Is Kratom Legal in Modesto?

Written by Nicolas Minckas
Last Updated 1 year ago

Nicolas Minckas

Expert Kratom User

Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant native to Southeast Asia and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. This is because of its powerful properties, which help treat various diseases and disorders.

This article will not only teach you about the legality of kratom in Modesto, California but also about its many benefits and uses. In addition, we will show you the best sellers near you and tell you how old you need to be to buy the herb, which remains legal in the city.

Is Kratom Legal in Modesto?

Kratom is legal in Modesto but not throughout California.

The cities of San Diego and Oceanside banned kratom in 2016 due to a large amount of misinformation spread about the safety and usefulness of the herb. In fact, these cities’ authorities consider it just as dangerous as bath salts and other synthetic psychoactive substances.

However, if you are from Modesto or any other city in California, you can use, buy, and even sell kratom freely — just be aware not to cross into those cities with the herb.

Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently reviewed kratom and concluded that it does not pose a health threat if used responsibly. They even recommended the creation of quality regulations that certify the buyer’s protection.

Will Modesto Ban Kratom?

Modesto is unlikely to ban kratom.

In addition to the WHO, many third-party laboratories support the medicinal use of kratom, so we see little likelihood that the law will change for the worse in California.

San Diego and Oceanside are more likely to legalize it, as many people benefit from the herb. It is just a matter of waiting for the authorities to become aware of its significant contributions to medicine.

Why Do Some States/Cities Ban Kratom?

Kratom has been the victim of multiple smear campaigns, mainly by the FDA and the DEA.

These organizations are constantly spreading misinformation about the herb to federally place it on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. For this reason, many states and even countries have cracked down on kratom.

Fortunately, other organizations, such as the American Kratom Association (AKA), dedicate themselves to debunking this misinformation with evidence.

You will probably find cases of people harmed by kratom on the Internet. However, these are generally due to misuse or low-quality products sold on the black market. Therefore, the best way to keep the herb legal in your city is to be cautious when buying and using it.

Top 5 Kratom Shops in or near Modesto

When buying kratom, you must choose reputable stores, as many poor-quality products are circulating in the market. However, finding the perfect store can be a tedious and challenging task.

To save you the hassle, we decided to make a top five of the best physical stores in or near Modesto.

1. Up ‘N’ Smoke

Up ‘N Smoke is one of Modesto’s best places to buy kratom and vape-related products. Its wide range of strains, and high-quality goods, make it a favorite choice for many kratom aficionados.

This store is located at 3000 McHenry Ave and is open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, except Sundays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. On their Instagram page, you’ll find more information. Alternatively, you can call them at (209) 527-4000.

2. J’s Smoke Shop

J’s Smoke Shop is an excellent store where in addition to finding a wide range of products, you will also find unique vape accessories. Their kratom is of excellent quality, and you can find it in liquid, powder, and capsules.

This store is located at 2019 Yosemite Blvd. and is open every day from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. On their website, you will find all the information you need, but if you have further inquiries, you may solve them by calling (209) 567-2102.

3. Smoke City

Smoke City will make you fall in love from the moment you enter, as it has colorful decorations both inside and out. Although it does not have a wide variety of kratom, its products are of excellent quality and reasonably priced.

This store is located at 1601 Yosemite Blvd and is open every day from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. On their Instagram page, they share some of their products and occasional memes. If you want more information, call them at (209) 577-1318.

4. Rollin Smoke Shop

In Rollin Smoke Shop, you will find typical smoke shop products such as papers, pipes, and cigars. Although their prices are not the best, the quality of their products, including their limited selection of kratom, is phenomenal.

This store is located at 1113 N Carpenter Rd and is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. If you want to check out their products before visiting, check out their Instagram page, or call them at (209) 300-7955 for any other inquiries.

5. Valley

Valley is yet another lovely smoke shop because of its excellent exterior design, colorfully decorated with neon lights. Their kratom is of excellent quality, as they work only with renowned brands, and you can find it both in powder and capsules.

This store is located at 541 N Golden State Blvd in Turlock, south of Modesto. Unfortunately, this store does not have a website or social media presence, so if you need more information, you’ll have to call them at (209) 620-8833.

Find Kratom Throughout California

Check out these city guides to find kratom near you:

Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online

Besides being tremendously convenient and easy, online shopping has many other significant advantages over its counterpart. We will cover these further below.

First of all, buying online is safer, as it allows you to check third-party laboratory tests. In addition, online vendors are usually members of the AKA, so purity is also guaranteed.

Furthermore, prices are much more affordable — brands like Star Kratom offer excellent value for money products.

Also, online stores are usually manufacturers, so there are not as many intermediates compared to physical shops, which typically have. Plus, since they don’t have a physical store to maintain, there aren’t as many expenses to pay, affecting your kratom’s final price.

