Kratom is illegal in Sarasota, so you can’t get it here through retail shops or online vendors. However, a few nearby stores legally sell kratom in Manatee County.
This article will explain why Sarasota banned kratom and its legal status in the rest of Florida. We’ll also talk about the best online stores that ship near you. So, keep on reading to find out all you need to know.
Is Kratom Legal in Sarasota?
No, kratom is illegal throughout Sarasota County.
Despite being legal in the rest of Florida, Sarasota County passed an ordinance in 2014 to ban kratom. Authorities unfairly argued that this herb is a designer drug known to be dangerous and not well-studied.
However, kratom is legal on a federal level in the United States. Because of this, you can buy and use it everywhere else in Florida, as there are no state regulations in place — this includes Manatee County, which is right beside Sarasota.
Will Kratom Ever Be Legal in Sarasota?
In 2021, the World Health Organization reviewed kratom’s dangerousness and stated that the herb shouldn’t be considered a threat to public health.
Despite this, it’s improbable that Sarasota’s authorities will change their mind regarding kratom anytime soon. They had already ignored a Change.org petition with hundreds of supporters when the ordinance came out.
However, there is some hope that kratom will remain legal throughout the rest of the country in the following years. This will allow you to buy it in nearby cities and pressure Sarasota’s authorities to reconsider their stance.
Why Do Some States/Cities Ban Kratom?
Authorities generally decide to ban kratom based on misconceptions about its properties. Many people who have never tried it associate it with opioids such as heroin — which couldn’t be farther from the truth.
In the case of Sarasota, it was labeled as a designer drug. This means it’s regarded the same way as bath salts because it recently came into the spotlight. However, Sarasota’s authorities ignore the fact that humans have used kratom for centuries.
Top 5 Kratom Shops Near Sarasota
Unfortunately, as kratom is illegal throughout Sarasota County, no retail stores can sell it here. However, many people avoid this by going to nearby Manatee County, where you can find a few sellers who offer this herb.
This section will break down five of the best retail stores near Sarasota, so you can get good-quality kratom in person. Still, keep in mind that you can’t enter Sarasota County with these products.
1. Dragon Headz Smoke & Vape Shop
Dragon Headz is a smoke shop that prides itself in mixing old-school headshops with modern products. It carries high-quality kratom from reputable brands such as Whole Herbs and O.P.M.S.
Although its strain selection is narrow, you can find varieties such as Green Borneo and Red Maeng Da on its menu. Find it at 5285 30th St E or call (941) 242-2498 to get a hold of some of the prices. You may find their other branch’s location on their Instagram page.
2. Desert Winds
Desert Winds is one of the best options for buying kratom, as it carries capsules, extracts, and raw powder. Its strain menu is pretty decent, as it has more than a dozen varieties like White Maeng Da and Red Sumatra.
It also offers online shopping, but keep in mind that it can’t deliver to Sarasota County. Find it at 6222 14th St W or check out its official website. For further inquiries, don’t hesitate to call (941) 281-2941.
3. Manna Tea & Kava Bar
Besides its clever name, Manna Tea is a fantastic option to relax while drinking herbal tea. It carries a decent selection of raw kratom powder, and it frequently hosts open mics and other events. A great perk of Manna Tea is that its team offers plenty of discounts and special deals on most days of the week.
Although it doesn’t have an official website, you can clear all your doubts through its Facebook page — otherwise, find it at 1192 Whitfield Ave. Alternatively, you can always call them at (941) 281-2251 should you have any doubts.
4. Centuries Harvest
Although it’s far from Sarasota, Centuries Harvest is definitely worth the drive. It specializes in kratom, delta 8, and CBD, so it carries a decent selection of strains. It even offers blends such as Superman and Bali Supreme.
The owner mainly runs it by himself, so you can rest assured you will be getting the best service in town. Find it at 3207 Manatee Ave W or check out its strains on its official website. If you need more information, please call them at (941) 254-4391.
5. Florida’s Natural Farmacy
Florida’s Natural Farmacy is a wellness-oriented store that provides alternative herbal-based remedies. Not only does it carry raw kratom powder but also kratom tea, which is hard to find.
It offers frequent discounts, and for every $50 spent, you get $5 free to spend in the shop. You can check its official website to get an idea of its services or go directly to 5112 14th St W B. Give them a call at (941) 345-4866 for further questions.
Find Kratom Near You
Check out where to buy kratom in Florida:
Why You Should Buy Kratom Online
Although there are a few good physical kratom stores near Sarasota, it’s almost always better to order online instead. There are dozens of top-notch online kratom sellers that provide undeniable benefits.
Here are some of the pros of ordering your kratom online, should you someday be in a place where kratom is legal:
- Lab-test results — the most reputable online sellers will post ample proof of their products’ quality.
- Lower prices — thanks to not maintaining a physical store, online sellers have fewer overhead costs.
- Higher quality — online vendors generally source their material directly from Southeast Asia.
- A broader selection of strains — through some specialized shops, you can access premium strains such as Yellow Horn.
