Curious about kratom? Joe’s is here to answer all your questions! According to one estimate, 1.7 million people used kratom in the United States in 2021. Yet despite its growing use, there’s still a lot that people don’t know about this natural supplement. In today’s blog, we’ve compiled a kratom FAQ to help debunk the mysteries surrounding this powerful plant.
Whether you’ve never tried kratom before or you’re simply interested in furthering your knowledge, these frequently asked questions will help expand your awareness of all things kratom. (And if you have any kratom questions that you don’t see answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us!)
Welcome to Joe’s Kratom FAQ.
What is Kratom?
Let’s start with the basics. Kratom is an herbal supplement made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. Kratom leaves are a natural source of chemical compounds called alkaloids. When kratom is ingested, these alkaloids interact with key neuroreceptors in the brain and release a variety of sensations that users find pleasurable.
In regions now known as Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines, kratom has been used for centuries in ancient rituals, traditional medicine, and home remedies. The kratom leaves would be used in salves and balms, brewed in teas, or simply chewed raw. Today, kratom is cultivated for commercial use in a variety of different forms, including powders, capsules, tinctures, kratom extract, and more.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
As with any supplement, people use kratom for a variety of different reasons that can vary from individual to individual. Some people use kratom to help unwind after a long day, while other people use it to induce feelings of focus and creativity. There are many different wellness and recreational uses for kratom.
How Long Does it Take for the Effects of Kratom to Kick In?
This also varies. Several factors can influence the onset time for feeling the effects of kratom. For example, it can vary depending on the strain, the user’s individual tolerance, and the form of kratom consumed. Capsules and powders often “kick in” faster than teas or kratom extract, although this may vary depending on the formulation of the kratom product.
Generally, however, users can expect to feel the effects of kratom within 15 to 30 minutes of consumption. These effects may then last for 3 to 6 hours total. Always use kratom responsibly in a safe space. If you’re just starting out on your kratom journey, begin with the smallest possible amount and see how it affects you before you increase your dose.
Is Kratom Legal?
Kratom is not a federally controlled substance. This means the legal status of kratom is determined by each individual state, county, or city. Currently, kratom is prohibited in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
However, even in states where kratom is unregulated, there may be localities where it has been banned. For example, kratom is unregulated in California but illegal in the city of San Diego. If you’re not sure whether kratom is legal where you live, visit the American Kratom Association’s interactive map.
Hopefully, kratom will become fully legal and properly regulated soon. Advocates are working hard to protect consumers’ right to choose and access safe, high-quality kratom. To learn more about the ongoing efforts to federally legalize kratom, check out our blog.
What’s the Difference Between Strains of Kratom?
As you may have noticed, kratom is available in different varieties known as “strains.”
Strains are often named for the region where the kratom is grown and harvested. Like wine or coffee, kratom is affected by environmental factors such as soil composition and humidity. For example, some kratom enthusiasts can distinctly feel the difference between Indo kratom and Bali kratom.
However, the biggest difference between strains of kratom is the color. All kratom comes from the same plant, but the veins of the leaves change color as they age. This indicates a shift in the leaves’ alkaloid composition. As the alkaloid composition shifts, it changes the effects of the kratom.
- White Vein Kratom: These are the youngest leaves with a higher concentration of an alkaloid called Mitragynine. Users use white vein kratom for a zippy, “get up and go” feeling.
- Green Vein Kratom: This is “middle-aged” kratom, with a pleasing balance of Mitragynine and another alkaloid known as 7-hydroxymitragynine. It’s enjoyed for a variety of reasons because it presents a combination of different kratom effects.
- Red Vein Kratom: Red vein kratom is made from the most mature kratom leaves. Its dominant alkaloid is 7-hydroxymitragynine. When ingested, this strain delivers a grounding sensation that many users enjoy as they unwind and let go of the day.
There’s also Yellow Vein Kratom, which is slightly different because there are no yellow vein leaves. Instead, yellow vein kratom is made by combining red vein kratom with green vein or white vein kratom. This hybrid product is a great choice for users who wish to experience a unique balance of effects.
What’s the Best Way to Take Kratom?
When it comes to a kratom FAQ, we often hear people asking how to take kratom. There are several different ways to consume kratom, but the two most popular methods are powders and capsules.
Kratom powder is a great choice for users who enjoy customizing their dose, adding kratom to smoothies or other recipes, or creating their own DIY capsules with unique blends.
Kratom capsules, meanwhile, offer the convenience of pre-measured doses in a form that’s very easy to consume. Simply pop the capsules into your mouth and, wash them down with water or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage and enjoy!
Where Can I Buy High-Quality Kratom?
We hope you’ve enjoyed our kratom FAQ. If you’re looking for the best kratom online, look no further than Joe’s Botanicals! Our kratom is 100% natural, with zero preservatives, fillers, or other artificial ingredients. We are also lab-tested for purity and American Kratom Association GMP Certified, which guarantees the highest quality kratom on the market. Shop now!
