With growing recognition of its potential advantages, kratom’s popularity has truly taken off. In 2016, kratom consumers were estimated to be approximately 3-5 million. Flash forward to 2023, and the estimated number of kratom consumers skyrocketed to 12-15 million, producing an economic contribution to the U.S. market of $1.5 billion.
Kratom is available in several forms, including powder, tea, capsules, extracts, tinctures, tablets, edibles, and gum resin, each offering unique benefits to suit various preferences and requirements.
With MIT45, you’ve already found one of the top kratom manufacturers in the industry. We strive to make our kratom available through an easy online shopping experience and in stores near you. Still, we wanted to give you our best tips to help you find high-quality kratom near you.
Best Places to Buy Kratom
Best Places to Buy KratomOnline retailers
Online vendors are a good source of kratom products, but you have to choose wisely because there are fly-by-night sellers out there just looking to make a quick buck at your expense.
The best way to avoid buying kratom from these places is to stick to retailers that have been approved by the American Kratom Association, provide a Certificate of Analysis for their products, and have not run afoul of Food and Drug Association (FDA) regulations or been subjected to a product recall.
Like most purchases, it’s a good idea to read online reviews when available.
We also strongly recommend buying kratom with clear labels and product information. Given the wide range of strengths from various products, knowing what makes for a safe serving size from a particular extract or raw powder is essential for having a positive experience.
Brick-and-mortar shops
Many convenience stores and head shops offer kratom extracts in the form of liquid shots that are easy to put on store shelves. Some shops also carry a full line of kratom products including large-batch raw leaf powder.
If you’re lucky, the store may have a clerk who’s knowledgeable about the products and kratom in general but don’t be surprised if you need to do the research yourself.
You can also search your local area or by shop name with this headshop locator tool.
MIT45 has one of the largest networks of brick-and-mortar retail placement. You can find our kratom products in all kinds of places, but we recommend you start your search with any 7-Eleven or Circle-K stores in your area.
Kratom and Kava Bars
Commonly marketed as kava bars that also sell kratom, these bars are springing up across the country.
These establishments offer kratom fans a night out where they can enjoy the experience with other kratom enthusiasts and remove some of the temptation of using kratom too often. You do need to be careful about bars with lax practices for sourcing kratom or unscrupulous practices for serving customers.
If the kratom product isn’t clearly labeled or is part of a premixed kratom drink, we advise asking the bartender for more information about their kratom.
Kava and kratom bars are often a mix of décor between coffee shops (with chess and other board games) and traditional bars (with plenty of opportunities to meet new people).
Tips on Purchasing High-Quality Kratom
Before heading to your neighborhood shop for kratom, consider these essential tips to ensure you purchase the best quality kratom capsules.
Inquire About the Product
Feel free to ask detailed questions about the kratom on offer. Inquire about its strains, source, and other relevant information to make a well-informed choice.
Evaluate the Kratom Quality
Examine the kratom closely before making a purchase to confirm its freshness and quality. Steer clear of any kratom that appears stale or emits an unusual smell.
Begin with Modest Quantities
For those new to kratom, it’s wise to start with smaller quantities to gauge its effect on you. A lower dose initially can help prevent any negative reactions.
Read the Packaging Carefully
Make sure the kratom packaging provides clear information about the strain, potency, and dosage.
Advantages of Purchasing Kratom from Local Shops
Advantages of Purchasing Kratom from Local ShopsBuying kratom locally comes with several benefits.
Immediate Gratification
The primary perk of shopping locally is the immediate acquisition of the product, eliminating the wait associated with online orders and shipments.
Direct Communication
Buying from a local store allows for direct interaction with the seller, offering valuable insights and advice about the kratom.
Supporting Local Economy
Purchasing locally benefits the community’s economy, ensuring your expenditure contributes to local growth.
No Delivery Charges
Shopping locally eliminates the need for shipping fees, making it a cost-effective option.
Disadvantages of Local Kratom Purchases
Selection may be limited
You might find that local shops offer a narrower selection compared to online stores, possibly limiting your access to specific strains or types of kratom.
Uncertain quality
The quality of kratom from local shops cannot always be guaranteed, and you might lack access to detailed lab tests or quality assurance documents.
