An increasing number of people are using kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) due to its medical benefits. Although there were several attempts to ban this herb, kratom is legal in Chicago but not in every city in Illinois.
Here you’ll find the most relevant information about kratom’s legality, the best suppliers near you, and much more.
Is Kratom Legal in Chicago?
Yes, kratom is legal in Chicago.
However, this isn’t the case for every city in Illinois; the exceptions are Jerseyville, Alton, and Edwardsville, which chose to ban it.
Illinois’s Kratom Control Act states that selling this herb to minors is a Class B misdemeanor, with infractors facing fines up to $1,500 or even spending six months in jail.
There were several attempts to criminalize kratom all over Illinois in the past. In 2017, a state representative introduced Bill HB4106, suggesting adding kratom to the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.
As if that wasn’t enough, in 2020, Bill HB5657 was introduced with the intent to place kratom as a Schedule II controlled substance. Fortunately, neither bill was successful.
In another important win, the World Health Organization recently reviewed kratom and decided there’s not enough evidence to warrant a critical review or ban of the plant.
Top 5 Kratom Shops in Chicago
If you’re looking for kratom near you, you’ll come across many stores in Chicago.
Here’s the top selection we made to save you some time:
1. CBD Kratom
CBD Kratom
CBD Kratom leads the list because it offers more than 50 strains from Southeast Asia, which are tested by third parties and sold at fair prices considering the quality.
CBD Kratom’s reviews are very positive. Its customers say they are delighted with the service, though some complain about the website occasionally malfunctioning. In addition, there are multiple stores located in Chicago.
2. Releaf Natural
Releaf Natural is a lovely store located at 3325 N Halsted St, Chicago, where you will find an excellent variety of kratom and CBD products.
It guarantees excellent, pre-tested quality though some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the customer service. Nevertheless, you should call them and check them out for yourself.
3. Tobacco Junction
In Tobacco Junction, you’ll find all kratom strains and a variety of vapes and CBD products. Customer service is reportedly phenomenal, and prices are as competitive as they get.
Its customers point out that this store has a wide variety of products, but others complain about its lacking website. This store is located at 3413a West Belmont Ave, Chicago, and you can call them at (708) 673-5812.
4. Puffit Smoke & Vape
Puffit Smoke & Shop is located at 4434 S Archer Ave, Chicago, and is renowned for its variety of strains.
For example, you will find Red Bali, Green Borneo, and White Bali, among others. In addition to kratom, you’ll see vape, tobacco, and CBD products. The staff seems knowledgeable enough to advise you both in person and through phone at (773) 940-0356.
5. Hard Rock Smoke & Vape
Hard Rock Smoke & Vape is a small store located at 4837 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago. This location has excellent quality kratom products, although not much variety. Hard Rock is a good option if you don’t like to go out since the shipping is free with purchases over $60.
Try calling them at (872) 235-5613 if you want more information on its products.
Looking for Kratom in Another City?
Check out the following city guides to learn where to buy kratom in Illinois:
Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online
While you can find many local places to shop, buying kratom online is better for many reasons.
First, you can verify that the product has been tested by a third party and has a certificate of authenticity (COA), essential to ensure authenticity. Most local stores don’t test the products for purity, so you can’t be sure what you’re getting.
Online vendors are more likely to have the kratom go through third-party testing, and many are certified by the American Kratom Association.
Furthermore, you’ll find better prices since online sellers have fewer intermediaries. Local stores have to charge more to make a profit to cover the costs associated with the middleman and things like rent and utilities.
Buying online is also more practical since you can buy from your home with a few clicks. In addition, companies increasingly compete to deliver orders as quickly as possible. Most offer free shipping over a specific price and have other offers to further decrease costs.
Last but not least, you don’t have to adapt to the store’s products in your area. When buying online, you can search for whatever strain or product you want. Physical stores don’t have the space or customer base for a wide variety.
Suggested Reading: What’s the Cheapest Kratom?
Kratom Vendors That Ship to Chicago
There are many kratom vendors, and it can be tedious to find a good one. That’s why we decided to compile a list of the top kratom vendors, so you can see which one suits you best.
1. Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom is at the top of the list mainly because of its wide variety of strains, ranging from White Bali to Green Borneo. Its products are third-party tested, and the quality is fantastic since the brand works with experienced farmers to ensure high-alkaloid strains.
2. Star Kratom
Star Kratom
Star Kratom has earned its place in the market in a very short amount of time as this brand is an excellent option for those who don’t like to wait for a delivery — it has the fastest shipments in the market.
High quality and competitive pricing put it at the top.
3. VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
If you’re new to kratom (or not), VIP Kratom is ideal for you. The quality is impeccable, making it a more expensive option, but it offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a 100% refund — something quite rare among vendors. This means there’s no risk involved; if you’re not happy, send it back.
The most chosen strains by its customers are Red Sumatra, White Maeng Da, and Green Hulu.