- More accessible — you can access dozens of rare kratom products and strains from almost anywhere in the country.
- Extra convenience — with a few clicks of your mouse or taps of your phone, you can get quality kratom delivered right to your doorstep.
Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?
Yes, buying kratom in-store is generally safe, but online is safer.
Even though you can get good-quality kratom in many retail stores, some vendors sell questionable products. Furthermore, many retail store owners don’t know how to store kratom correctly, leading to a lower potency and reduced shelf-life.
Generally speaking, online shopping is safer, as you can quickly check customer reviews and lab tests to get an idea of the quality. Plus, online store owners usually are more knowledgeable or passionate about kratom, which leads to better products.
Kratom Vendors That Ship Near Sarasota
As we’ve already mentioned, kratom is illegal to buy and possess in Sarasota County. However, many people avoid this by getting and using their kratom in nearby Manatee County, where this herb is entirely legal.
Many online kratom vendors are willing to ship to Manatee County, but the sheer number of sellers might confuse you if you’re a beginner.
Here, we will break down the top eight online kratom stores so you can get the best kratom available.
1. Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom is hands down the best kratom vendor we’ve ever seen. It offers the best kratom available on the market, but it also has fantastic customer service. For example, all of its orders have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You’ll find strains such as Green Malay, Red Dragon, and Green Maeng Da on its menu. All of its products go through intensive quality control, so you know you’re getting only the best.
The best about Kona Kratom:
- Top-notch quality
- Fast and effective customer service
- Strains come in both capsule and powder form
- Free shipping on orders above $29.99
What could be improved:
- Fairly high prices
2. Star Kratom
Star Kratom
Star Kratom is an excellent choice if you need your kratom as soon as possible. This vendor provides extraordinary shipping times, as it dispatches most of its orders on the same day they were placed.
You’ll find Red Hulu, Red Bali, and Green Malay among its top-rated strains. Although its strain selection is not the widest, they all come in powder and capsule form.
The best about Star Kratom:
- Swift shipping times
- High-quality kratom
- Discounts when buying in bulk
- Tight quality control
What could be improved:
- Not the widest strain selection
3. VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
You should give VIP Kratom a shot if you want the best quality possible. Not only VIP’s kratom is the most potent out there, but it’s also one of the most consistent. Its quality controls are extensive, and the quality of its products shows it.
Its menu is somewhat limited, although you’ll find the most common strains, such as Green Bali, White Indo, and Red Thai. Like Kona Kratom, all of VIP Kratom’s orders have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The best about VIP Kratom:
- Top-notch quality
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Readily available third-party lab test results
- Fast shipping
What could be improved:
- High prices
4. Super Speciosa
Super Speciosa
Super Speciosa is meticulous about testing their kratom and offers harder-to-find products like kratom tea bags and extracts. If you’re not happy, you can request a refund, but the final decision is up to them.
With a decent selection of strains to choose from, AKA certification, and an acceptable return policy, this brand might be one worth checking out. However, be aware that some customer reviews claim the company’s kratom is subpar or seems unfresh.
The best about Super Speciosa:
- GMP certification
- Carries hard to find products
What could be improved:
- Better return policy
- Some poor reviews
5. New Dawn Kratom
New Dawn Kratom
If you’re searching for a hard-to-find strain, check out New Dawn. Their selection is extensive, and they carry a few rarer strains. If you’re not sure what you want, go with their sampler, which consists of three 250 g packs of White Borneo, Red Bali, and Green Malay.
Third-party test results are available by scanning a code on the packaging — not our favorite method since you can’t preview the results before you buy. Still, they have good reviews and a money-back guarantee, so there’s not much to lose. Another bonus — they take cryptocurrency payments.
The best about New Dawn:
- Great selection
- Competitive prices
- Money-back guarantee
- Offers a sampler pack
What could be improved:
- Posting test results
6. Golden Monk
Golden Monk Kratom
Golden Monk is a favorite among the online kratom community due to its innovations regarding discreet shipping. This company’s orders come in a plain-looking gray package to avoid unnecessary attention.
One of the best parts about Golden Monk is that it accepts cryptocurrency payments, adding another discretion layer. Although it doesn’t offer many strains, you’ll find the more common varieties, such as Red Bali, Green Malay, and White Borneo.
The best about Golden Monk:
- Highly discreet packaging
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What could be improved:
- Relatively narrow selection of strains
7. Happy Hippo Herbals
Happy Hippo
Happy Hippo Herbals is an Idaho-based company that sells alternative herbal remedies such as kratom. Its quality controls are fantastic, as its products go through intensive testing and sterilization.
Despite the cartoonish look of its website, it has earned a fantastic reputation thanks to its reliable shipping and good quality. You’ll find White Horn, Red Hulu, and White Maeng Da among its strains.
The best about Happy Hippo Herbals:
- Wide selection of strains
- Fast shipping
- Frequent discounts through a point-based system
What could be improved:
- Expensive price tags
- The website is somewhat confusing due to its extravagant look
8. Kats Botanicals
Kats Botanicals
Kats Botanicals is a good choice if you seek wellness through herbal-based medicine. It offers everything from turmeric to moringa and, of course, kratom. Plus, thanks to more than five years of experience, it has become one of the most reliable vendors.
