Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an herb that grows in the jungle of South Asia, and today it’s used worldwide. It has great medicinal potential to treat pain, disorders, and addictions, among other ailments — although a few countries prohibit the use or commercialization of kratom in their states. In the United States, it is only illegal in six states and a few cities.
Today, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about kratom, including its dosage, effects, legality, & much more.
Is Kratom Legal In Connecticut?
Kratom is legal and unrestricted in Connecticut. This is the opposite of its east neighbor: Rhode Island, where the plant is illegal. There are also no state regulations controlling kratom in this state.
In 2023, the house submitted HB 5134, which would require the Department of Consumer Protection to review kratom and submit a report on its recommendations. It was referred to the Joint Committee on General Law.
There were previous attempts at regulating kratom, so it’s unclear whether this is a step toward banning it or gaining momentum for regulatory laws.
In January 2021, Democratic legislator Quentin Phipps introduced HB 633, which would have regulated the state’s production and sale of kratom, and introduced fines for sellers who violate the law. It would have also created a state agency overseeing the entire kratom industry in Connecticut. Unfortunately, the bill failed.
Related: Legal Status of Kratom By State & Country.
Where to Buy Kratom In Connecticut
As in other states, you can order kratom online or at a local store. We always recommend buying online, as you will find a lower price and it is by far the most comfortable and discreet method.
Buying in-store reduces your options, as you’ll depend on what each vendor has in stock. This is a crucial point to consider, as which strain you choose will define what effects you get.
However, if you prefer a customer-supplier in-store relationship, here we recommend you some of the most popular kratom stores in Connecticut:
- Angel Grocery Smoke Shop (Hartford)
- Jimmy’s Quality Smoke Shop (New Britain)
- Kratom Guys (Cromwell)
- Mighty Vape & Smoke Shop (Plainville)
- Big Cat’s Smoke Shop (Bristol)
Find Kratom Near You
What to Look for When Buying Kratom
Lab Tests
The American Kratom Association (AKA) defends the rights of kratom consumers but is also responsible for laboratory testing in the United States. The AKA is dedicated to preserving the quality and standard of many kratom products marketed in the USA using third-party laboratory testing through its GMP Program.
You should always prioritize AKA-endorsed vendors over those who are not affiliated.
Company Reputation
Reputation makes a real difference, and this is because it shows how dedicated and trustworthy a company is. So even if you’re dealing with an AKA-endorsed vendor, a history full of negative reviews should be a huge red flag.
If you’re having a hard time making the final choice, check our vendor reviews page.
Strain Selection
As mentioned before, there are many different kratom strains, but luckily, there’s an easy way to classify them. Categorizing each variety by its vein color will help predict the potential effects pretty accurately.
The three most popular are red, green, and white.
Each color has its characteristic feature, which will define how each will affect you.
Red Vein Kratom
Red vein strains have sedative effects, ideal for reaching a moment of relaxation after a hard day at the office. It relieves stress but can make you sluggish if you overdo it.
White Vein Kratom
White vein strains have the opposite effects to red vein kratom: they are stimulating. This makes white vein kratom an excellent choice for those looking to improve their performance at work or college. White kratom will also boost your creative thinking due to its interaction with serotonergic receptors.
Green Vein Kratom
Green vein is the most balanced option between the two previous ones. Its effects are not as strong, so it is ideal for beginners. Green kratom is also great for those trying to treat multiple conditions simultaneously, as it counts with an even alkaloid profile.
What Are People Using Kratom for?
Energy & Focus
Kratom is an excellent tool for increasing concentration, energy, and mental alertness. Mainly, white vein strains will be the best due to their high content of mitragynine, a serotonergic alkaloid.
By increasing your serotonin levels, kratom will make you feel more energetic and happier with your surroundings. The effects of a low dose of kratom white vein are comparable to that of a strong cup of coffee but without the jitters and anxiety.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are increasingly plaguing society, and the treatments offered by conventional medicine have too many adverse effects.
For example, benzodiazepines have a high potential for dependence. On the other hand, SSRIs can cause diarrhea, indigestion, anxiety, and other undesirable effects. Fortunately, kratom can also help those suffering from these conditions and cause fewer and milder side effects.
For those who suffer from anxiety, we advise trying red vein strains for their relaxing effects. And for those suffering from depression, the best option is white vein kratom for its stimulating effect.
Opioid Withdrawal
Kratom also has the potential to help those who are going through opioid withdrawal syndrome. This is because both kratom and opioids share a very similar mechanism of action: they both trigger opioid receptors.
By resembling their effects, kratom can alleviate opiate cravings and lessen the undesirable effects of withdrawal. For this purpose, we recommend a strong red vein strain, and you will probably need a high dose to find enough relief.
Some people fear kratom because of how it works on the opioid system and because it is addictive. However, it is far less likely to cause dependence and the withdrawal symptoms are much milder. Plus, it’s unlikely to cause an overdose.
The biggest risk comes from using kratom with other drugs, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.
Pain Relief
Kratom is an excellent analgesic, and pain relief is probably the most common reason people use kratom today. This is due (again) to the high 7-hydroxymitragynine content, especially in the red strains. This alkaloid shares the same mechanism of action as strong painkillers such as morphine.
Although kratom is a very effective painkiller, do not use it indiscriminately. If you have severe pain, see a doctor, and do not try to hide it with kratom.
Related: Is Kratom An Opioid?
What’s the Dose of Kratom?
Kratom powder doses are generally classified into three levels: high, medium, and low.
- Low dose (1 to 3 g)
- Medium dose (3 to 5 g)
- High dose (5 to 8 g)
In addition, some people consume kratom in microdoses of less than 1 g, ideal for beginners who want to test the waters.
Learn more about kratom dosage here.
Is Kratom Safe?
Yes, it is always safe to use kratom, but only if you do it responsibly. If you’re a beginner, you should always start low, and if you’re an advanced user, be sure to keep an eye on your tolerance.
Side Effects of Kratom:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Beware that kratom is not safe for pregnant women, and it’s also not recommended to mix it with drugs or alcohol.
What’s the Future of Kratom In Connecticut?
The future of kratom in Connecticut is very optimistic. Connecticut seems to be firmly advancing towards regulation, but we’ll only know for sure in the (near) future.
Today, you can find kratom in almost any tobacco store or headshop in the state. Still, don’t forget you can always ensure a high-quality product by going with VIP Kratom, Star Kratom, or Kona Kratom.
