As it gains popularity, more and more people are purchasing and using kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), which grows naturally in Southeast Asia. Touted for its widespread legality, positive bodily effects, and reported psychoactive capabilities, it’s no wonder kratom is becoming more mainstream.
In this article, we’ll explain the legal status of kratom throughout Georgia, as well as the best local places to buy kratom online and in-store. We’ll also review why people use kratom and how you can enjoy its benefits.
Is Kratom Legal In Georgia?
Despite an attempted ban in 2023, kratom is legal throughout Georgia, and it can be purchased and used by anyone over the age of 18.
The age restriction isn’t the only regulation Georgia has in place. As per SB225, which serves as the kratom consumer protection act for the state of Georgia, all kratom products must be labeled clearly with disclaimers, ingredients, and alkaloid concentrations.
HB 181 would have made mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, kratom’s main alkaloids, Schedule I substances, but the bill died in the chamber in March 2023.
Where to Buy Kratom In Georgia
Luckily for kratom users living in Georgia, purchasing the herb in various forms is straightforward due to kratom’s state-wide legality. Provided you’re over 18; you’ll have no issues buying kratom in Georgia.
You can opt for buying your kratom online or in-store. We’ll discuss the benefits of each below, along with some recommendations for the purest and safest product available.
1. Kratom Near Me: Buying From Local Vendors
Some users prefer to purchase their kratom in person by visiting a local vendor. Some people feel like they get a more reliable product this way, although we’ll explain why this isn’t always the case below.
Two of the most significant benefits of buying in-store are that you won’t have to pay for shipping, and you’ll never have to wait for your product to arrive to start using it. In-store is an excellent option if you’ve run out of stock and want to get your hands on some more right away.
Many online shops have speedy shipping and can get you your product in just a day or two in most cases. However, buying online will never be as fast as going to a local store to pick it up.
The downsides to purchasing in-store typically outweigh that expediency, though. Firstly, you’re buying closer to the source when you shop online, and the large majority of physical shops act as intermediaries that add their fees to the products they sell. Buying kratom from a local vendor will usually be more expensive than buying a similar product online.
Additionally, most local shops sell other companies’ products rather than their own, so they rarely offer third-party testing results for the products. This means you’re not guaranteed to get a pure or potent product every time like you would from a manufacturer who tests their kratom extensively.
If you decide to purchase kratom from a local vendor, a quick search online for “kratom near me” will provide plenty of shops. Below are some of the more popular kratom shops in Georgia:
1. Wyzo’s Smoke Shop
Wyzo’s Smoke Shop in Atlanta carries various products, including kratom in powder form and capsules. Their products lack test results, but they generally receive positive reviews for their customer service and quality.
2. Kratom-Fresh.com
Despite its name, Kratom-Fresh.com is a physical location in Atlanta, about a mile east of I-285. Their prices are a bit high, comparatively, and they don’t provide test results for their kratom. However, they are knowledgeable and friendly.
3. Planet 3 Smoke Shop
Planet 3 Smoke Shop in Savannah, GA, has a limited selection, but their staff is very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to kratom.
4. Smoke City
Smoke City has two locations, one in Savannah and one in Thomasville. Although they lack third-party testing results like most physical shops, both are well-stocked with kratom products.
5. Si-Ya Smoke Shop
Located in northern Macon, Si-Ya Smoke Shop carries a variety of products, including multiple forms of kratom. Their staff is generally friendly and somewhat helpful.
6. Happy Hookah
Happy Hookah in downtown Atlanta carries kratom products as well as tobacco, CBD, and more. Their selection is relatively limited, but they have all three kratom strains (red, white, and green) most of the time.
Find Kratom Near You
Learn more about buying kratom in Georgia with these city guides:
2. Where to Buy Kratom Online
Your other option for purchasing kratom products will be online vendors that ship to Georgia. Luckily, sending kratom via mail is legal, and receiving the products in GA is also permitted, provided you’re over 18.
One of the most significant benefits of buying from an online retailer is that many companies — like Kona Kratom and VIP Kratom — put their products through extensive third-party lab testing. You’ll always know what you’re buying, and you can be confident in both the purity and the potency on the label.
