In the past decade, herbal products have become increasingly popular, making their way into the mainstream market. Among them is Kratom, a natural plant product that was once only found in specialty headshops or online. Today, Kratom is more accessible than ever— you can find it in gas stations, health food stores, and vitamin shops, thanks to its growing reputation for providing various benefits. However, many people in the U.S. are still unfamiliar with this fascinating botanical.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive Kratom guide—perfect for both first-time users and long-time Kratom enthusiasts. Use this as a go-to resource to learn about Kratom and how to make the most of it!
What are the Effects of Kratom?
What are the Benefits of Kratom?
How Long Do Kratom Effects Last?
States That Have Restricted Kratom
The Best Place to Buy Kratom Online
What Is Kratom?
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree related to the coffee plant. It thrives in Southeast Asia’s rainforests and is native to countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, and Myanmar. For years, Indonesia has been the primary exporter of Kratom, but Thailand has recently begun to lift restrictions, allowing more Kratom trade.
Kratom has been used for centuries by native communities, who valued its natural properties. The plant contains two primary alkaloids— Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine— that interact with receptors in the body, producing a range of effects.
What are the Effects of Kratom?
Kratom’s effects depend largely on the strain and serving size. Most users describe Kratom as offering one of the following experiences:
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Energizing & Stimulating: Similar to caffeine, lower servings of Kratom may provide a boost in energy and motivation.
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Relaxing & Soothing: Higher servings tend to promote relaxation and ease muscle tension.
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Discomfort Relief: Many people use Kratom to support overall well-being and help manage everyday discomfort.
Pro Tip: Kratom’s effects vary based on strain type. “Fast” strains are energizing, “Moderate” strains offer balanced effects, and “Slow” strains are best for relaxation.
How Long Do Kratom Effects Last?
The onset and duration of Kratom effects depend on several factors:
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Metabolism: A fast metabolism may cause Kratom to take effect quicker but also wear off sooner.
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Serving Size: Smaller amounts typically last 3–4 hours, while larger servings can last up to 6 hours.
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Diet: Taking Kratom on an empty stomach can intensify and prolong its effects.
How Is Kratom Used?
Traditionally, Kratom leaves were chewed fresh or brewed into tea by Southeast Asian farmers for sustained energy during long workdays. In the U.S., dried Kratom leaves are ground into a fine powder, making it easy to consume in various ways:
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Toss & Wash: Quickly swallowing Kratom powder with water or juice.
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Brewing Kratom Tea: A smooth, flavorful option for those who prefer a milder taste.
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Capsules: A convenient way to avoid Kratom’s naturally bitter flavor.
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Mixing with Food or Smoothies: Helps mask the taste while still delivering effects.
Pro Tip: When brewing Kratom tea, avoid boiling water, as excessive heat can degrade its beneficial alkaloids. Instead, steep Kratom in hot (but not boiling) water for optimal results.
What Is Kratom Tea?
Kratom tea is a beverage produced by placing Kratom leaves in hot water and allowing them to steep. As the hot water softens the Kratom leaf, it leeches the alkaloids from the plant matter, leaving a hot beverage filled with chemical compounds from the Kratom. Something to be cautious of, however, would be to make sure the water is not at boiling point. Boiling water or liquid over a temperature of 190 will destroy the alkaloids in the Kratom altogether, depleting the effects you’re looking for. When made correctly, the stimulating effects will give the user a jolt of energy, which feels comparable to coffee.
Some people remove the plant waste from the finished tea before drinking it, but others leave the leaf matter in it since some of the alkaloids remain inside the plant matter. Either way works, whichever way one chooses remains solely to one’s preferences.
What Is Kratom Powder?
Indonesian farmers grow different strains of Kratom on farms. They pick the fresh Kratom leaves off the tree whenever they mature. But before the Kratom gets shipped to the US, it goes through a manufacturing process. The farmers use fermentation and drying techniques to produce different Kratom varieties. After the Kratom has completely dried, it gets ground up into a fine Kratom powder.
