Is Kratom Legal in Oakland?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree native to forests in Southeast Asia. It is a very well-known plant there, and its extract has been used as traditional medicine in that part of the world for centuries. It’s a very potent painkiller and sedative and acts as a mood enhancer and creativity booster, among other uses.

This article will give you crucial information on the herb’s legal status in Oakland, California. You’ll find information on kratom and its proper use and suggestions for buying it online or in stores near you.

Is Kratom Legal in Oakland?

Yes, kratom is legal to buy and sell in Oakland, but not in the entire state of California.

It’s only banned in two cities, San Diego and Oceanside. Keep this in mind if you’re planning a road trip to either of those places, as possessing kratom is currently illegal inside their jurisdictions.

While California has not yet passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, it has not banned it either, so the herb remains perfectly legal in most of the state. Buying and selling kratom is also permitted in Oakland, though some stores may request the buyers to be over 18 years old.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reviewed kratom and stated it shouldn’t be considered dangerous. Still, you should stay up-to-date on related news, as kratom’s legal status is never set in stone.

Will Oakland Ban Kratom?

Overall, the legal status of kratom in California seems to be stable. Also, this state has had a very progressive view toward using substances. After all, it was here where medical marijuana was first legalized in the 90s.

Still, kratom is not regulated statewide in California. This lack of regulation means that each county and city decides on the substance’s legal status.

Although most California lawmakers seem to have a progressive stance on kratom, there have been several restrictions against long-used substances like tobacco. Therefore, we cannot take kratom’s current legal status for granted.

We recommend you stay informed regarding any proposal that may arise to ban kratom in your area. Currently, the American Kratom Association is actively trying for the KCPA to be passed in California. You can help them by contacting your representatives and advocating for kratom regulation in your area.

Why Do Some States/Cities Ban Kratom?

Like with other substances, there are several misconceptions about kratom. Its therapeutic properties have been known in Southeast Asia for a long time, but it is a reasonably novel substance in the US.

Because of a recent fear of synthetic substances that caused some public health issues, politicians push to ban any new substance altogether. This is why kratom was prohibited in some US cities and states, even though the WHO recently concluded it isn’t a dangerous substance.

Top 5 Kratom Shops in or near Oakland

Finding a trustworthy seller can be difficult if you’re just getting started on kratom. To help you out, here you have a list of five stores in or near Oakland that will help you find the type of kratom you need.

Twisted Thistle Apothecary

The Twisted Thistle Apothecary is one of the best-rated stores that sell kratom in Oakland. They have a wide variety of kratom strains, but you’ll also find all kinds of herbs and an incredible array of products here. Their employees are amicable, and everyone agrees it is an enjoyable place to visit.

You can find them at 4156 Piedmont Ave. If you need to contact them, you may do so through their website or Instagram page. Alternatively, give them a call at (510) 644-3727.

Puff N Stuff

This reputable store has been providing quality products for over 40 years. They were the first to start selling marijuana when California legalized it in the 90s, so we can assure you they know everything about the smoking and vaping scene, including kratom.

Pay them a visit at 4051 Foothill Blvd. For further inquiries, call them at (510) 533-3161 or send them a message through their website.

Mamba Smoke

In this place, you can buy in-store and get their products delivered to you if you are in the area. You can also do a curbside pick-up for previously placed orders. Mamba Smoke sells a wide variety of kratom strains, pipes, CBD, and smoking accessories.

Visit them at 3224 Grand Ave. For more information, don’t hesitate to call (510) 922-8194. Alternatively, you may contact them through their Instagram page and check out some of their stock on their website.

Gateway Smoke

The reviews of this store praise their helpful customer service and the variety of smoking accessories and products they offer. Gateway Smoke not only sells kratom but also a wide variety of items, like pipes, e-cigs, vapes, and much more.

You’ll find them at 5936 San Pablo Ave. If you have doubts, you may clear them by calling (510) 350-8169. Unfortunately, they have no website or social media presence that we know of, so you’ll only be able to contact them by phone.

Smoking Aces

You’ll have to take a short trip to San Francisco to find this store, but it will probably be worth it, as they have excellent quality kratom at affordable prices. They’re known for their discounts and deals offered all year long, so you should probably go here if your budget is limited.

Pay them a visit at 1108 Polk St #5513, San Francisco. If you wish to contact them before doing so, call them at (415) 441-4877. Sadly, you won’t find a website or social media presence online.

Looking for Kratom in Another City?

Check out where to buy kratom in these Californian cities:

• Anaheim
• Bakersfield
• Chula Vista
• Concord
• Fresno
• Indio
• Irvine
• Long Beach
• Los Angeles
• Mission Viejo
• Modesto
• Murrieta
• Riverside
• Sacramento
• San Francisco
• San Jose
• Santa Ana
• Santa Clarita
• Stockton
• Oxnard
• Victorville

Why You Should Buy Kratom Online

Buying online has many advantages. You’re not limited to a specific area or have to travel, for starters, as the purchase is in your own home. Also, you can check the many reviews for each vendor before deciding on your purchase.

Since kratom is unregulated in California, physical stores and their distributors are not required to list the components of the products they sell or make their third-party lab tests public. On the other hand, online sellers will always comply with the AKA’s statement of principles.

You’ll also get much better deals with online sellers and receive a much fresher product, as it’s shipped directly from the producers instead of sitting on a store shelf for some time.

Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?

You can get kratom in gas stations or convenience stores in Oakland, though it isn’t recommended you do so. These shops prefer profit over safety and will pile up their products, trying for you to buy on impulse. They also probably won’t be able to provide any assistance or information on its origins or effects.

Another option is buying your kratom at a smokeshop or botanical store. You will find employees with knowledge about the product they sell and a friendlier environment there. However, verifying the trustworthiness of their distributors and providers can be difficult and exhausting.

We’ve already listed some stores where it’s perfectly safe to buy kratom in Oakland. Still, if you want to be entirely sure of getting a high-quality product, you should try online vendors instead. You’ll find the best ones further below.

Kratom Vendors That Ship to Oakland

We’ve created a list of the eight best online kratom vendors that ship to Oakland, approved by the AKA. They have a much broader strain selection and considerably lower prices than local stores, so we recommend you give them a look.

1. Kona Kratom

At the top of our list is Kona Kratom. They receive their kratom directly from farmers in countries in Southeast Asia, so they offer the freshest extracts with almost no distribution chain.

In addition to this, they have the most affordable prices and offer some strains that are hard to find in other stores.

2. Star Kratom

A great thing about Star Kratom is its fast shipping times. They even offer same-day deliveries to certain areas, so purchasing through them is a great way to get your kratom fast and safely.

They have pretty affordable prices compared to other vendors, and while their catalog may not be as vast as other sellers, you’ll find all popular strains available through them.

3. VIP Kratom

The name VIP Kratom speaks for itself. They have the highest quality standards, the most strict controls, and back all their orders with refund and exchange policies in case you’re not satisfied.

They even return whole shipments when they don’t meet their standards. You know you’re getting the best kratom if you buy through them.

4. Remarkable Herbs

Remarkable Herbs is a vendor that’s been selling kratom for longer than many others. Their vast experience and colossal output ensure you’ll always find the strain you need from them.

Still, keep in mind that they don’t sell small quantities directly to consumers. You’ll need to fill out big orders with them, as they deal at wholesale prices.

5. Golden Monk

A couple of things set Golden Monk apart from other sellers.

Their packages are unmarked, so no one but you will know what’s delivered. This discreteness is something many buyers look for in a vendor. Also, they have a loyalty-based point system, where each purchase earns you discounts in future sales.

6. Happy Hippo Herbals

Don’t be fooled by Happy Hippo Herbals’ childish packaging and playful strain names.

They have high-quality kratom, which they sterilize and double test through third-party labs. They may have higher prices than their competitors, but you’ll get what you pay for as they ensure that you’ll receive the safest, freshest kratom in every purchase.

7. Kats Botanicals

Kats Botanicals pride themselves in offering 100% natural, sun-dried kratom that they ship directly from Indonesia. They offer the most popular strains and also create their custom blends, which rely on customer feedback to improve them.

Besides kratom, you’ll find other herbal supplements here, including valerian root, shilajit, moringa, and turmeric.

8. Gaia Kratom

Gaia Kratom has a vast selection of products and possibly the lowest prices on this list.

Many reviewers provided positive reviews of their merchandise, so it’s safe to buy from them. However, they don’t offer third-party lab test results, so we can’t speak for the purity and potency of their kratom.

Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?

Similar to many herbs, kratom has different varieties with different effects. Some will boost your energy, and others can help you sleep. You’ll want to know about them before deciding which is the best strain for you.

