Kratom Benefits: Pros and Cons Guide

In recent years, kratom, which comes from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained remarkable popularity in multiple forms: loose-leaf tea, liquid shots, capsules, and gummies.

Advocates of kratom applaud its natural properties and its many potential benefits. However, kratom has not been without controversy, and its rise in usage has sparked a lot of debates surrounding its safety, efficacy, and regulatory status.

Understanding the potential pros and cons of kratom will help you determine if this substance is right for you.

Pros of Taking Kratom

There hasn’t been a lot of research into kratom, which only became popular in the US over the last 10-15 years. However, the American Kratom Association and other kratom advocates have been calling on the FDA to conduct research into kratom’s uses and regulate it so that consumers can get the best information possible.

The pros of kratom, then, are mostly self-reported. However, these self-reported benefits create a very optimistic picture of the ways that people can use kratom to improve their lives and their health.

Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly reported benefits of kratom use.

Mood enhancement
Reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression
Increased energy
Improved focus and productivity
Increased alertness
Calm effects/relaxation
Improved cognitive function

With more research, we will hopefully move from a time when these are self-reported benefits to when they are scientifically proven.

What about withdrawal management?

Using kratom for withdrawal symptoms from other substances has gained attention recently, with individuals seeking alternatives to manage withdrawal symptoms.

However, caution is warranted, as a small minority of kratom users report that they experienced kratom-related withdrawal symptoms when they stopped using kratom, and an even smaller minority experienced symptoms of substance use disorder related to their kratom usage.

Many view kratom as a complementary tool that is part of a holistic approach. It is essential to speak with a specialist about this plan for guidance.

Testimonials of kratom users

Product reviews may be helpful, but one of the best places to find meaningful kratom testimonials is in the written accounts of kratom users that have been presented to courts all over the US.

As kratom users have advocated for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, many people who have found kratom to be beneficial to their lives and essential to their well-being have testified before state courts about their experiences.

For example, a Kansas citizen testified:

“Before finding kratom, my doctor had me on several controlled substances that, over time, starting having negative effects on my liver and kidneys. I was starting to have kidney pain every single day. This was very concerning to me. I made an appointment with my doctor and started doing some of my own research on natural supplements that could help me, not only with my ptsd but my depression and pain as well. That is when I discovered kratom. I didn’t find much research but what I did find were people it was helping. A lot of people. I found a trusted vendor, ordered some and decided to give it a try after speaking with my Doctor.”

This kratom user’s experience was so positive that they provided a statement to the Kansas court advocating for its continued legality in the state.

Drawbacks of Taking Kratom

It’s important to always weigh the pros and cons of anything that you consume, whether you are using it for energy, calm, therapeutic purposes, or any other use.

Supplements that fall under FDA jurisdiction are tested, and manufacturers have to adhere to specific regulations. Because kratom is not FDA-regulated, it is important to purchase kratom from a reputable manufacturer with high standards for product quality

With kratom, more research needs to be done for users to understand the potential risks. That’s why MIT45, a founding member of the American Kratom Association, has joined with other industry leaders to advocate for better regulation of kratom and its manufacture, especially through the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).

Issues caused by a lack of regulation

This lack of regulation is cause for concern for many kratom users.

Issues that arise from this lack of regulation include:

Inconsistency among products from one manufacturer to the next, or even in multiple products from the same manufacturer
Unpredictable strength from one product to the next
Lack of oversight in terms of concentration or other additives
No required safety parameters for manufacturers to follow
Mislabeling or incorrect information
Possibility of contaminants
Limited consumer protection if you are sickened by a bad product
Misleading marketing tactics

Don’t buy kratom from just anywhere. Choose a trusted producer that is known for creating high-quality products that are consistent and effective.

One way to confirm that your chosen kratom manufacturer is worth trusting is to look at the American Kratom Association’s Good Manufacturing Practice Standards Program (GMP). They describe their purpose as:

“The ultimate goal of AKA’s GMP Standards Program is to provide consumers with information to help them make an informed decision regarding their selection of kratom-containing products. The GMP Standards Program includes requirements that participants must satisfy to demonstrate that they have taken steps necessary to ensure the safety, identity, wholesomeness, and quality of the kratom-containing products they manufacture or distribute and that the label and labeling of such products ensures consumers have all the meaningful information required to make an informed purchasing decision.

Participants that qualify and maintain the high standards of this program will be listed as an AKA Qualified Vendor and the products they manufacture or distribute under the standards of the program can be listed on the AKA website and will be eligible to bear the “AKA GMP Qualified” seal on its label and labeling.”

Potential unwanted effects of kratom

It is important to monitor your reaction to kratom and watch for any unwanted effects. Some users have reported experiencing:

Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness and light-headedness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Loss of appetite
Excessive sweating
Confusion or disorientation
Respiratory issues

It is more common for people who use very high serving sizes of kratom to experience these effects.

When used in extremely high amounts, kratom may cause liver damage, withdrawal symptoms, and respiratory depression. Please use kratom responsibly and avoid extended use at very high servings.

Variation in legality from state to state

One final drawback to using kratom is that its legality varies from state to state. This means that it is important to pay attention to state laws before traveling with kratom.

The importance of weighing the benefits and drawbacks of kratom

When it comes to kratom use, the debate about pros and cons isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. The surge in kratom’s popularity is driven by users who report significant benefits.

To make sure that kratom is safely and consistently manufactured, regulation is key. However, until that happens, it is important to choose a high-quality kratom vendor who produces consistent and reliable kratom products.

Visit our product page to learn about our diverse selection of kratom products.