How to Find the Best Kratom Prices
While buying kratom online is typically the cheapest option and buying from local retail shops tends to be more expensive, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
If you shop around, you will notice online and offline kratom prices can vary drastically even when comparing similar products. If you find heavily discounted kratom at a brick-and-mortar shop, you should also check for a best-by date and/or confirm that the product isn’t a knockoff of a well-established kratom brand.
Once you’ve found a kratom vendor you like, you can often find ways to save money on your kratom purchase. MIT45 offers several ways to save including loyalty rewards, subscription plans, and discount programs.
Kratom-Friendly States
Colorado
Due to the energy- and mood-boosting effects many people experience, kratom is popular with the fitness crowd including the state’s famous ski industry.
Kratom is legal except for Denver where there is a ban on kratom sold for human consumption. The cities of Parker and Monument have also banned kratom sales, but not possession.
The ski-resort towns of Vail, Aspen, and Telluride are some of the best places to buy kratom.
Florida
Except for Sarasota County that banned kratom use in 2016, kratom is legal in the state of Florida for anyone over 21 years of age.
The greater Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area and Tampa-St. Pete have bars and shops that sell kratom. That said, one risk unique to Florida is bars and other vendors that try to cut costs by growing their kratom inside the state. Despite Florida’s hot and humid climate, the best kratom comes from its indigenous climate in Southeast Asia.
California
Kratom is currently legal in California, except for San Diego and Oceanside. Los Angeles and the SoCal area have shops and bars that sell kratom products. The best areas in northern California include the Bay Area with smart shops that focus on nootropic supplements, as well as kratom.
Nevada
Kratom is legal throughout the state. Las Vegas, being the party town it is, has bars and shops along the strip and throughout the city. Reno with its combination of gambling and proximity to Lake Tahoe is another great spot for kratom culture.
New York
Kratom is legal in New York, however some areas like Suffolk County have established age restrictions. With its large immigrant presence including communities from Southeast Asia, New York City is a well-known spot for kratom where it’s sold in stores, shops and bars.
States That Do Not Sell Kratom
The following states have enacted an outright ban on kratom, making it illegal to sell, purchase, or possess including online sales:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Wisconsin
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Kratom Consumer Protection Act By State
We also recommend you find out if you live in a state that has enacted a Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Kratom is legal in most states and local jurisdictions by default, but 11 states have codified regulations that govern their state’s kratom industry by:
- Creating age restrictions for people under 18 or 21.
- Imposing fines and other penalties for violations.
- Requiring testing and labeling of all ingredients in kratom products.
- Addressing the manufacture, distribution, and sale of adulterated products.
Here is a summary of each state’s regulations:
Arizona: Makes kratom illegal for anyone under 18 years of age and places protocols on the production, sales, distribution, and labeling of kratom.
Colorado: Mandates all kratom products go through testing and have labels identifying all ingredients.
Florida: Makes it illegal to sell kratom to anyone under 21 years old.
Georgia: Prohibits sale to anyone under 18 years of age.
Nevada: Bans adulterated kratom products, requires labeling of ingredients, and prohibits the sale to anyone under 18.
Oklahoma: Makes kratom illegal for anyone under 18 years of age and vendors must provide ingredient test results upon demand.
Oregon: Requires kratom processors and vendors to register with the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Utah: Requires vendors to test and label all kratom products for purity and not sell to persons under 21 years of age.
Texas: Requires manufacturers and vendors to register their products with the state, clearly label all products, and conduct third-party lab testing that certifies the kratom hasn’t been adulterated.
Virginia: Prohibits sales to any under 21, requires vendors to list all the ingredients in their products and include a warning label.
West Virginia: Prohibits kratom products that have been adulterated with another substance and bans kratom sales to people under 18.
Whether you’re venturing online or stepping into a local shop, remember that quality, transparency, and informed choices are key. Armed with the insights from this guide, you’re well-equipped to navigate the kratom market, ensuring your experience is both satisfying and safe. Happy kratom discovery!
REFERENCES
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA and Kratom. FDA.gov. Updated June 2023.
Staff writer. Kratom State Legality and Legislation. The American Kratom Association. Accessed June 2023.
Staff writer. Kratom: Summary of State Laws. Legislative Analysis and Public Policy. Published December 2022.
East Bay Times May 2023
America Kratom Association Statement of Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy Kansas House of Representatives – HB 2084, February 1, 2023.
