Where to Buy Kratom in Bakersfield

Written by Johan Hansen
Last Updated 2 years ago

Johan Hansen

Ex-Kratom Shop Owner

Kratom is legal in Bakersfield, but it can be challenging to find a reputable vendor near you if you’re a beginner. Furthermore, picking an online seller can also be tricky, as many shops promise the best quality possible.

This article will show you the best retail stores in Bakersfield and the best online stores that ship here. We’ll also talk about kratom’s legal status in California, the American Kratom Association (AKA), and how to store the herb. So keep on reading to find out all you need to know.

Is Kratom Legal in Bakersfield?

Yes, kratom is legal in Bakersfield and most of California.

Fortunately, kratom is legal on a state level in California, which includes Bakersfield and its surrounding areas. Despite this, both San Diego and Oceanside have decided to ban it, but it doesn’t seem like Bakersfield will go down the same path.

Federally speaking, kratom is also legal in the United States. Although many conservative sectors have tried to ban it, this herb remains unregulated. However, some states like Alabama and Indiana have banned it within their jurisdictions.

Moreover, in 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed kratom’s general safety and addiction potential. Although this looked like it was threatening a ban, the WHO ultimately concluded that kratom is not a threat.

Will Bakersfield Ban Kratom?

It’s unlikely that Bakersfield will ban kratom anytime soon.

Although it’s hard to say what authorities are planning, there’s no real reason to fear a kratom ban here. Due to it being unregulated in the city and California’s progressive stance on the herb, it seems more likely that kratom will remain legal.

However, lawmakers can suddenly change their minds, so we recommend looking for further developments.

Why Do Some States & Cities Ban Kratom?

Some states and cities have decided to ban kratom within their jurisdictions. However, this is generally based on misunderstandings, as some sectors link the herb to opioids such as heroin.

For example, in the cases of San Diego and Oceanside, authorities classified it as similar to spice and bath salts. Of course, this notion is entirely false, as kratom is primarily safe and has nothing to do with synthetic drugs.

Top 5 Kratom Shops in Bakersfield

Unfortunately, there aren’t any specialized kratom stores in Bakersfield. However, many smoke shops carry a few varieties of this herb. We created a list of what we think are the five best retail stores that carry kratom in Bakersfield.

1. Kingsmen Smoke Shop

Known for its helpful and knowledgeable staff, Kingsmen is an excellent option for buying kratom. Although it sometimes goes out of stock, it usually carries strains such as Red Bali, Trainwreck, and Green Malay.

We strongly advise you to call (661) 864-1910 to check its available goods before going to the store located at 1025 Chester Ave. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a website that we know of, though you may contact the staff through their Facebook page.

2. AG Smoke Shop

AG Smoke Shop is one of the oldest head shops in Bakersfield, with more than ten years of experience. It doesn’t carry the broadest selection of strains, but it might have enough of a selection if you find you’re running low.

Although it doesn’t provide much information, you can visit its website — it’d be much better to call (661) 363-2249 if you have any doubts. The store itself is located at 624 Morning Dr.

3. Smoke Scene

Smoke Scene is a familiar name to any vape enthusiast in Bakersfield, as it carries a vast selection of products, including kratom. However, some reviews claim that its price is higher than in other nearby stores.

Its staff frequently answers questions on Google Maps, so you can clear any doubts before visiting personally at 5119 Ming Ave. Otherwise, you can call (661) 398-3030 to get a hold of some prices.

4. Smoke Zone

Smoke Zone carries everything you could need: CBD, glassware, incense, and kratom. Some reviewers even claim that it has one of the broadest strain selections in town, and it even offers kratom tea.

One of the significant downsides of this vendor is that it doesn’t have a website where to check out prices. However, you can call (661) 869-2901 to get an idea of the stock and rates available. You can always visit them yourself at 3621 California Ave.

5. Vapes & Smoke

Even though it’s mostly known for its impressive selection of cigars, Vapes & Smoke also carries kratom. Still, keep in mind that it isn’t a specialized shop, so it frequently goes out of stock and its staff may not be able to answer all your questions.

We recommend calling (661) 587-1116 to check stock and strains available before heading over to 4550 Coffee Rd. Sadly it doesn’t have a website.

Find Kratom Near You

Learn more about buying kratom in California with these city guides:

Bakersfield, California

Why You Should Buy Kratom Online

Although you can get kratom products in retail stores all over Bakersfield, we recommend buying them online instead. Ordering through the internet has dozens of benefits and is the safest way to buy kratom by a long shot.

Here are five benefits of ordering online:

  1. It’s cheaper — online vendors usually have fewer overhead costs, which lowers the final price of products.
  2. It’s easier — if you live in a rural area, online shopping allows you to access high-quality kratom with a few clicks.
  3. Quality tends to be higher — online vendors generally source their kratom straight from Southeast Asia.
  4. Readily available reviews and third-party tests — it’s easy to check if an online vendor is worth your money.
  5. A broader selection of strains — due to the sheer number of vendors, you’ll find any variety you want online.

Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?

