Kratom, known botanically as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family famed for its mild stimulant effects and incredible opioid properties. The tree is native to Southeast Asia, where locals have used it from at least the 1830s to treat numerous ailments.
The growing popularity of kratom as an effective therapeutic herb has translated into a proportionate increase in the number of vendors. However, not every kratom shop out there is run by credible suppliers.
It’s, therefore, imperative to conduct your due diligence while shopping for kratom supplements. That’s especially true if planning to order such products from the internet.
Read below for the five top things to bear in mind while ordering kratom online.
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Research Brands Carefully
This is unarguably the most important tip while shopping for kratom on the internet. As already hinted, the steady increase in the number of kratom suppliers means there’s a high likelihood of encountering unscrupulous vendors. The good news is that there are still numerous reputable outlets where you can buy kratom online, such as BC Kratom.
BC is the premium kratom vendor in Canada. The company is based in Victoria, British Columbia, but avails its products throughout much of North America. Its e-commerce dashboard is clean and intuitive, making it easy for shoppers to hone in on the supplements they’re looking for. BC Kratom also offers competitively-priced goods. It’s one of the only few kratom brands in North America that offer premium-quality products at affordable rates.
However, finding a kratom vendor as credible as BC Kratom can be a daunting process. So, it’s essential to know what to look out for.
First off, start with kratom brands that have been in business for a minimum of five years. The longer the duration, the more legit the company is likely to be. It’s also best to invest in online reviews. Feedback from previous clients can provide a sneak preview of the quality of products and services to expect from a kratom supplier. And as a bonus point, insist on brands that identify with the American Kratom Association or other similar kratom organizations.
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Establish If It’s Legal
Kratom may provide numerous health benefits. But the herb remains illegal in many countries and territories worldwide. So, it’s best to establish if kratom is legal in your jurisdiction before placing your order.
The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) doesn’t classify kratom as a controlled substance. The implication here is that kratom isn’t federally regulated.
However, bear in mind that kratom’s legality mainly depends on individual states and jurisdictions. For instance, the herb is legal in California except in San Diego.
The conventional wisdom is to check your local kratom laws before purchasing the herb online. If you’re buying from an overseas vendor, it’s vital to ensure they’re also based in jurisdictions where kratom is legal.
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Know the Strains
There are numerous kratom strains available in the market. It’s prudent to familiarize yourself with these strains as each one of them packs unique therapeutic and psychoactive properties.
Two main conventions are followed in assigning kratom strains their specific names. They include the coloration of their leaf veins and the country of origin.
Kratom strains by leaf vein coloration include White Vein Kratom, Green Vein Kratom, and Red Vein Kratom. White Vein Kratom is generally mentally stimulating, while Red Vein Kratom is sedating. Green Vein Kratom blends the properties of its White Vein and Red Vein cousins.
Common kratom strains based on the country of origin include Maeng Da (from Thailand), Green Malay (from Malaysia), and Red Borneo (from Borneo Island). The effects of these three strains depend on whether they’re white-veined, green-veined, or red-veined.
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Cheap Is Expensive
When it comes to kratom, price is usually an indicator of quality. The higher kratom’s quality is, the more expensive you should expect it to cost.
Therefore, don’t go looking for the bargain of the century. Be especially suspicious of vendors who price their kratom supplements suspiciously below the market rates.
In the same breath, note that the most expensive kratom supplements are not necessarily of the best quality.
Numerous factors can considerably increase the price tag of kratom products that would have otherwise cost moderate amounts. Examples of these aspects include strain scarcity, shipping cost, and the brand.
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Insist On Lab-tested Products
As the industry’s best practice, kratom products must be subjected to rigorous lab testing in order to certify them as safe and effective for consumption. Findings from these tests are usually published in a special report known as a certificate of analysis (CoA).
Insist on kratom goods that come with proof of lab testing in the form of a certificate of analysis. The CoA typically appears on the product’s online page. But you can also ask the seller for the report if you’re struggling to locate it.
Since you’re purchasing an industrially-processed good for internal application, it’s vital to vouch for its safety and efficacy.
A certificate of analysis will typically reveal the potency of kratom in a product. The report may also disclose the percentage of other active ingredients in the supplement, including preservatives and flavor enhancers.
Wrap Up
Buying kratom from the internet can be a daunting experience. But it needs not to be. By implementing the above-listed tips, you can get your hands on premium kratom products at reasonable prices.