Another advantage is that you can choose the strain that best suits your objectives —you will not have to depend on the limited stock of the stores in your city.

Last but not least, you will be able to choose the best vendor for you. You can find many online brands that offer quality, price, variety, and more — just research their reputation before buying through sites like Reddit.

In a few sections below, you’ll find a list of the best online sellers in the market to help you find the one that suits you best.

Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?

Buying kratom in-store is safe, but doing so online is generally better.

Although physical stores are legally obliged to comply with sanitary norms, some smoke shops do not specialize in kratom and do not know how to store the product correctly so that it does not deteriorate quickly.

On the other hand, most online vendors are usually kratom enthusiasts, so they are generally more careful.

Kratom Vendors That Ship to Modesto

There are several kratom sellers on the Internet, and finding the perfect one is not an easy task. To avoid unwanted side effects, it is crucial you buy quality products from the most reputable vendors.

That’s why we created a list of the top eight online kratom vendors that ship to Modesto.

1. Kona Kratom

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

Kona Kratom

4.95 / 5
Ranked 1 out of 190 vendors

Many kratom enthusiasts favor Kona Kratom, as it delivers on variety and price-quality ratio. In addition, their products are 100% pure, as they are sourced directly from Southeast Asia.

Although their prices are not the lowest in the market, you will feel that they should be worth more when trying their kratom. Furthermore, they have a fast and efficient logistics service, and orders arrive for free with purchases over $29.99,

Kona Kratom’s top strains:

  • Red Dragon
  • Green Malay
  • Red Maeng Da

2. Star Kratom

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

Star Kratom

4.9 / 5
Ranked 2 out of 190 vendors

If you are looking for an economical option, Star Kratom is the best choice, as it has one of the most competitive prices on the market. Still, just because it is affordable does not mean that its products are of poor quality — they are all approved by the AKA and tested by third-party laboratories.

Furthermore, Star Kratom has the fastest logistics services: they generally deliver orders within 24 hours. However, it takes second place for its limited variety of strains.

Star Kratom’s top strains:

  • Red Bali
  • Green Malay
  • Green Maeng Da

3. VIP Kratom

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

VIP Kratom

4.85 / 5
Ranked 4 out of 190 vendors

If you are a demanding user looking for the best quality, do not hesitate to choose VIP Kratom. Their potent products undergo strict quality controls beforehand, making them the best on the market.

Still, their prices are somewhat higher than the previously mentioned brands, as a kilogram of kratom powder costs about $179.99. However, they offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, enough time to define whether the product’s cost was worth it.

VIP Kratom’s top strains:

  • Red Sumatra
  • Green Hulu
  • White Maeng Da

4. Kats Botanicals

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $$6.99 — $$99.99

Kats Botanicals

4.5 / 5
Ranked 10 out of 190 vendors

If you are looking to try new strains, Kats Botanicals is an option to consider, as they offer one of the widest selections of kratom on the market. Also, you will find many varieties you have probably never heard of on their menu.

All their products are of excellent quality, as they are organic and tested by the AKA. However, many users complain that their website is difficult to navigate, leading them to take longer to make a purchase.

Kats Botanicals’ top strains:

5. Remarkable Herbs

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

Remarkable Herbs Kratom

4 / 5
Ranked 44 out of 190 vendors

Remarkable Herbs is a vendor with a proven track record of selling kratom since 2001. Their products are of excellent quality, as they are sourced from Southeast Asia and are kept incredibly fresh until the moment you open them.

In addition, they are loyal members of the AKA, and many third-party labs approve their products. Unfortunately, this seller is only interested in wholesale, so you will have to look for their products in physical stores.

Remarkable Herbs’ top strains:

  • Red Bali
  • Green Thai
  • Green Malay

6. SLO Kratom

Aka GMP Certified no
Pricing $12.99 — $134.99
Verified Vendor

Slo Kratom

4.5 / 5
Ranked 16 out of 190 vendors

The prices here are high, but you might be willing to hand over your money if you’re looking for a particular strain. The selection at SLO Kratom is extensive, and they guarantee each product is at least 1.4% mitragynine.

Third-party lab tests are available. If you aren’t happy with your purchase, you can exchange it for something else once approved.

SLO Kratom’s top strains:

  • Green Bentuangie
  • White Huly
  • Red Dragon

7. New Dawn Kratom

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

New Dawn Kratom

4.85 / 5
Ranked 3 out of 190 vendors

New Dawn covers all the bases — reasonable prices, a wide selection, AKA certification, and a money-back guarantee. Bulk and split kilos are available in case you need to stock up. If you’re unsure, try the sample pack; you’ll get 250 g of Red Bali, Green Malay, and White Borneo.