Generally yes, but it depends on the vendor.

Buying kratom in-store can be hit-or-miss, although we could say that it’s mostly safe to shop in a retail store. The product’s quality will depend on the vendor’s reputation, storage practices, and other factors.

If you want to avoid shady retail vendors, we advise you to do a quick background check before buying. Looking for AKA certification, online reviews, and third-party tests is an easy way to tell a good vendor from a shady one.

Kratom Vendors That Ship to Bakersfield

Luckily, dozens of online kratom vendors are willing to ship to Bakersfield and its surrounding areas. Yet, like in any business, there are some low-quality vendors that you should try to avoid.

Here we will break down the eight best online kratom stores that ship to Bakersfield. Plus, we’ll show you their best strains so that you can get the best kratom there is available.

1. Kona Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $45.00 — $115.00
Verified Vendor

Kona Kratom

4.95 / 5
Ranked 1 out of 196 vendors

Kona Kratom has been the best option for kratom beginners and veterans alike for a few years now. It offers top-notch kratom along with some of the best customer service we’ve seen in years.

One of its strongest points is that all orders come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Furthermore, orders over $29.99 get free shipping, and first-time buyers usually get discounts.

Kona Kratom’s best-selling strains:

  • Red Maeng Da
  • Green Malay
  • White Bali

2. Star Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $35 — $95
Verified Vendor

Star Kratom

4.8 / 5
Ranked 3 out of 196 vendors

Star Kratom offers the fastest shipping times out there, as it has a fantastic same-day shipping policy on most orders. Add in high-quality products and affordable prices, and you’ve got the recipe for one of the best vendors in the market.

The only downside is that its strain selection is relatively narrow. Despite this, Star Kratom comes in as a close second on our list, considering its prices and tight quality control.

Star Kratom’s best-selling strains:

  • Green Maeng Da
  • White Malay
  • Green Elephant

3. VIP Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $40.00 — $125.00
Verified Vendor

VIP Kratom

4.70 / 5
Ranked 7 out of 196 vendors

VIP Kratom offers the most premium quality kratom available on the market today. Its quality controls are harsh, as its team is dedicated to providing only the best products possible.

If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with a low dose if you’re ordering from VIP Kratom. Many users report tremendous potency, so be careful.

VIP Kratom’s best-selling strains:

  • Green Hulu
  • Red Thai
  • White Maeng Da

4. Chief Kratom

Aka GMP Certified no
Pricing $11.99 — $

Chief Kratom

4.0 / 5
Ranked 34 out of 196 vendors

Chief Kratom stands out among the competition thanks to its affordable, top-notch kratom extracts. This company prides itself on its unique water-soluble formula, which allows you to mix them with most beverages.

Its bottles sell for as little as $11.99, although there is a significant downside — Chief Kratom doesn’t sell directly to customers. However, you can find these extracts in thousands of retail stores across the country.

Unfortunately, Chief Kratom doesn’t specify which strains it uses.

5. Golden Monk

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $39.99 — $254.99
Verified Vendor

Golden Monk Kratom

4.45 / 5
Ranked 17 out of 196 vendors

Golden Monk is one of the most respected vendors among the online kratom community. Its dedication to quality and discreetness has earned it thousands of positive reviews.

All of its orders come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it offers free shipping on all orders above $44.99. Still, the vendor could be more transparent, as it doesn’t post lab-test results online.

Golden Monk’s best-selling strains:

  • Green Hulu
  • Red Bali
  • White Maeng Da

6. Super Speciosa

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $9.99 — $59.99
Verified Vendor

Super Speciosa

4.5 / 5
Ranked 15 out of 196 vendors

Super Speciosa is another AKA-certified company with an interesting array of products. Their strain selection is meager, but they carry kratom tea bags, extracts, and the typical powder and capsules.

However, quality might be inconsistent because there are plenty of reviews from customers that weren’t entirely satisfied with their kratom’s potency and freshness. It must not be too big of a problem, though, since there are plenty of positive reviews as well.

Super Speciosa’s best-selling strains:

  • Super Speciosa Kratom
  • White Maeng Da
  • Red Bali

7. New Dawn

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $19.00 — $79.00
Verified Vendor

New Dawn Kratom

4.85 / 5
Ranked 2 out of 196 vendors

New Dawn has low prices and a good selection of kratom strains available in capsules and powder form. All their products are thoroughly tested, so you can rest in knowing the kratom should be high-quality.

This company offers free USPS priority shipping within the US, has good customer service, and accepts cryptocurrency as payment.

New Dawn’s Kratom best-selling strains:

  • Red Bali
  • White Sumatra
  • Green Borneo

8. Remarkable Herbs

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $6.49 — $85.99
Verified Vendor

Remarkable Herbs Kratom

4 / 5
Ranked 38 out of 196 vendors

Despite its excellent reputation among the kratom community, Remarkable Herbs isn’t the best option if you’re shopping online. It doesn’t sell directly to customers, so you’ll have to order its products through a trustable online distributor.