Despite delivering an overall better product, online kratom vendors are usually significantly more affordable. Online shops typically produce their own products or work directly with the manufacturer, providing higher-quality kratom for less. You may pay for shipping, but you’re cutting out commissions and profits that would otherwise go to a local shop.
Physical stores also carry fewer kratom products because they need to reserve shelf space for more popular items like CBD, delta 8 THC, or tobacco. Online, you’ll typically find kratom that is powdered, smokable, drinkable, or in capsules.
Of course, the downside to ordering online is that you’ll have to wait for your kratom to arrive. Thankfully, companies like Star Kratom deliver to your door quickly, limiting how long you’ll be waiting for your product.
Check out our reviews on the 10 Best Kratom Vendors Online in 2022.
How to Buy the Best Kratom for You: What to Look for
Regardless of whether you buy in-store or online, you’ll always want a product that is high-quality, high-potency, safe, and ideal for your needs. There are several things to keep in mind when shopping to ensure you have the best experience possible.
1. Which Kratom Strain Is Right for You?
Not all kratom is equal! In fact, there are three strains of kratom you’ll have to decide between, each with different effects. You should always choose the strain that delivers the impact you need. Otherwise, you’ll likely be displeased with your experience and may end up not using what you’ve purchased.
We’ll explain the critical differences between red-vein, white-vein, and green-vein kratom below.
Red-Vein Kratom
Red-vein kratom, unsurprisingly, has a reddish color to it. More importantly, red-vein kratom reportedly delivers a relaxing experience, and some users describe it as a sedative. Red strains are typically best for pain relief or treating opioid addiction, and they’re best consumed just before bed, as they tend to make users tired.
White-Vein Kratom
White-vein kratom is quite the opposite of red-vein in that it tends to deliver a more energizing experience to the user. Most proponents of white-vein kratom note that their energy levels, memory, and ability to focus are all enhanced when they consume white-vein strains. Typically, white strains work best for the morning.
Green-Vein Kratom
Green-vein kratom often acts as a hybrid strain. It can produce a relaxing but energetic experience. Most users report that their bodies are relaxed while their minds are sharp and focused. Depending on how green strains affect you, taking them in the morning, afternoon, or night might be suitable.
2. Is the Company Reputable?
As with any medicinal or pharmaceutical herb, you’ll always want to make sure you purchase your kratom from a reputable company. Many kratom users love to see their herb of choice gain popularity and become more widely available.
However, increased demand also means that more suppliers will pop up. Unfortunately, not all of them care about the quality, safety, or potency of their kratom.
Some less reputable vendors might add synthetic drugs or other compounds to their products to make them more addicting, solely to increase profit. Others may sell fake kratom or less potent herbs to maximize their gain without regard for their customer’s experience.
Purchasing from a reputable company is crucial, as buying impure kratom or untested products can result in a bad experience.
When in doubt, we recommend purchasing from Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, or VIP Kratom. You can also take a look at our kratom vendor reviews for more options and information.
3. Does the Kratom Company Have AKA Certification?
In addition to choosing a reputable company to purchase from, you can ensure you remain safe and get a high-quality product by selecting a company with certification from the American Kratom Association (AKA).
The AKA is committed to a safe and pleasant kratom experience for all users, so they perform annual audits on kratom manufacturers, put their products through third-party testing, and confirm that they’re selling high-quality kratom that is potent and pure.
Confirming that the manufacturer you choose has AKA certification is one of the best ways to ensure you buy the best product possible.
One of the issues with buying kratom from local shops in Georgia is that many of their products don’t have AKA certification, which means you can’t be confident in what you’re buying.
What is Kratom Used For?
We’ve referred to kratom as a potent and medicinal herb many times throughout this article, so it’s time to discuss what people actually use it for! Kratom use dates back at least several hundreds of years, for several reasons, the most significant of which we’ll discuss below.
1. Pain
Probably the most common use for kratom is pain relief, as users and researchers liken it to a natural opiate. Because of a lack of testing, users rely on anecdotal evidence as proof, but the pain relief kratom provides does have some clinical research to support it.
Kratom affects your opioid receptors just like opioid-based painkillers do. The kratom keeps pain signals from reaching your brain, so you’re less likely to feel the sensation of pain.
