Though kratom is currently illegal in San Diego, it is perfectly legal in its surrounding towns. So, here’s how to buy reliable and good-quality kratom near you (as close as legally possible).
We believe that buying kratom online is better than doing so in person, and this article explains why. Of course, no reliable vendor will ship to you if you live in San Diego, but it helps to know why online is so much better.
Is Kratom Legal in San Diego?
No. kratom is currently illegal in San Diego, California.
The San Diego Municipal Code prohibits this herb, known scientifically as Mitragyna speciosa. While kratom is legal statewide in California, the cities of San Diego and Oceanside chose to ban it in 2016.
However, you can legally buy and use kratom throughout the rest of the Golden State. As a result, many people opt to take a short trip to La Mesa to get their hands on it. Is it legal to take it back to San Diego? No, so we don’t recommend doing that.
Other US states and cities have banned kratom, so it’s essential to stay updated on current laws.
However, maybe the tide will turn since the World Health Organization did not see kratom as a threat and decided not to ban it.
Top 4 Kratom Shops Near San Diego
Since kratom is illegal in San Diego, many people buy it out of town. Here are the four best La Mesa-based stores, according to the reviews. As a bonus, these shops are incredibly close to one another, so you won’t leave La Mesa disappointed or empty-handed if you prefer buying in person.
The Kratom Store
At The Kratom Store, you’ll find powder, capsules, tablets, extracts, and even pet treats on its menu. In this bright and joyful place, you’ll be greeted by a fantastic staff and be able to purchase more than 50 different strains of organic, clean, high-quality kratom.
You should visit the website or call (619) 821-8221. You won’t be disappointed should you choose to visit the store in person at 8047 La Mesa Blvd Suite A, though.
Kratom Kava Bar
This small shop offers an extensive menu with over 50 kratom strains in capsule, tablet, extract, and powder form. Plus, it claims to import its material directly from Indonesia.
You’ll find the store at 8131 La Mesa Blvd. Check out its products on the website or call them at (760) 244-1117 for further inquiries.
Bumble Bee Botanicals
Bumble Bee Botanicals offers high-quality kratom in extracts, capsules, and powder; you’ll find over 14 different strains on its menus, such as Green Borneo, White Thai, or Red Bali. Its kratom is lab-tested for biological contaminants and sourced directly from two different farmers in Indonesia.
Check out all its options on the website or call (619) 500-2463. This store is located in the same building as our first contender on our list, at 8047 La Mesa Blvd Unit C. Unfortunately, at this time, it does not offer delivery and is a cash-only shop.
Cloud Chasers Vape & Smoke Shop
Cloud Chasers has dozens of positive reviews thanks to its excellent staff and frequent discounts. While it specializes in smoking and vaping accessories, it also has an incredible kratom collection at absolutely affordable prices.
For questions, call (619) 439-7294 or visit its website. Of course, you’ll get fantastic customer service by going in person as well at 8152 La Mesa Blvd.
Looking for Kratom in Another City?
No problem! Check out these other spots in California:
- 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
- Oakland
- Oxnard
- Victorville
Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online
As mentioned above, we always recommend looking for your kratom online rather than in a retail store. Thanks to hundreds of reviews and lab tests, you can be sure of the quality of any product. Also, you will notice that the selection of strains and products is much more comprehensive if you shop online.
Another positive point of shopping online is that it is usually cheaper because of the lower overhead costs. Buying online gives you access to hundreds of stores, even in rural or remote areas, with just a couple of clicks.
Related: What’s the Cheapest Kratom?
Best Online Kratom Vendors
Finding a reliable vendor online can be difficult as it is a vast market. It’s a daunting task, so we’ve narrowed down the best kratom vendors in the US.
Keep in mind that they probably won’t ship to San Diego, as kratom is illegal there. Most will deliver to surrounding cities such as La Mesa.
1. Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom is hands down the best kratom seller on the internet, both for its quality and competitive prices. It imports all its source material from Southeast Asia, resulting in high potency and superb-quality kratom. In addition, this store offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all orders.
On its menu, you will find more than 30 white, green, and red strains — White Bali, Red Indo, and classic Green Malay, to name a few. It also offers some rare and exclusive strains, such as Red Dragon and White Sumatra. Kona Kratom is the best choice for novices and veterans alike.
2. Star Kratom
Star Kratom
Star Kratom is a US-based store known for the incredible speed of its shipping and the quality of its products. Its quality control includes double testing all products, so your kratom will be top-notch. Also, its prices are affordable, although you’ll receive more generous discounts on bulk orders.
It offers about 15 strains on its menu, such as Green Elephant, Red Jongkong, and White Malay. Star Kratom offers same-day shipping in case you’re in a hurry.
3. VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
If you are tired of wasting time and money on sub-par quality kratom, VIP Kratom is your solution. This company specializes in selling the highest quality kratom on the market, and we mean that. Most people advise starting with a small dose to give you an idea of the potency of your first order.
VIP’s prices are relatively higher than the rest of the shops, and the selection is not the greatest. However, its products’ incredible quality and potency make up for it, so if you don’t mind paying a few more dollars for top-quality kratom, VIP Kratom is your best bet.
4. Greenleaf Kratom
Green Leaf Kratom
Greenleaf Kratom may not be as famous as the previous three stores, but it has managed to differentiate itself with its wide variety of strains. It is also one of the few shops that accept cryptocurrencies and has dedicated customer support. Nevertheless, its prices are somewhat high compared to Kona Kratom or Star Kratom.
On its gigantic menu, you can find over 35 strains from exotic locations in Southeast Asia, like White Riau, with some of them being incredibly potent and exclusive strains. In addition, Greenleaf Kratom processes all orders within 24 hours.
5. Remarkable Herbs
Remarkable Herbs Kratom
Remarkable Herbs is perhaps the oldest kratom company in the United States, founded by its owners in 2001. Plus, you’re probably familiar with it, thanks to the fact that you can find its products in more than 15,000 retail stores nationwide.
On its extensive menu, you will find kratom, kava, and catclaw, among other herbs, and its products are of the highest quality and have easily accessible external laboratory tests.
6. Chief Kratom
Chief Kratom
Chief Kratom specializes in high-quality kratom extracts. Its products are 100% natural, and its particular extraction method results in a water-soluble product. This means that you can mix your kratom with other drinks to make it more enjoyable.
Unfortunately, its website contains next to nothing of information, but the quality and price of Chief Kratom are likely worth it. You can buy its products in retail stores across the country or through online distributors.
7. Golden Monk
Golden Monk Kratom
Golden Monk is dedicated to customer satisfaction. Its packaging is one of the most discreet in the market, and its quality control is rigorous. Additionally, it offers same-day shipping if you buy early in the morning.
Among its 20+ strains, you’ll find Red Bali, Green Sumatra, and Maeng Da. While it’s not the most comprehensive selection on the market, the value for your money makes up for it, and you can split kilos to try out multiple strains in one order.
8. Happy Hippo Kratom
Happy Hippo
Happy Hippo Kratom is a small company that is sure to catch your eye due to the quirky style of its website. Furthermore, its products are outstanding, and it even offers a quiz to determine which strain of kratom suits you best.
You will find more than 40 strains on its menu, like Super Yellow Borneo, Supreme Dark Horn, or Red Sumatra Elite. Do have in mind, though, this company nicknames all its strains, so quickly finding the one you are looking for may prove to be a challenge.
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
If this is your first time buying kratom, you may not understand why vendors divide kratom into different categories. Understanding this is critical, as the effects vary between different kratom strains.
A strain is a plant with a different chemical composition than another plant of the same species. Kratom is divided according to the color of its veins, which can help you get the effect you want effortlessly.
Here is a list of the three main types of kratom and their most popular strains.
1. Green Vein Kratom Powder
Green-vein kratom powder is probably the most popular type of kratom, as its effects are highly versatile. Depending on the dosage and strain, its effects can be both relaxing and uplifting.
These are the five top-rated green vein kratom strains:
- Green Malay Kratom — Energy booster and focus enhancer
- Green Borneo Kratom — Balanced strain, both stimulating and relaxing
- Green Bali Kratom — Amazing stimulant and anxiolytic
- Green Thai Kratom — Great against social anxiety
- Green Sumatra Kratom — Popular for its analgesic effects
2. Red Vein Kratom Powder
Red vein kratom powder is the most sedative type of kratom, as it has higher amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine. These serve as a sleep aid, a potent anxiolytic, or calm muscular and mental stress. However, some strains can have nootropic and even stimulant effects.
These are the five top-rated red vein kratom strains:
- Red Bali Kratom — Balanced strain, great for relaxing
- Red Thai Kratom — Very soothing, suitable for a good sleep
- Red Horn Kratom — Great painkiller and mood enhancer
- Red Sumatra Kratom — Potent sedative
- Red Borneo Kratom — Great for relaxing after a long day of work
3. White Vein Kratom Powder
White vein kratom powder is the opposite of red-vein, as its effects tend to be stimulating and energizing. While it also has some anxiolytic effects, most people use white-vein for energy and focus. In addition, most strains are mood-enhancers and increase creativity.
These are the five top-rated white vein kratom strains:
- White Borneo Kratom — Focus enhancer and stimulant
- White Thai Kratom — Fantastic nootropic and mood booster
- White Bali Kratom — Energetic painkiller
- White Sumatra Kratom — Very versatile strain, both stimulating and sedating
- White Indo Kratom — Analgesic and mood enhancer
How Long Does Kratom Take To Work?
Most people start to feel the effects of kratom after the first 20 to 30 minutes. However, the time it takes for kratom to kick in can vary depending on the dosage and method of consumption. Also, if you use kratom after a big meal or have a slow metabolism, it will probably take a little longer to feel the effects.
The kratom effects last between two and eight hours, although its length may increase if you use kratom enhancers, such as magnesium. Some strains can have longer-lasting effects than usual, such as Red Bali, which can last up to ten hours.
What is the American Kratom Association?
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is dedicated to spreading information about kratom. This non-profit organization is behind the legal battle to keep kratom legal despite the FDA’s attempts to ban it. Also, being a non-profit, the AKA can accept donations.
On its website, you will find scientific studies that back some of the many benefits of using kratom. In addition, there are petitions to support the legal campaign and a forum to chat with other kratom users. The AKA believes it’s vital that consumers maintain access to medicine, information, and freedom of choice for their own health and well-being.
What Does Kratom Feel Like?
The effects of kratom depend significantly on the dosage, strain, and how it’s been processed. For example, low doses may stimulate the user, while high doses may be sedating. Here are a few generalizations on how kratom feels after using it and a few more web pages with helpful information.
Physical effects of kratom:
Psychological effects of kratom:
Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in San Diego
Unfortunately, kratom is completely illegal within San Diego as The Municipal Code considers it a controlled substance, making it illegal to sell and possess. Still, it is legal in neighboring towns and the rest of California, except Oceanside.
Kratom users from San Diego usually go to La Mesa to find reputable retail stores. However, we recommend shopping online from brands such as Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, or VIP Kratom for the best quality if you can have it delivered outside San Diego.
