Kratom is an herb primarily found in Southeast Asia and known for its potential benefits. Asian workers used it in the 19th century to deal with exhaustion after their labor.
Due to misinformation, kratom has caused some controversy due to its similarity to opioids. However, kratom is not an opioid, and it doesn’t have the addictive nature nor the side effects of opiates.
The federal law stipulates that kratom is legal, but many states have forbidden its use, production, and sale. Therefore, this may be confusing for consumers, and the situation can give a headache to more than one. That is why, in this article, we will clarify any doubts regarding kratom legality in Massachusetts.
Is Kratom Legal in Massachusetts?
It is legal to buy and possess kratom in every part of Massachusetts. Nonetheless, there have been several attempts to ban it by the House of Representatives of Massachusetts.
Specifically, in 2011, a House Bill tried to categorize it as a Class B substance, just as cocaine and LSD, but failed to sign into law.
Where to Buy Kratom in Massachusetts
There are two ways to buy kratom in the state: online or in-store. Online is our preferred method due to:
- More discretion
- Better prices
- Wider variety
In addition, in-store vendors carry many other products besides kratom. While this may sound like a good thing, we believe that specificity is critical. A supplement retailer that has to handle dozens of products can’t give it the attention it deserves.
VIP Kratom, Star Kratom, and Kona Kratom are three online vendors that offer high-quality kratom products. None of them will disappoint you if you’re looking for a trustworthy vendor.
If you’d instead visit a store, here are some in-store kratom vendors in Massachusetts:
- Puffins Smoke Shop (Attleboro)
- Franklin Smoke Shop (Franklin)
- Kang’s Corner (Boston)
- Green Zone Smoke (Worcester)
- Turnpike Smoke Shop (Shrewsbury)
Also see: Where to Buy Kratom in Barnstable and Springfield.
Kratom 101
Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) belongs to the Rubiaceae family, just like coffee, with whom it shares its stimulating properties. However, kratom’s effects can vary depending on various factors, going from stimulating to sedative. That being the case, we will detail each strain and its features.
1. There Are Many Different Strains Of Kratom
A) White Vein Kratom
White vein kratom offers a stimulating and mood-enhancing effect. Most people choose it due to its nootropic benefits, especially in small doses. In addition, its high concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine causes a sense of euphoria and focus as it targets serotonin receptors.
B) Red Vein kratom
Red vein kratom is mainly used to soothe chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety. This sedative is fast-acting, so it is recommended to start with a small dose when using it for the first time. Mitragynine —red vein kratom’s primary alkaloid —binds to opioid receptors causing soothing effects.
C) Green Vein kratom
Green vein kratom is the cheapest and most common type of kratom. This category is the middle ground between red and white veins, and each strain will err more to the side of stimulation or relaxation. Green kratom has a balanced alkaloid profile, with no predominance of either of its main components.
2. Kratom Boosts Energy & Focus
Many people use kratom to increase their concentration and focus. The best way to reach this sensation is by using small doses, preferably with white vein, which provides boosting effects together with its alkaloids.
In addition, many consumers use kratom as a substitute for coffee in the mornings to start the day with positive energy and motivation to tackle their tasks.
3. Kratom Dose
We highly recommend using the lowest needed dose since it minimizes the possibility of experiencing side effects.
Kratom dosage is classified in:
- Microdose: less than 1 gram
- Low dose: 1-3 grams
- Medium Dose: 3-5 grams
- High Dose: 5-8 grams
Related: What’s the dose of kratom?
4. Kratom is a Powerful Pain-Reliever
Before using kratom to soothe any pain, it is preferable to seek medical help instead of self-medicating. However, when it comes to chronic pain, kratom can be an excellent analgesic.
Red vein’s sedative effects are perfect for this type of usage due to its high content of mitragynine, which works as an opioid receptor agonist. High doses work best when going for analgesic effects, especially when dealing with persisting chronic pain.
5. Kratom May Be More Effective At Low Doses
If you wish to increase your focus, lower doses of white vein kratom will do the trick. However, with higher amounts, you take the risk of mitragynine’s sedative effects overtaking the experience, causing the opposite of what you’re looking for.
White vein kratom is the most stimulant category, as these strains are rich in 7-hydroxymitragynine, a serotonergic alkaloid.
6. Kratom May Support Opioid Withdrawal
Furthermore, kratom can be an excellent tool for coping with opiate withdrawal. Because of its effect’s similarity to opioids, kratom can be a healthier substitute, helping alleviate cravings without the side effects and potential for addiction.
When going through opioid withdrawal, it’ll be best to choose a red strain high in mitragynine and take it at a high dose.
7. Kratom May Alleviate Anxiety & Depression
Because of its sedative effects, kratom can mitigate anxiety symptoms and help patients diagnosed with other mental disorders. Red vein kratom is the superior option for stress relief due to its soothing effects caused by mitragynine. On the other side, white vein strains can help those suffering from depression by triggering a serotonergic response.
Is Kratom Safe?
Kratom is genuinely safe as long as you consume it responsibly. If you don’t overdo it, you’ll most probably be fine besides some stomach discomfort the first few times.
The side effects of kratom are caused mainly by irresponsible use. If you are experiencing one of them, you should restructure your consumption protocol by lowering the dose or holding back the frequency.
The side effects of kratom include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Beware that it is unsafe to use kratom during pregnancy or under the influence of alcohol.
What’s The Future of Kratom in Massachusetts?
Fortunately, there are no plans to prohibit kratom in Massachusetts. But, anyhow, there is always a remote possibility of a bill trying to ban its use. That is why we must be prepared to battle misinformation and spread the word about its responsible use and regulation.
Lastly, if you’re in Massachusetts, you can go to VIP Kratom, Star Kratom, or Kona Kratom for high-quality, lab-tested kratom.
