Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a natural herb native to the Asian continent that grows on trees up to 25 meters high.
Nowadays, more and more people are using the herb for medicinal purposes, and its benefits are continually coming to light. In the United States, nearly four million people use it regularly.
Below, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty aspects of kratom, including the regulations it faces in Kansas.
Is Kratom Legal in Kansas?
Kansas is one of 44 states in the United States where kratom is legal. That said, there is no law regulating its commercialization, so the safety of its users is not entirely guaranteed.
Only six states in the USA and some counties/cities have declared kratom illegal. However, there are some cases where local legislatures are deliberating on its prohibition or regulation.
In Kansas, in 2018, they attempted to place kratom as an illegal substance through a bill called SB 282. However, it died in the senate due to the lack of negative evidence.
Thanks to this momentum, kratom users in Kansas promoted law KS HB2056, aiming to regulate kratom in the state. Today, the law is very close to being passed, yet another achievement for kratom users in the US.
Related: Legal Status of Kratom By State & Country.
Where to Buy Kratom in Kansas
In Kansas, there are two ways to buy kratom. You can get it online or in-store, the first being the most recommended option.
The most reliable online sellers offer certificates of analysis for their kratom products, which is essential for guaranteeing a safe experience.
Other advantages of buying online are:
- Better prices
- Higher quality
- Lack of intermediaries
- More discretion
Finally, online retailers tend to offer a wider variety of kratom strains than in-store vendors. This is a significant advantage, as each strain causes different effects —you need to choose the right one to get what you’re looking for from the plant.
Buying Kratom In-Store
Buying kratom in-store still has its advantages. First, some prefer not to lose human contact and meet their supplier personally. Also, you get your product immediately when you go to an in-store vendor.
However, we believe the option of buying online is superior and already gave you our reasons. Therefore, the final decision is yours.
Here are five physical kratom stores in Kansas:
- Royal smokes — Kansas City
- The Hub Smoke Shop & Gifts — Kansas City
- KRATOM CITY — Wichita
- Vapor World — Lawrence
- Discount Smokes & Convenience — Topeka
What To Look For When Buying Kratom
Not all kratom is created equal. Every strain is different, and every vendor has different levels of quality and potency.
We recommend always sourcing your kratom from a premium vendor to avoid receiving low-quality or overpriced kratom powder.
Here are three factors to consider while you shop:
Lab Tests
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a private non-profit company that offers quality-testing programs to kratom vendors in the USA.
To be certified by the AKA, companies must submit kratom samples to an annual audit by a third-party laboratory. If the results do not meet AKA standards, the vendor loses endorsement.
You can review all AKA-approved kratom suppliers in the country on their website.
Company Reputation
The reputation of a kratom company will speak highly of the quality of its products.
No matter how strong the brand image is or how serious the company appears to be, none of this can override a history full of negative reviews.
A thorough Google search on the vendor will suffice. However, if you buy kratom in the US, you can help yourself with our vendor reviews page.
Strain Selection
Each strain of kratom produces different effects, and this is due to their different concentrations of the main alkaloids. For simplicity, kratom is categorized according to the color of its leaf vein.
There are three kratom vein colors available:
White vein kratom is the most stimulating —a low dose feels like a strong cup of coffee but without nervousness. This is due to its high 7-hydroxymitragynine content, an alkaloid that binds to serotonergic receptors.
Red vein kratom is the most relaxing of the three. These strains are rich in mitragynine, a mu-opioid agonist alkaloid responsible for the calming effects. Thus, this kind of kratom is ideal for reducing stress and is also a potent analgesic.
Green vein kratom is an intermediate between red and white in terms of strength and effects. We recommend its use for beginners because it’s a milder and more forgiving option.
What Are People Using Kratom For?
Kratom has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asian countries. Nowadays, it is still popular for the following indications:
Energy & Focus
White vein kratom is the best choice to increase concentration for work or study. However, we recommend replacing it with green strains if you feel excessively stimulated.
The boost in energy and focus is caused by the increased brain activity triggered by 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are the two most popular psychological disorders in the world. It is estimated that 10% of the world’s population suffers from one or both of these conditions.
The good news is that kratom can help people who are suffering from both of these conditions. Because of its relaxing effects, red vein kratom is a great option to combat anxiety.
On the other hand, white vein kratom will be best for people with depression.
Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal syndrome is one of the worst consequences that drugs can bring to a person. Substances such as heroin, morphine, and other opiates can generate these unpleasant episodes after a short time of regular use.
Fortunately, kratom can also help in this case. Red vein kratom is the best choice to relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms.
This is due to its interaction with opioid receptors, which will help relieve cravings by emulating the sedative effects of opiates.
Pain Relief
Kratom is also an excellent natural analgesic. As mentioned above, its mechanism of action is similar to that of opioid medications. Mitragynine, one of its main alkaloids, binds to opioid receptors like many pharma-grade painkillers.
However, you should not self-medicate with kratom if a new discomfort arises. Consult your doctor first.
Is Kratom Safe?
Kratom is safe, but only when used responsibly. This means not overdoing it with either the dose or the frequency of use.
Side Effects of Kratom
As we said, irresponsible use of kratom will lead to side effects. They are undesirable but not as severe as those of various OTC medications.
The side effects of kratom are:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
Under no circumstances is it advisable to use kratom during pregnancy or under the influence of alcohol.
What’s The Future of Kratom in Kansas?
The future of kratom in Kansas is very bright. Regulation seems to be around the corner, and thousands of kratom users around the state are awaiting the outcomes of the new law.
However, until kratom gets regulated in Kansas, play it safe by choosing VIP Kratom, Star Kratom, and Kona Kratom.