4. Chief Kratom
Chief Kratom
Chief Kratom sells liquid kratom, which saves you from the unpleasant aftertaste of powdered kratom. It’s certified by the AKA, so quality and safety are more than guaranteed. If you go to the website, you will see all the third-party tests performed on its products.
5. Golden Monk
Golden Monk Kratom
Golden Monk stands out as a very transparent company since they post everything you need to know about it and its products on the website. Plus, you get a free sample if you buy more than 2.2 lbs or 1000 capsules. There are also considerable discounts for new customers, and for every ton of kratom, it conducts six lab tests.
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
You’ll get the best results if you can distinguish between the different kratom strains, as each produces varying effects.
White Vein Kratom Powder
White vein kratom powder is ideal for increasing your concentration, energy, or mood due to its high levels of mitragynine, a stimulant alkaloid that interacts with serotonin receptors.
The top varieties of white vein kratom are:
- White Borneo Kratom — Fantastic nootropic
- White Indo Kratom — Big energy and productivity booster
- White Thai Kratom — Mood-boosting properties
- White Bali Kratom — A potent analgesic, relaxant, and mood enhancement benefits
- White Sumatra Kratom — Ideal for a caffeine-free alternative to coffee
Red Vein Kratom Powder
Red vein kratom powder is an excellent analgesic and sedative. Due to its high content of 7-hydroxymitragynine, this strain produces effects similar to opiates. If you suffer from addiction or chronic pain, the red vein is ideal for you.
The top-rated red vein strains are:
- Red Thai Kratom — Particularly relaxing
- Red Borneo Kratom — Reliable painkiller
- Red Horn Kratom — Powerful pain reliever and deep sleep inducer
- Red Sumatra Kratom — Powerful sedative
- Red Bali Kratom — Good for daytime pain-relief
Green Vein Kratom Powder
Green vein kratom powder is more balanced as it is neither stimulating nor relaxing. Therefore, this type of kratom is ideal if you are a beginner or looking for intermediate effects.
The top-rated varieties of green kratom are:
- Green Sumatra Kratom — Versatile and consistent
- Green Thai Kratom — Energy boost comparable to white kratom
- Green Borneo Kratom — Ideal for relaxation and pain relief in high doses
- Green Bali Kratom — Fantastic nootropic and mood-stabilizer
- Green Malay Kratom — Ideal for concentration
What Are the Benefits of Kratom?
There are many reasons people turn to kratom — some you might not have heard of before. Some studies show kratom can even help with weight loss and improve your sex life, but we’ll discuss the more common ways it’s used.
Kratom for Sleep
Many people have insomnia due to excessive use of technology, stress, or health problems, among other reasons. However, kratom, especially red vein kratom, can help you sleep better, as it has relaxing and stimulating effects.
To get the most out of it, we recommend that you use it one hour before going to sleep.
Also see: The Best Kratom Dose for Sleep Support.
Kratom for Pain
Many people turn to kratom because it helps them treat chronic or isolated pain. Red vein is an excellent painkiller, so it is ideal for combating this type of discomfort.
Its high mitragynine content produces effects similar to morphine and other pharmaceutical-grade analgesics.
Also see: The Best Kratom Dose for Pain Relief.
Kratom for Anxiety
Anxiety is a prevalent problem in society and can keep people from living life. Red vein kratom is an excellent anxiolytic since, as mentioned above, mitragynine produces relaxing effects.
However, you can also find these results in the green strains, especially Indo or Maeng Da, although milder.
Kratom for Energy
Many students and professionals turn to kratom to increase energy and performance. White strains are ideal since they have high loads of 7-hydroxymitragynine, an alkaloid that interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, producing stimulating effects.
How Long Does It Take for Kratom to Kick In?
Though there are many variables one should consider, you will generally start to feel the effects of kratom after 20 to 30 minutes. Still, kratom reaches its peak in one to two hours, with the entire experience generally lasting from two to eight hours and the average experience being three hours long.
If you have slow digestion or have eaten a large meal recently, the effects could take up to an hour before they kick in.
Suggested Reading: How Long Do the Effects of Kratom Really Last?
How to Store Kratom
There are many ways to expand the life of your kratom, with the easiest being proper storage.
Here are some DO’s and DON’Ts to help your kratom last as long as possible:
Do:
- Make sure your kratom remains dry
- Always store it in an airtight container
- Keep your kratom cool
- Keep it away from UV light
- Avoid excessive oxygen
- Steer clear of strong smells
Don’t:
- Let kratom breathe
- Store in a damp environment
- Choose a place with fluctuating temperatures
Conclusion: Is Kratom Legal in Chicago, Illinois?
Kratom is legal in Chicago, and you can use it freely, as long as you’re over 18. Fortunately, all attempts to ban it failed — although that doesn’t mean they won’t try again.
These attempts have failed and will likely continue to fail. You can buy kratom locally, but you get a free sample t’s better to stick with online vendors due to its questionable safety.
The best way to access kratom is to buy it from reputable sellers such as Kona Kratom, VIP Kratom, and Star Kratom.
