This article will cover the legality of kratom in Alberta, Canada, and let you know the best stores near you. We’ll also cover some of the most commonly found kratom strains.
Is Kratom Legal in Alberta?
Yes, kratom is legal in Alberta.
Currently, kratom is legal to purchase in Canada. However, this only means that it is not listed as an illegal substance. It is not labeled safe for human consumption, making kratom’s legal status in the country somewhat unique.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada are the two agencies that have the authority to establish if a substance can be marketed as safe for human consumption.
The World Health Organization recently reviewed kratom and found it safe. It has not been banned or deemed illegal by either agency in Canada, but they have not listed it as a safe substance either.
This means that kratom can be legally sold and purchased, but you will not find it marketed as a dietary supplement or as edible. It’s usually sold for “scientific purposes” or as an ingredient for aromatic soaps or candles.
Some sellers even include a label saying “not for human consumption.” Furthermore, there were cases of Health Canada seizing products sold for human consumption because they contained kratom.
Kratom is safe to use, though. These laws mean that Canadian authorities have not yet done enough testing, so they decided not to include it in their list of approved substances for now.
Will Alberta Ban Kratom?
It’s hard to say what the future holds for kratom in Alberta. There is no push from authorities to ban the substance, which is currently classified as an herbal product.
Also, there are no advances in legalizing the herb for it to be regulated as a supplement and have it authorized for human consumption.
Today, scientists are requesting more studies on kratom and claiming it could significantly help fight the opioid epidemic.
If you support kratom and would like it to be legalized, the best you can do is advocate for it, use it responsibly, and be aware of any proposals to change the local legislation.
Why Do Some States & Cities Ban Kratom?
Kratom has been introduced in Canada fairly recently, so people do not know much about it. When they find out it acts as a sedative, it is common for it to be associated with opioids or sleeping pills, some of which have caused addiction epidemics in North America.
These misconceptions are, unfortunately, common. However, you can help fight misinformation by using kratom responsibly and advocating for its legality.
The Canada Kratom Association can assist you in contacting your representatives to request further testing and establish regulations for commercializing and using kratom safely.
Top Local Kratom Shops in Alberta
Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to find kratom in a local store in Alberta. Because of local regulations that forbid its sale for human consumption, sellers moved all their operations to the web.
In addition, if you search online or on social media, you’ll find many of the stores are closed or inactive.
Find Kratom Near You
Learn more about buying kratom in each province in Canada with these guides:
Why You Should Buy Kratom Online
As mentioned above, there are almost no local stores in Alberta that offer kratom, and the few that do will most likely charge too much and have very few strains to choose from. All kratom sellers seem to have moved their operations online.
However, even if reputable physical shops were selling kratom here, we would have recommended buying from online stores.
You’ll generally find better prices by buying through the internet, as online stores have lower expenses than physical shops. Also, you won’t be limited to your local area anymore, so you’ll have access to a wider variety of strains coming from multiple stores in Canada.
Furthermore, online vendors usually get their kratom directly from the producers, which prevents most issues related to contamination or unsafe handling. This results in a fresher, more pure product, which will benefit your kratom’s longevity and personal health.
Another great thing about online shopping is reading customers’ reviews and comparing vendors before deciding who to purchase from. Many online vendors share their third-party lab tests publicly, making online shopping safer and more reliable.
Last but not least is the convenience. You can order your kratom with a few clicks of your mouse and from the comfort of your home and sometimes have it delivered within 24 hours of purchase. You’ll also save money on fuel for your trips.
Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?
Buying kratom in-store is safe, but it depends on the vendor. Online is safer, though.
Kratom is not very popular yet in Canada, and Alberta has very few stores carrying it. Unfortunately, prices will be higher than expected, and not every strain will be available in your area — if you can even find kratom locally.
Also, keep in mind that because of kratom’s legal status in Canada, stores may only sell kratom as a product “not approved for consumption.” This makes it impossible to assure that vendors handled it with the same regulations reserved for products meant to be ingested.
We believe you’ll have a better experience buying kratom through the internet. You’ll find some of the best online stores further below.
Kratom Vendors That Ship to Alberta
Buying kratom online may be your only option if you live in Alberta. In addition, online vendors generally have better deals and much more varieties to choose from than physical shops.
To save you the hassle of finding these, we’ve made you a list of the best online kratom vendors that ship to the province. They guarantee you will receive a high-quality product and have reasonable prices and excellent shipping times.
1. Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom has contacts with farms in Southeast Asia, where they always look for the most potent leaves. They have the most affordable prices and offer some strains not commonly found in other stores.
Also, you can quickly consult their third-party lab results before purchasing to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product.
Their best-selling kratom varieties are Green Malay, Red Maeng Da, and Red Dragon.
2. Golden Monk
Golden Monk Kratom
Golden Monk sells high-quality kratom at affordable prices. They do not post their lab test results online, but customers’ reviews all praise the quality of their products.
Something that sets this seller apart is the discreet packages they deliver their products in. They are completely unmarked, which is perfect if you prefer to keep your kratom use private.
They offer kratom powder and capsules, and their best-selling strains are Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and Green Malay.
3. Gaia Kratom
Gaia (Mitragaia) Kratom
Mitragaia or Gaia Kratom carries an extensive selection of kratom strains, some of them being very hard to find. They also sell kratom extracts, which are more potent than powder.
They do not post any third-party lab test results online, but many positive reviews advocate for the quality of their merchandise, so we believe it’s safe to buy from them.
Their most sought-after strains are Green Batak, Red Brunei, and White JongKong.
4. Happy Hippo Herbals
Happy Hippo
Happy Hippo Herbals’ website and packaging may look childish and cartoonish, but their reputation is high among kratom enthusiasts. They are well-known for selling kratom of outstanding quality.
Furthermore, they subject their kratom to thorough sterilization and testing. Because of the extensive tests, their products may have higher prices than other sellers but will provide an experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Their best-selling kratom varieties are Green Maeng Da, White Horn, and Red Maeng Da.
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
There are over 50 kratom strains on the market, each with a unique effect profile. They are named after their place of origin and the color of their leaf’s vein.
If you are looking for a specific effect, you’ll need to know the appropriate variety to take. Further below, you’ll find some of the most commonly sought-after strains and what they bring to the table.
Green Vein Kratom Powder
Green vein kratom powder is the most common variety of kratom and is known for being the most balanced. It provides an effect that combines both the relaxing and analgesic effects of kratom, along with energy boosts and mood-enhancing benefits.
These are three of the most common green-veined kratom strains:
Green Malay
The Green Malay strain is known for its powerful stimulating effects. It also provides significant benefits as a painkiller, and its effects last for remarkably long. It’s great to fight off localized pain, as it acts as an analgesic but without any drowsiness or sedation.
Green Borneo
Green Borneo is very similar to the Malay strain, but it acts much quicker. Its effects may not last as long, but it is a solid choice if you need pain relief as soon as possible. It’s also beneficial when trying to alleviate symptoms associated with depression.
Green Bali
The Green Bali strain is more popular than other green-veined strains, probably because it is significantly stronger. Because of its potent effects, you should take it in small doses, especially if you are a beginner.
Red Vein Kratom Powder
Red vein kratom powder is known for providing a strong sedative effect. These strains have the most potent painkilling action and are an excellent sleeping aid. For this reason, they also help fight anxiety.
These are some of the most popular red-veined kratom strains:
Red Thai
Red Thai is a prevalent kratom strain and will make you alert and focused at smaller doses, while higher doses provide relaxation and sedation.
Red Sumatra
Red Sumatra is another strain that, in lower doses, produces stimulating effects and enhances the user’s focus, making it a perfect choice for long study sessions. Like other red-veined strains, higher doses provide sedation and sleepiness.
Red Borneo
The Red Borneo strain is a fantastic anxiety reliever. Even small doses provide a relaxing effect, which is not common in red-veined varieties. While it may not be the best choice for combating physical pain, it is great to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
White Vein Kratom Powder
White vein kratom powder is a variety that works as a potent energy booster and is well-known for its stimulating effects. It will help you stay alert and focused while improving your concentration. It can also enhance your mood and is commonly used for tedious workdays.
These are some of the best white-veined kratom strains:
White Bali
White Bali provides an energy boost and helps you stay focused while relaxing and relieving you from stress. It also can improve moods and is remarkably known for suppressing appetite, so it is also helpful if you’re trying to lose weight.
White Sumatra
White Sumatra provides a sedative effect and sleepiness in high doses, unlike other white-veined strains. Still, you’ll get the usual energy boost and alertness that white strains are known for in smaller amounts. This variety is very potent, so we suggest taking low doses to begin with.
White Indo
White Indo is commonly used to increase creativity. It provides a very potent energy boost, with the additional effect of enhancing your mood and even inducing a positive mindset. For this reason, it is excellent for alleviating depression symptoms.
Is Kratom Safe for Older Adults?
Kratom is not inherently unsafe for older adults — at least no more dangerous than other painkillers or medications commonly prescribed to them by doctors. Furthermore, if we compare it to opioids, kratom has minimal side effects, and its analgesic and sedative effects are similar.
Still, it’s essential to follow safety checks. Always verify that kratom does not counteract or has undesired interactions with other medications. Also, one must be fully informed of all possible kratom effects.
Older adults take small doses at first, as the herb’s effects can hit hard, especially if you’re not used to it.
Can You Become Addicted to Kratom?
There is a lot of contradictory information online when you search for the addictiveness of kratom. Many people claim it is not addictive, while others state the contrary.
As it turns out, it’s possible to get addicted to kratom, similar to any other substance or behavior that provides release from pain or anxiety. It is, however, much less addictive than opioids or sleeping pills, which are common medications.
As long as it’s used moderately and sparingly, it will be challenging to develop a kratom addiction. While traditional painkillers can develop an addiction after a few weeks of use, kratom requires months of regular use to become addictive at the same level.
Related: Kratom Dosage Guide
Can You Overdose on Kratom?
Overdosing on kratom is possible but highly unlikely. The amount required to reach a lethal amount to build up in your body would require high intakes every day.
Also, since kratom causes nausea in very high doses, it is almost impossible for your body to absorb such amounts without vomiting. This is remarkably different compared to opioids, which in some cases can cause an overdose with just a few grams.
There have been records of people that allegedly overdosed on kratom. However, researchers found it mixed with other substances or compounds, which are much more dangerous in their own right, like sleeping pills or alcohol.
Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Alberta
While you can legally buy kratom in Alberta, it is sold for aromatherapy and scientific research, not as a consumable herb. The herb’s legal status is unlikely to change anytime soon, though we still believe you’d do well by staying up-to-date on kratom-related news.
Unfortunately, it is tough to find local stores selling high-quality kratom in Alberta, so your best choice is to buy it online. Vendors like Kona Kratom have ample experience in the market and will provide you with potent products at reasonable prices.
