Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has generated massive waves in the alternative remedy industry for its perceived medicinal properties.

The herb (originally from Southeast Asia) has shown remarkable efficacy against various ailments, from muscle aches and inflammation to nervousness, sleep disorders, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, et cetera. So popular is kratom that estimates predict the industry may hit USD 5.69 billion by 2030.

The growing demand for Mitragyna speciosa supplements among wellness enthusiasts, coupled with the industry’s bullish outlook, explains why kratom vendors are mushrooming at every turn. However, since the herb is largely unregulated in multiple jurisdictions, extreme caution is paramount while searching for a credible kratom vendor.

This article will highlight the top five considerations when looking for the best venues to source kratom products.

1. Research a Vendor’s Reputation

While kratom has been part of folk medicine in Southeast Asia for centuries, it was not until recently that the herb broke into the international limelight. Therefore, it’s still relatively new in the Western pharmaceutical industry.

Besides, kratom is largely unregulated. Only a handful of jurisdictions have enacted laws to permit or restrict access to the herb.

Kratom’s novelty status and nuanced legality have opened loopholes for many unscrupulous traders who peddle substandard products to unsuspecting buyers. That underscores the imperative of in-depth research while scouting for the best places that sell kratom.

Pick retailers whose supply chains are traceable, and preferably those who source their kratom from organic cultivators in Southeast Asia. The company should also enjoy impressive feedback from most of its clients. Sample the reviews for deeper insights into aspects like product quality & diversity, shipping and return policy, and support responsiveness.

2. Choose Between Online and Physical Stores

There are perks to buying kratom physically and online.

Shopping from brick-and-mortar outlets allows you to interact more realistically with kratom supplements before purchasing them. You can touch and smell the product to vouch for its quality. Besides, you enjoy instant feedback on any kratom-related queries.

However, buying kratom from the internet allows you to research a vendor’s reputation more extensively. A simple search of the company’s name is all it takes to pull up insightful reviews on their products and services.

The internet also enables you to compare kratom prices across multiple suppliers from the comfort of your couch. Besides, you can get deeper insights into other parameters determining a vendor’s suitability, such as their shipping and return policy and supported payment methods.

3. Insist On Lab-tested Products

To safeguard consumer interests and combat the proliferation of unscrupulous kratom companies, industry regulators require kratom products to undergo extensive testing by independent laboratories. These screening processes culminate in analytical reports detailing the tested batch’s dominant alkaloids.

Lab test reports also highlight the quantity of additives (like artificial sweeteners and preservatives) in each product. More importantly, they rule out the presence of potential toxins in the screened batch. That’s significant, considering that kratom is a renowned bioaccumulator and may contain worrying traces of heavy metals.

Insist on kratom vendors whose products come with evidence of lab testing. If you’re sourcing kratom supplements from the internet (a highly recommended alternative to physical shopping), look out for analytical reports on each product’s description page.

Moreover, establish a kratom company’s affiliation status with prestigious industry organizations like the American Kratom Association (AKA).

4. Prioritize Vendors with Broad Product Catalogues

One fun fact about kratom, besides its diverse therapeutic properties, is that the herb exists in multiple strains or cultivars. Look out for vendors that stock various kratom strains, as each cultivar produces distinctive effects.

For instance, red vein strains like red Indo are typically mellowing, making them excellent for mental and muscle relaxation. Conversely, white vein strains like white elephant are generally energizing. Such cultivars are mainly administered for physical fatigue, mood swings, and mental slump.

There are also green vein strains, which produce the effects of white and red veins, albeit moderately. Green veins are perfect for new kratom users who may exhibit some sensitivity to the herb’s stimulating and sedating effects.

Besides stocking multiple kratom strains, choose a vendor that supplies the herb in diverse formulations. Common kratom preparations include powders, capsules, and tea bags. The herb comes in fancier formulations, such as gummies, energy drinks, skin care products, aromatherapy oils, and e-liquids.

5. Look Out For Vendors That Educate Their Customers

Many kratom stores pitch their products purely based on affordability, while others make ridiculous claims that aren’t backed by scientific research or clinical trials. Since kratom is still relatively new, consider vendors who strive to educate their potential consumers rather than push their products to them.

A reputable kratom company should provide detailed insights into the herb to help consumers make an informed decision.

Such information would typically be published on dedicated blogs and/or each product’s description page. It should cover the full spectrum, from what kratom is to its potential therapeutic effects, diverse strains, available delivery methods, dosage recommendations, and even its legal status.

Besides, it’s unethical for kratom companies to make definitive medicinal claims since mainstream drug regulators, including the FDA and DEA, haven’t authorized the herb.

Wrap Up

Investing in high-quality kratom is the surest way to unlock the herb’s perceived health benefits.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kratom user, implementing these tips can help you hunker down at reputable stores that stock premium-quality, ethically sourced, and lab-tested kratom products.