7 Questions & Facts About Kratom Everyone Should Know

As someone who loves buying kratom and maybe even uses it every day, you are likely to be extremely familiar with this plant, what it is, and where it comes from. However, as kratom faces increasing legislative opponents, you might find that your friends and family don’t understand or have the proper facts on kratom or even know what it is. Prepare yourself to become an informed kratom advocate by familiarizing yourself with answers to these common questions about kratom!

Top Questions About Kratom You Should Know

Question #1: What is Kratom?

Let’s start with what kratom is not: It is not a recreational drug that was made in a lab, and it is not a relative of marijuana. What kratom is is a ground leaf powder from the Mitragyna speciosa tree (a relative of coffee) that grows in the wild in the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia. The leaf was traditionally chewed by laborers for an energy boost and pain relief during long working days (sometimes 12 hours or more). Kratom’s variety of types — ranging from uplifting to soothing aromas — is currently used by people around the world looking for a natural way to manage stress, fatigue, and chronic pain.

Question #2: Where Does Kratom Come From?

This fact about kratom has changed radically in the last decade. In the past, kratom grew abundantly in the following countries:

• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Indonesia (Including Sumatra and Borneo)
• Papua New Guinea
• Other Nations on the Pacific Rim

Unfortunately, government attempts to restrict the use of the leaf have led to a sharp decline in places like Thailand where kratom grows naturally. Made illegal in Thailand with the Kratom Act of 1943, it was only recently that the country began to loosen restrictions surrounding the ethnobotanical. Additionally, the sale or possession of kratom in Malaysia has likewise been restricted since the plant was added to Section 30 (3) of the Malaysian Poisons Act in 1952.

As a result of these legal challenges, most kratom for export is now grown, sourced, and harvested on the various islands of Indonesia — but even now that is at risk with recent pending Indonesian kratom legislation.

Question #3: Is Kratom Legal?

The question about kratom’s legality varies depending on where you live. In some nations, kratom laws banned it outright. In others, it varies across the country. In the United States of America, for example, kratom is currently regulated for safety and is legal for sale to adults (either at ages 18 or 21 depending on the state) in the following states:

• Arizona
• Georgia
• Nevada
• Utah

These states, however, prohibit the sale and consumption of kratom completely:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Indiana
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Wisconsin

In other states not mentioned, the facts about kratom are still being debated. In these states, kratom may be purchased by adults but may be of dubious quality as the substance is not tested or regulated in these areas.

Kratom Legality around the World

Another kratom fact is that If you live outside of the United States, you can generally purchase kratom legally unless you live in one of the following countries:

• Australia
• France
• Israel
• Lithuania
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Poland
• Romania
• South Korea
• Thailand
• United Kingdom

If you can’t purchase kratom in your state or country and would like to explore other options, be sure to take a look at our kratom alternative products to see whether one of these ethnobotanicals might be right for you!

Question #4: Is Kratom Psychoactive?

This is the question about kratom everyone has and with good reason! Considering the kratom facts swirling around the media in recent years, it can be hard to gauge what is true or not.

Here are the facts: the Mitragyna speciosa leaf contains compounds called “alkaloids” that can alter your mood by boosting your energy levels at low aromatic levels or making you feel mentally and physically relaxed at high aromatic levels.

Kratom and its Active Alkaloids

Just like coffee contains caffeine and hemp contains cannabinoids (CBD, THC, etc.), kratom contains alkaloids that are responsible for its mood-boosting and pain-relieving benefits. So far, more than 25 different alkaloids have been discovered in the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, although mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — the two main alkaloids in kratom — are responsible for most of kratom’s aromatic effects.

Question #5: What’s the Most Effective Form of Kratom?

The fact is, kratom’s “best” form depends on what you are looking for in an ethnobotanical. Kratom is currently available as a fresh leaf, dried powder, and enhanced kratom extracts, as well as liquid form. So which is the best?

Fresh Leaf Kratom

Traditionally, kratom users in Southeast Asia would chew the fresh kratom leaves which would have contained variable alkaloid levels depending on the maturity of the leaf. Our kratom powder is made from the dried forms of these fresh leaves.

Dried and Powdered Kratom

Customers curious about kratom who are located outside of this plant’s native region can only access the plant in its dried, powdered form. Compared to chewing the leaf which has an immediate effect, utilizing dried kratom powder enables the user to experience a more pronounced aromatic effect in a shorter amount of time. Using dried kratom powder, however, also carries the risk of the powder being contaminated or mixed with other substances — so it’s essential to know where to buy reputable, premium kratom you can trust — like Kratora!

Finding Your Sweet Spot

No matter which form of kratom you choose, finding the perfect strain for you depends on the aromatic experience you want to achieve. One fact about kratom is that — contrary to what you may expect — a lower amount of kratom will result in more stimulating effects, whereas a higher amount tends to be more relaxing. Red-vein, white-vein, and green-vein kratom varieties will also offer different aromatic benefits. It’s all about finding what works for you! Not sure where to start? A kratom variety pack can be a great way to explore what may or may not be best for you!

Question #6: Why is Kratom So Popular + What Can Kratom Do For Me?

While a few people do enjoy the aroma of kratom recreationally, most kratom users are people looking for a natural way to address chronic health issues. The gently stimulating aroma of kratom is attractive for those who suffer from ongoing fatigue or simply struggle to get up and going in the morning. The analgesic aroma of some strands, on the other hand, are popular with those who suffer from long-term pain.

Few people also know the fact that kratom can also be used in soaps and skincare and has been said to help relieve symptoms of skin irritation and inflammation.

Question #7: Does Kratom Have Any Side-Effects + Are There Any Risks to Taking Kratom?

Although kratom is a 100% natural product, like anything we encounter in our daily lives — from too much chocolate to not enough exercise — there can be some side-effects when utilizing different strains or aromas, including:

• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Itching
• Constipation
• Irritability

Ensure A Pure, High-Quality Product by Shopping at Kratora

As you can see, kratom is a natural product with a huge potential for improving people’s quality of life when used responsibly. No matter what your circle of friends thinks of kratom now, the best thing you can do to help them see kratom in a positive light is to arm yourself with kratom facts and buy only pure, high-quality kratom powder from trusted vendors who take care to produce the best product possible.

To learn more about kratom, we invite you to browse our blog or join the conversation on social media. Be sure to share your kratom testimony by logging in and leaving a review for your favorite strains, so other kratom advocates (like you!) can find the variety that’s right for them.

Please note that the US FDA has not approved kratom to be sold for human consumption, sold for external use only. None of the products sold on our website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Want to learn more about kratom quality and value? Start here:
Why Buying Cheap Kratom Can Be Dangerous