Relaxation

Kratom is the common name for Mitragyna speciosa, the species of tree that produces leaves from which kratom products are made. These dried leaves are what people are referring to when they talk about “kratom.” Mitragyna speciosa is in the same family as the coffee tree (Rubiaceae).

The tree grows natively in certain Asian countries including Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. In these regions, kratom leaf has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional botanical. Teas made from kratom leaves were also used in many different types of ceremonies. In the last ten to twenty years, kratom use around the world has increased exponentially.

In its native habitat, the conditions are perfect for kratom growth, and the trees grow wild. With the right conditions, the trees can grow very tall. They average around fifty feet in height, but they can even soar to heights of eighty feet or taller!

The kratom tree can also be transplanted and grown in other tropical climates, but generally with inferior results. If you live in Florida, for example, you can try to grow your own kratom tree as a curiosity or for landscaping, but we still strongly recommend buying your kratom products from a reliable manufacturer with diligent lab testing.

The tree will continually grow and shed leaves over the course of its lifespan. As new leaves emerge, they first appear with white veins before gradually turning to green and then red veins as they mature. The leaves can be harvested at any of these stages, and this is where white-, green-, and red-vein kratom comes from. It’s also believed among industry experts that old-growth trees have a stronger alkaloid profile than younger trees, which influences the experience and effects that the kratom delivers.

Unless you live in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, or Wisconsin, then yes—kratom is legal in your state. The thing is, that’s not the only question you need to ask.

For one thing, kratom is also currently banned in a considerable number of cities and counties. Consumer safety regulations vary widely from one state to the next, making it easier in some states to manufacture and sell lower-quality or even adulterated kratom products. To learn if kratom is legal where you live, visit our comprehensive state-by-state legality guide.

Raw leaf kratom, also known as loose leaf kratom, is exactly what it sounds like—kratom made from leaves that have simply been harvested, dried, and ground into a loose leaf or powder form. This may also include certain kinds of “enhanced” kratom in which the raw leaf has undergone an extended or fermented drying process but has not otherwise been concentrated.

Kratom extracts are products in which one or more of the active alkaloids in kratom leaves have been extracted and concentrated. There are several methods available to create this type of kratom concentrate. The process can also be repeated as often as necessary until the desired strength and purity are achieved. Though rare, products in which a single alkaloid has been extracted are called kratom isolates. Most kratom extracts are full spectrum extracts.

Kratom strains are just another name for various cultivars of the kratom tree. Like most plants, kratom can be selectively bred to maximize certain qualities that are desirable for consumption. There are no standards or testing requirements, however, to claim a product is made from a specific kratom strain.

Mitragynine is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid within the leaves of the kratom tree. It’s the primary alkaloid responsible for kratom’s effects, although there are more than 50 alkaloids total. Mitragynine and other active alkaloids are isolated from other compounds in the leaves to create extracts.

Mitragyna speciosa is the official botanical name of the kratom species itself.

Kratom extract is used for all kinds of things. At lower serving sizes, one of the most common uses is for an energy boost, similar to coffee, except many people find kratom has less of a jittery quality to its energy. Depending on the type of kratom, some people may be looking to maintain focus with an extended energy release, while others are looking for faster-acting extracts that can be used as a pre-workout aid.

At higher serving sizes, kratom is more often used for its calming and soothing effects. While the kratom may not have the same level of energizing effects at these serving sizes, it is still popular among people looking to manage their physical comfort without excessive drowsiness.

It depends on what type of effects and activities you’re looking to enhance with kratom—and what type of kratom you prefer. Our product information and kratom guide can help you know whether to expect your kratom to show effects within 10-20 minutes or 30 minutes or longer.

Most people report that kratom shows its strongest effects around 1 hour or so after consumption and may last 3-6 hours overall. As you would expect, those who take kratom for its energizing effects tend to take kratom during the day, while those who seek more soothing effects may take kratom at different times of day.