Kratom powder helps to reduce the chance of bacterial pollutants. That’s because moisture levels in foods will significantly increase the odds for bacterial contamination. The dried Kratom powder also allows more Kratom to fit in shipping containers so that powder gets packaged and exported to our country for retail purposes.
Types of Kratom Products
Kratom is available in various forms, catering to different preferences:
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Kratom Powder: The most common and versatile form.
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Kratom Capsules: Pre-measured servings for convenience.
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Kratom Extracts: Highly concentrated and potent for experienced users.
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Kratom Beverages & Shots: Easy, on-the-go options.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to Kratom, start with powder or capsules before trying extracts, as they are significantly stronger.
What Is Kratom Extract?
Kratom extract is one of the most effective Kratom products on the market. All Kratom extracts are concentrated portions of the alkaloids extracted from the Kratom leaf. Therefore, you need a much smaller serving size of Kratom extract to feel the effects. This also helps to cut out a lot of the raw plant material that you ingest whenever taking Kratom powder.
Kratom extracts are produced by removing the excess plant material, leaving nothing but a condensed formula of molecular compounds that deliver the desired Kratom effects to consumers.
There are several strengths of Kratom extracts on the market, so it’s important to pay attention to which concentration of Kratom you purchase before you ingest it.
Why Use a Kratom Extract?
The alkaloids in Kratom produce a bitter bite, making the flavor of Kratom a very acquired taste.
Lots of Kratom consumers get turned away from the taste and won't take it. This is why Kratom extract can be preferred by many, because it allows them to bypass that bitterness and still get the benefits from taking Kratom.
In addition, some people have digestive complications from ingesting all the plant material found in powdered forms of Kratom. Taking the time to strain the plant waste from Kratom tea is so time-consuming, so instead those people purchase Kratom extract to take throughout the day.
Those who have a stronger physical discomfort need substantially more Kratom to do the trick. In those instances, Kratom extracts are a more reasonable solution. It is important to note, however, Kratom extracts raise your tolerance considerably so they should be used sparingly.
Is Kratom Legal?
At the federal level, Kratom remains legal in the U.S. However, individual states and municipalities have imposed their own restrictions. As of now, Kratom is prohibited in the following states:
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Alabama
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Arkansas
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Indiana
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Rhode Island
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Wisconsin
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Vermont
Because Kratom laws can change, always check local regulations before purchasing or traveling with Kratom.
Where to Buy Kratom
Previously, purchasing Kratom was more difficult. The only places to find Kratom were in specific tobacco shops or through online Kratom vendors. However, Kratom consumers have more options at their fingertips since the herbal commodity has become more mainstream. Nowadays, some vitamin stores even carry the product. Brick-and-mortar retail businesses that specialize in CBD can offer Kratom in their shops as well.
Still, most of those types of companies usually carry Kratom products from different vendors. But most Kratom customers prefer to buy Kratom from specific Kratom companies that they know and trust. Some Kratom vendors provide less-than-stellar or inconsistent Kratom products, so utilizing a business with a proven track record for producing high-quality Kratom makes consumers comfortable with their purchase. And in the Kratom industry, one particular online Kratom company stands above the rest...
The Best Place to Buy Kratom Online
Hands down, Happy Hippo is the best place to buy quality botanicals. We’re an eCommerce company that specializes in superior Kratom products but also offer a vast variety of herbals. We are super passionate about beneficial botanicals and we do our best to advocate and educate!
Safety is a priority. All of our products are lab-tested and sterilized to ensure customer safety and satisfaction. We operate out of a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified facility and are an AKA (American Kratom Association) approved vendor.
We offer incredibly fast same-day shipping, friendly customer service, and a great selection of high-quality products.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us, please feel free to contact us at: help@happyhippo.com.
Disclaimer: Kratom remains unregulated by the FDA, the authors of this text would like you to note that although this article contains many points regarding the use of Kratom, they should only serve as a piece of information - not medical advice.
Kratom is not intended to cure, diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or condition.
Make sure to speak to a physician if you have questions before using Kratom.
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