However, it would be unfair not to give Remarkable Herbs some credit. Its excellent prices, wide strain selection, and top-notch quality make it superior to many others. Plus, its products are available in thousands of retail stores nationwide.

Remarkable Herbs’ best-selling strains:

  • Green Thai
  • Red Bali
  • Green Maeng Da

Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?

Vendors generally divide their kratom products by strain, as it’s an easy way to find the effects you’re looking for. However, if you’re a beginner, you might not know which variety is the best for you. We’ll break down the most popular strains in this section.

Green Vein Kratom Powder

Green vein kratom powder is the middle ground between the three main types of kratom. Its effects are balanced and versatile, and it tends to be cheaper than other varieties. This is probably your best starting point if you’re new to kratom.

Green Borneo

Green Borneo is one of the most perfectly balanced strains available. Its effects oscillate between stimulating and sedating while retaining kratom’s anxiolytic properties. Plus, it’s one of the best analgesics kratom can provide.

Green Bali

If you’re looking to replace your morning coffee, Green Bali might be the perfect option for you. Its effects are energizing and will last you throughout the whole workday, as users report it being longer-lasting than usual.

Green Sumatra

Green Sumatra is one of the most unpredictable varieties of kratom out there. Its effect profile depends mainly on the batch and vendor. Still, a longer duration of effects seems common among the Sumatra variety.

Red Vein Kratom Powder

Red vein kratom powder is the most sedating type of kratom, as most of these strains are more suited for bedtime than for working. It’s also a favorite among people looking for pain relief or help with anxiety, as it retains most of the medical benefits of this herb.

Red Bali

Red Bali stands out among the other red-vein strains for being slightly more energizing. This makes it perfect for beginners looking for daytime pain relief. Plus, it has nootropic properties that will help in long work sessions.

Red Horn

Red Horn is a favorite among veterans, an unpredictable strain that can induce deep restorative sleep. Its effects vary wildly between batches, so it’s probably best not to start here if you’re new to kratom.

Red Borneo

Red Borneo is an excellent painkiller and anxiolytic that’s great for people looking to unwind after a long day of work. Plus, thanks to its superb balance of alkaloids, this strain tends to have fewer side effects than usual.

White Vein Kratom Powder

On the other hand, white vein kratom powder is highly stimulating and nootropic — ideal for studying and working. Plus, it retains some analgesic effects of kratom while also improving your mood and focus.

White Borneo

White Borneo is the undisputed king among beginners looking to start with white vein kratom. It offers consistent energizing effects without going overboard — ideal for staying productive.

White Thai

White Thai is hard to describe, as its effects are contradictory. It offers stimulating properties along with a relaxed headspace. Some people use it for creative work, such as drawing or writing, while others prefer it in social settings.

White Bali

Ideal for new kratom users, White Bali is one of the most versatile white-vein strains out there. It provides a substantial energy boost and potent painkilling properties while being extremely easy to manage.

What is The American Kratom Association?

The American Kratom Association is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 to defend safe kratom usage.

It has spearheaded and directed many successful campaigns to confront unfair laws that sought to ban kratom. For example, it was instrumental in keeping this herb legal in Kansas while pushing for market regulation.

On its website, the AKA lists five crucial goals:

  1. Support — it constantly tries to defend kratom users worldwide by spreading information.
  2. Educate — the AKA aims to fight misinformation regarding kratom, as it leads to demonization and prohibition.
  3. Amplify — it constantly tries to get kratom users’ stories and evidence out there.
  4. Promote global awareness — kratom can be a potentially life-saving medicine, so it could help many people around the world.
  5. Conserve natural resources — the AKA advocates for sustainable harvesting techniques and reforestation efforts.

How Long Does Kratom Take To Work?

Knowing how long kratom takes to kick in is always useful, as it can help you get less anxious during the onset. Still, keep in mind that each person reacts to it differently, so you should take this only as a general guideline.

Usually, kratom will show its first effects after about 30 minutes and peak in one to two hours. As for the complete experience, it’s hard to tell, but most users report a total duration of two to eight hours.

As we’ve already mentioned, many variables can affect kratom’s timing. For example, kratom powder generally takes less time to kick in than capsules. Other factors, such as body weight, strain, and dosage, can also affect the timeframes.

Related: Kratom Dosage Guide

How to Store Kratom

As any kratom veteran probably already knows, kratom tends to spoil rather quickly — it generally lasts for about only three months. Yet, if you keep good storage practices, you can extend its shelf life for up to a year.

If you want to keep your kratom correctly, you should:

  • Store it in an airtight container — mason jars and ziplock-style bags are perfect for this.
  • Keep it away from environmental variables, including sunlight, fluctuating temperatures, and excessive oxygen.
  • Divide it into smaller packages — to avoid opening the container frequently, divide your doses before storing them.

Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Bakersfield

Luckily, kratom is legal in most of California, including Bakersfield. You can find dozens of smoke shops that carry good-quality kratom products all over the city. Also, the state’s progressive stance on the herb is a good omen regarding its future legal status.

However, there are no specialized kratom shops here, so we recommend buying online instead. Vendors such as Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom will provide better kratom than any retail store.