Additionally, kratom naturally reduces inflammation and relaxes your muscles, which can also aid in pain relief.
Related: Can Kratom Cause An Overdose?
2. Opiate Withdrawal
Kratom has gained popularity in the world of opiate addiction as a tool for reducing withdrawal symptoms and, in some cases, reducing dependence entirely or to a manageable level.
Kratom can cause your body to release endorphins, often providing a less intense but still pleasurable feeling. The effect is a reduced pain sensation, a major component of dependence on opiates.
3. Energy & Focus
Less widespread is the use of kratom to boost energy and increase focus.
Kratom users who opt for white-vein or green-vein strains report that they feel awake and alert as if they’ve just consumed caffeine. The effects for many people are reportedly similar.
4. Depression & Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are both severe mental illnesses that can be all-consuming for many people. There are various prescription medications available to treat them, but many can have adverse side effects or potentially make the condition worse in some cases.
According to regular users, green and white kratom strains are generally the best options for managing depression and anxiety.
Is It Safe to Use Kratom?
As with many medicinal herbs, regular users and those interested in it are naturally curious about whether kratom is safe. Although some users report side effects, which we’ll discuss in-depth below, kratom is safe to use when you take proper doses and use it responsibly.
Respect every medicine if you want a pleasurable experience, and kratom is no different.
For the best experience, we recommend starting with a minimal dose of around 2 g of powdered kratom. A small quantity is typically between 2 and 5 g.
Start small, and with some experimenting, you can find the dose that provides the desired experience without the risk of feeling ill, overly stimulated, or excessively relaxed.
Kratom can be addictive. Although it’s far less addictive than any controlled substance, according to research, using it daily can lead to an addiction. We suggest limiting your usage to 4-5 days per week and taking tolerance breaks once every month or every other month.
It’s important to note that the biggest danger comes with mixing kratom with other substances, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.
Related: Kratom Dosage Guide
Side Effects of Kratom
Our goal is to provide you with as much helpful information as possible, so we’re going to explain the most frequently reported side effects users experience with kratom.
However, please note that these side effects usually come about because of overly large doses or constant use. Remember: respect the herb, and you’re far more likely to have an enjoyable experience.
1. Cloudy Head
Some users report a “cloudy head” or a less effective memory when using kratom. This is far more common in individuals taking large doses above 10 g.
2. Upset Stomach
This is another side effect that almost unilaterally appears with large doses. The best way to avoid nausea and vomiting is to keep your amount small.
3. Dizziness
Kratom affects adrenaline and noradrenaline, which can have an impact on your blood pressure. As a result, you may experience some lightheadedness or dizziness. This is rare in users who take small doses under 5 g.
4. Anxiety
Although kratom can help treat anxiety, it can also be the cause. Like caffeine, kratom leads your body to secrete adrenaline, which can cause anxiety if the levels remain elevated for extended periods. Anxiety is very rare in those taking doses under 5 g.
5. Low Energy
Kratom affects a myriad of hormones in your body, including epinephrine and norepinephrine. Over time, these artificial spikes in hormones can cause adrenal fatigue. As a result, regular users may feel lethargic or tired. You can often fix this by taking a tolerance break or switching to a different strain.
6. Other Side Effects
In addition to the above issues, some users report negative side effects. These include liver and kidney issues, but they’re only anecdotally supported.
You should also know that kratom isn’t safe to consume while pregnant, which we discuss in more detail. Additionally, taking kratom while using alcohol, medications, or recreational drugs can create bad experiences and potential illness, which we talk more in-depth about here.
What’s the Future of Kratom In Georgia?
Kratom is fully legal throughout Georgia, with two minor restrictions. You must be over 18 to buy kratom, and all kratom products have health disclaimers and potency and ingredient information.
Some regular users are concerned about kratom’s future in Georgia, especially after this most recent attempt to schedule its two main alkaloids. The fact that it failed is promising, but it’s disheartening that the subject even came up.
While numerous head shops in Georgia sell kratom products, your best option is to turn to an online vendor for consistency, purity, and safety. Our top recommendations include Star Kratom, Kona Kratom, and VIP Kratom.