Its prices are somewhat affordable, and it carries exotic blends such as Digital Buddha — a mix of green, white, and red-vein kratom. It also offers common strains such as Green Bali, White Elephant, and Red Horn.
The best about Kats Botanicals:
- More than five years of experience
- Readily available lab-test results
- Affordable prices
What could be improved:
- Narrow selection of strains
- Free shipping only for orders above $100
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
Strains are slight chemical variations between plants of the same species. In the case of kratom, this leads to wildly different effects and properties. Finding the right strain for your needs is crucial for a fulfilling kratom experience.
If you’re a beginner, the sheer amount of varieties available might confuse you. So here, we created a list with the top-rated kratom strains, divided by vein color.
Green Vein Kratom Powder
Green vein kratom powder is the most common kratom out there and the cheapest and most versatile. Users generally report these strains as being highly varied while retaining all the benefits of kratom.
Green Malay
Green Malay is a fantastic starting point for beginners looking for an alternative to alcohol. This strain provides a sense of euphoria and relaxation ideal for social settings while alleviating stress.
Green Bali
Green Bali is one of the most stimulating strains out there — such is the case that many users have replaced their morning coffee with it. It’s also a great nootropic and anxiolytic, making it excellent for powering through tedious workdays.
Green Thai
Although Green Thai is generally regarded as a stimulant, it can provide a profoundly relaxed headspace. Some veterans report feeling all their stress melt away along with achieving a pleasant, carefree mood.
Red Vein Kratom Powder
Red vein kratom powder is an excellent option for people looking for sleep aid, as it’s the most sedating type of kratom. While most of these strains also retain the nootropic properties of kratom, they generally serve best for pain or insomnia relief.
Red Bali
Red Bali provides an excellent alternative for those who want strong painkilling effects without sacrificing productivity. This strain is known for being slightly more energetic than its red-vein relatives, making it ideal for daytime pain relief.
Red Thai
Red Thai provides a deep sense of inner peace and tranquility like its green-vein counterpart. Many users report feeling at ease both with themselves and the world around them after using it. However, keep in mind that high doses can be euphoric.
Red Sumatra
Red Sumatra is, hands down, the most potent sedative kratom can offer. High doses of this strain can put even the most experienced kratom user to sleep in a matter of minutes. On the other hand, low doses can provide a pleasant and manageable headspace.
White Vein Kratom Powder
White vein kratom powder is the most energizing type of kratom available. Some of these strains are so potent that many users report replacing coffee entirely with them. Furthermore, they are excellent anxiolytics and painkillers.
White Thai
Due to its weird effects profile, White Thai has become a favorite among veterans. It provides a boost of energy along with a deep sense of calmness. These effects make it perfect for hanging out with friends while engaging in deep conversation.
White Bali
White Bali is a fantastic place to start for beginners looking for a mildly energizing painkiller. Plus, thanks to its excellent chemical composition, it offers a reduced incidence of jitteriness and anxiety.
White Sumatra
White Sumatra is your best option if you want the most potent energizer kratom can offer. Due to its high concentration of mitragynine, this strain can provide you with a substantial energy boost that’ll last you throughout a whole night.
How Long Does Kratom Take To Work?
Sometimes, beginners get anxious about the time kratom takes to work, as they want to get the effects as soon as possible. Although there are a few ways to accelerate the onset, this herb’s effects usually set in after about 30 minutes.
Factors like body size, weight, and tolerance can heavily affect the duration of the experience. Plus, some strains are faster-acting than others, and the method of consumption can also affect the timings.
How to Store Kratom
Any veteran knows that kratom spoils rather quickly — it’ll only stay fresh for about three months. It’s crucial to buy only from trusted vendors, as shady ones will usually sell you old kratom that’ll decay in a matter of days.
Another step you can take to extend your kratom’s shelf life is to keep it in an airtight container away from sunlight. Furthermore, you should protect it from fluctuating temperatures and other environmental hazards.
You’ll effectively extend your kratom’s life if you keep good storage practices. However, it’s not a magical cure — even in perfect conditions, this herb will only last for about a year.
Is Kratom Considered a Drug?
Yes, kratom is considered a drug.
Kratom classifies as a drug due to the psychoactive effects it causes. This herb interacts with the central nervous system like coffee, alcohol, and other legal drugs. As a result, it generates effects such as an energy boost, mood enhancement, and deep sedation.
However, keep in mind that the kratom high is far from something like marijuana. The psychoactive properties of kratom are very mild and generally won’t interfere with your ability to think clearly.
Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Sarasota
Unfortunately, you can’t get kratom in Sarasota, as authorities passed an ordinance in 2014 to ban it. This doesn’t seem like it will change soon — so you’ll have to get it in Manatee County instead.
However, we firmly believe that ordering online to places outside Sarasota is still the best way to buy kratom. Vendors such as Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom are unbeatable and will ship to any place in Florida except here.