New Dawn’s top strains:

  • Trainwreck
  • Yellow Gold
  • Red Horn

8. Golden Monk

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

Golden Monk Kratom

4.75 / 5
Ranked 5 out of 190 vendors

Golden Monk is sympathetic to those who want to maintain discretion, as they deliver their orders in inconspicuous packages. This brand offers the cheapest products compared to the vendors on this list, with a kilo of their kratom powder costing around $89.99.

However, Golden Monk does not provide third-party laboratory tests on its website, which detracts from its credibility. Also, their selection of strains is small, so you will only find the most common ones.

Golden Monk’s top strains:

  • Red Bali
  • Green Malay
  • Green Maeng Da

Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?

Finding your ideal kratom strain may be more complicated than you think, as there are over 50 different varieties. But although it can be time-consuming, you must find the one that best suits your needs.

This section will help you find the perfect strain faster by showing you the best three of each color.

Green Vein Kratom Powder

We always recommend beginners to go for green vein kratom powder because its effects are more balanced and easier to handle. Depending on the strain and dosage you choose, it can produce euphoria, energy, or sedation.

The top-rated green-vein kratom strains are:

Green Sumatra

Green Sumatra is an outstanding energizer that keeps you active all day long. Many people also remark that it boosts their mood, making it an excellent choice for everyday use.

Green Malay

If you suffer from anxiety, Green Malay is an option to consider. Also, many people use it as a social lubricant, making it an excellent alternative to alcohol.

Green Bali

If you want to give up coffee but need a boost of energy to start your day, Green Bali is what you’re looking for. A cup of tea from this strain will be enough to lift your spirits.

Red Vein Kratom Powder

If you are looking for relaxation or muscle pain relief, don’t hesitate to try red vein kratom powder. Its excellent sedative effects will help you improve your quality of sleep and control chronic pain. However, its strains are often potent, so take them with care.

The top-rated red-vein kratom strains are:

Red Bali

Red Bali is potent and fast-acting, so we recommend paying attention to the dosage. Its excellent properties will help you treat insomnia and any muscle pain.

Red Sumatra

Red Sumatra is similar to Red Bali, as it is excellent for insomnia and muscular pains. Interestingly, in low doses, this variety can promote surprisingly energetic effects.

Red Borneo

If you have constant muscle aches and pains, Red Borneo might be your best option. Its users highlight its fast and efficient action that relieves any sudden or chronic pain.

White Vein Kratom Powder

White vein kratom powder has similar effects to coffee but is more potent and efficient. Plus, it can relieve muscle pain without making you fall asleep, making this variety an excellent option for use during the day.

The top-rated white-vein kratom strains are:

White Borneo

White Borneo is a favorite of many kratom enthusiasts and beginners, as it has very balanced effects. It will give you an incredible energy boost accompanied by pleasant mood enhancements in small doses.

White Bali

If you want to relieve chronic pain without falling asleep, White Bali is a good option. Its excellent balanced effects will boost your mood while relieving that pain that won’t stop bothering you.

White Sumatra

If you feel unproductive during the day, try White Sumatra, as it will give you the energy you need. However, avoid taking it before going to sleep, as it can keep you awake.

What Does Kratom Feel Like?

If you’ve never tried kratom before, you probably want to know how it feels. Some people even believe that because of its psychoactive effects, it is similar to marijuana, which is far from being true.

Here are the most common sensations of kratom:

Nevertheless, as the effects wear off, the sensations may be different. While some feel a pleasant sense of peace and relaxation, others suffer from fatigue and other side effects.

To reduce the chances of going through this kind of “hangover,” we recommend taking kratom responsibly. Always calculate your doses well, and space them out.

How Old Do I Have to Be to Buy Kratom?

There is no legal age to buy kratom in California, so it is entirely up to the vendor.

The minimum age to buy kratom depends on the state’s laws —some prohibit selling kratom to those under 18 years old, others 21, while some don’t ask.

As the Californian authorities have not yet taken any action toward the herb, it will depend on which seller you choose. Although many don’t care, some will ask you to be over 21 or 18. None will sell kratom to minors, though.

What Is the American Kratom Association?

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is an organization built on donations from hobbyists, growers, or anyone interested in changing the legal status of the herb.

The AKA constantly debunks misinformation about the herb, pressuring state authorities to rethink their position on kratom. It also provides more security to users by certifying the quality of many companies’ products.

Anyone can collaborate with the AKA by joining the American Kratom Protectors program. You may choose to collaborate through donations or by sharing your experiences with the herb to help raise awareness about its use.

Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Modesto

Even if Modesto’s authorities tolerate the use of kratom, and it is unlikely they will ban it, we cannot assure that they will not change their minds. For this reason, we recommend that you stay updated on your city’s legal situation from time to time.

For the moment, you can go to any of the stores mentioned above, both physically and online. However, we recommend you to go for renowned online brands such as Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom.