purchasing from a new kratom vendor. If the vendor doesn’t have a Yelp listing, search for their name on Google as well as social media and sites like Reddit. See what other customers are saying about the vendor’s kratom products, as well as the overall shopping experience.
Product Packaging & Shipping
Generally, the highest quality kratom will be professionally packaged and sealed in an airtight, opaque container. This helps prevent the kratom from going stale and losing its potency due to sunlight exposure. Proper packaging also protects against mold.
To further verify the safety and quality, examine the packaging for educational information. Does the packaging list the strain and country of origin? Does it have an AKA seal to verify its GMP certification?
Shipping can also make a difference. The best online kratom shops will ship their product quickly and discreetly. You’ll receive email updates when your order has been received, processed, and shipped out, as well as an estimated arrival date. If the vendor does not provide this information, it may be a sign that their products are poor quality.
Red Flags
Finally, watch out for red flags that may be a sign of safety issues or substandard quality. Trust your gut and think twice before buying kratom from an online vendor that displays any of these potential red flags:
- Significantly lower prices than the market average
- No information about lab-testing
- No contact information on the website
- Unwillingness to answer customer questions
- Exaggerated, unverifiable health claims
Shop Joe’s for the Highest Quality Kratom
If you’re concerned about the safety and quality of your kratom, trust Joe’s Botanicals. Our products are 100% pure and natural, with no additives, preservatives, or chemicals. We offer nothing but the finest kratom from Fair Trade small farms, hand-picked and harvested at peak maturity for optimal quality. It’s also lab-tested and AKA GMP certified.
Visit our shop for the very best kratom powders and capsules.
