Kratom has been around for decades. But despite many studies crediting this herb for its potent therapeutic benefits, the industry is still largely unregulated.
Therefore, it’s best to proceed cautiously while shopping for kratom supplements.
Conducting due diligence is the surest way to hunker down on premium-quality products. Besides, it’s the easiest way to avoid getting ripped off by unscrupulous vendors who’re only out to scam unsuspecting shoppers.
In this post, we uncover the various tips on how to safely and smartly shop for kratom products.
1. Familiarize Yourself With Kratom
To safely buy kratom, you must first understand what this herb is all about.
Kratom is a tropical medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. The herb is indigenous to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
When looking for kratom for sale, prioritize vendors who source their products from the herb’s native range.
Next, research what kratom may and may not treat.
The herb has demonstrated efficacy against pain, nervousness, and sleep deprivation. You can also administer it for inflammation, inappetence, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Other critical research areas include delivery methods, dosage recommendations, and mind-altering abilities.
2. Determine If It’s Legal
Kratom laws vary worldwide. While the plant is 100% legal in certain countries, it’s banned or heavily regulated in others.
So, it pays to understand kratom regulations in your local jurisdiction before shopping for the herb.
Kratom is presently legal in Canada. There’s no express legislation banning the herb, making it accessible throughout all Canadian provinces and territories.
However, Health Canada hasn’t officially authorized kratom for medicinal use. Neither has the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) endorsed the herb as a nutritional supplement.
Canadian kratom vendors must desist from ascribing definitive medicinal claims to their products. Besides, the CFIAs restrictions tacitly prohibit the sale of kratom consumables.
The good news is that these regulations strictly apply to traders. Canadian kratom users can access the herb in all its available formulations.
3. Buy Online
The internet came as a welcome relief for discreet kratom users. With a smartphone and enough data, you can shop for kratom from the comfort of your home.
Many stores ship their products in unlabeled and unbranded packages, adding an extra layer of discretion to your shopping experience.
Besides improved convenience and discretion, the internet also lets you compare prices across multiple vendors in seconds. The same feat that would require hours or days of physically hopping into different brick-and-mortar outlets.
Moreover, kratom is generally cheaper online than in physical stores.
That’s due to minimal overheads incurred by vendors (such as rent and human sales representatives), which would then be passed on to the buyer.
4. Know How to Identify High-quality Kratom
There are different ways to vouch for kratom’s quality, including;
Visual Appearance
Kratom has a deep, vibrant green color.
However, that’s only true for green-vein varieties. The actual pigmentation will depend on your preferred kratom strain.
Some kratom powders may appear reddish-brown (for red-vein cultivars) or beige (for white-vein strains).
Whether you opt for fresh leaves or ground powder, ensure it comes in a color consistent with its strain. Shun dull or gray-colored products.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
Raw kratom extracts have a distinct earthy aroma. The herb smells and tastes like green tea or freshly bruised grass.
Avoid musty odors, as that indicates staleness, adulteration, or contamination.
But as mentioned, kratom’s flavor and aroma profiles strictly apply to unprocessed supplements.
Refined products like kratom tinctures may have entirely different scents and tastes based on their active ingredients.
Tactile Appearance
Kratom powder should feel soft to the touch.
While you may expect some coarseness based on the grounding technique used, avoid powders with visible clumps.
Dampness and stickiness are other sure indicators of low-quality kratom powder.
That’s especially if the product has a musty smell, which is typically synonymous with mold infestation.
5. Buy From Reputable Brands
Nearly every kratom vendor you’ll come across pitches themselves as credible. Fortunately, you can sift genuine characterization from pure marketing gimmicks by;
Researching the Company’s History and Reputation
Establish the duration a kratom vendor has been in business.
While you can find new entrants who offer decent products, it’s safer to shop from stores that enjoy at least 5+ years of active experience.
Better yet, sample online reviews to learn more about a vendor’s products and overall customer experience.
Knowing Where They Source Their Products
As kratom is native to Southeast Asia, you want a vendor who obtains their products from this region.
This ensures consistent quality with each batch.
Besides, insist on retailers who source their products from organically cultivated kratom. Natural growing methods yield products that are free from pesticide residues.
Looking Out For Lab Test Reports
Only buy kratom from vendors whose products come with certificates of analysis (CoAs) from third-party, accredited laboratories.
CoAs validate the composition of each tested batch.
They highlight the bioactive compounds in a product, verify its alkaloid content, and confirm the presence of harmful contaminants.
Wrap Up
Following the above pointers will help you hunker down on high-quality kratom supplements at industry-competitive prices.
Remember to always trust your instincts while shopping for kratom. If a deal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
We should also reiterate the significance of moderation while administering kratom. Although the herb has a remarkably high safety profile, an overdose can trigger certain unpleasant reactions.
The trick is to start from the bottom and then build momentum gradually until you find your sweet spot.