Green Vein Kratom Powder

Green vein kratom powder is the most common and is considered the most balanced. It’s helpful to lower pain without causing drowsiness or lethargy. It also helps with social anxiety, as it helps you relax and makes you talkative and focused.

These are three of the best-rated green-vein strains:

Green Malay

Green Malay is a very potent strain. Its main effects are analgesic and energetic, though not instant, as it takes time to build in. It is considered a “super-strain” due to its potency.

Green Borneo

Green Borneo is similar to the Malay strain, as it also provides energy and helps with pain relief, but it acts much quicker. It is beneficial in alleviating depression and the symptoms related to it.

Green Bali

Green Bali is more potent than the strains above, and due to its anxiety-relieving and pain-killing effects, it is also more popular. Beginners should take small doses of it, as its effects can be pretty potent.

Red Vein Kratom Powder

Red vein kratom powder has its characteristic color due to the high concentration of an alkaloid that’s a potent sedative and painkiller. This strain can alleviate anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain.

Some of the most well-known red-vein strain varieties include:

Red Bali

Red Bali is one of the best options if you’re looking for pain relief, as its painkiller effect is among the most potent of all strains. It also induces euphoria and sedation, so it’s sought after by people looking to relax after a long day.

Red Horn

Another great pain-relieving strain, Red Horn, also works as a mood enhancer. It has a higher potency than other red strains, so it’s best to start with small doses. It may be harder to find than other strains, as it’s harder to cultivate, and there isn’t as much supply.

Red Borneo

Red Borneo works very well in relieving anxiety, and it provides sedation even at small doses, something that differentiates it from other red strain varieties. This strain is an excellent choice if you use kratom, not for physical pain but to reduce depression or anxiety.

White Vein Kratom Powder

White vein kratom powder also gets its name for the color of its leaves, which is caused by a different alkaloid compared to its red counterpart. This strain works as a stimulant and increases cognitive output, so it’s frequently used to increase creativity and focus.

Below are the three best-selling white-vein strains:

White Thai

If you’re looking to replace your much-needed morning coffee, White Thai is an excellent choice. It’s a potent energy booster with long-lasting effects and is probably the most stimulant of all-white kratom varieties.

White Sumatra

White Sumatra has the uncommon effect of causing both stimulation and sedation. Small to average doses will induce energy and alertness, while larger quantities will cause relaxation and sleepiness. Measuring the amount you take is crucial with this variety.

White Indo

White Indo is also a very potent energetic strain, and it comes with the additional effect of enhancing mood and providing a positive mindset. It is commonly used to increase creativity and reduce depression symptoms.

Can You Become Addicted to Kratom?

It is entirely possible to develop a kratom addiction. However, you can say the same thing about anything that provides a release from pain, insomnia, or anxiety. It should not cause any problems as long as it’s used responsibly and with moderate amounts.

There is, unfortunately, much contradictory information on the internet regarding kratom addiction. Still, evidence points to the fact that it is much less addictive than opiates, commonly prescribed as painkillers or sleeping aids.

A dependence on kratom will take months of continuous use to build up while sleeping pills can get you hooked in just a few weeks.

Is Kratom Safe for Older Adults?

Kratom is as safe to use by older adults as any other painkiller or ailment medication. It is a very well-known pain reliever with almost no side effects, especially when compared to opiates. Still, most doctors prescribe only opiates and analgesics to elderly adults today for their physical pain.

However, even if the risks of side effects are minimal for elderly adults, it’s essential to follow safety checks that are no different from any other substance you intend to consume.

It’s always recommended to check that kratom does not counteract any other medicine you are taking. In addition, users should start with small doses and be informed about every variety available before deciding which is best for the effects they’re looking for.

Why Isn’t Kratom Used in Traditional Medicine?

Scientific research on kratom is still relatively new compared to other more widely used drugs in the US. Fortunately, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and other institutes at the National Institutes of Health are currently supporting and researching kratom.

For now, however, its interaction with other substances has not been entirely laid out, and some sellers may have skipped sound quality and purity control of the extract they sell.

For this reason, doctors are wary of encouraging its use, as an uninformed person can get a low-quality or impure extract and experience undesired effects.

Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Oakland

You can safely buy kratom in Oakland, both in physical stores or by having it delivered to you. However, because kratom is unregulated in this city, some stores may not offer good quality or 100% purity products.

For this reason, purchasing kratom online is more recommended. Reputable sellers like Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom guarantee the purity and quality of their extracts. You’ll also find much more variety than in your regular brick-and-mortar stores.