Where to Buy Kratom in Lexington

Thanks to its incredible medicinal benefits, many people use kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). In Kentucky, it is still unregulated, so you can freely access it. 

This article will delve into the herb’s legal status in Lexington and show you the best stores near you. Also, you will learn about the best online retailers so you can buy quality kratom products without leaving the comfort of your home.

Is Kratom Legal in Lexington?

Yes, kratom is legal in Lexington.

As of today, kratom is unregulated in Kentucky, so any citizen can freely buy, sell and use the herb here. However, after the herb’s popularity increased, there were some attempts to ban it.

The first was in 2016, when bill SB136 was introduced, which aimed to include kratom in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Fortunately, the bill did not have enough support and died in committee.

Still, the anti-kratom authorities did not relent: the following year, they tried again to ban it through the HR2851 bill.

The legislation sought to create a new category of controlled substances called Schedule A, which included drugs with similar effects to other controlled substances. Again, it failed to gain the necessary support and died.

Organizations such as the DEA and the FDA constantly try to influence legislators to ban kratom claiming that it is a threat to public health. Nevertheless, now that the WHO has found no evidence that kratom poses any significant threat. Instead, they recommended that proper regulations be implemented to protect kratom users from contaminated products.

Related: What Class of Drug is Kratom?

Will Lexington Ban Kratom?

No, we believe that kratom will remain legal in Lexington.

Although some authorities want to ban kratom, it is unlikely that they will be able to do so. An increasing number of people benefit from the herb, so banning it would only generate a great deal of discontent.

Besides, the WHO declared that kratom represents no threat to public health. The only thing that makes it dangerous is that no measures are taken to protect users from adulterated products, though this is probable to change soon.

Why Do Some States & Cities Ban Kratom?

Authorities generally ban kratom due to a lack of understanding about its effects. Many countries, states, and cities have taken the step to outlaw or regulate it to control what they see as a potentially dangerous substance.

Because kratom acts similar to opioids and has been linked to some overdose deaths, many people see it as dangerous. However, it’s becoming more apparent that kratom is relatively safe as long as people are careful when using it.

Eventually, the fear surrounding it should disperse as more research comes out.

Suggested Reading: Clearing the Air: Kratom Myths & Misinformation.

Top 5 Kratom Shops in Lexington

Since kratom is unregulated in Lexington, it is easy to come across poor-quality products. However, there are reputable stores in the city which will probably satisfy your needs. We listed the best five below.

1. The Botany Bay

If you are looking for other herbal products besides kratom, The Botany Bay is your best choice. Their menu includes a wide range of CBD, kava, and other herbal supplements, so you are sure to find everything you need here.

Furthermore, their kratom comes in many forms: powder, capsules, liquid, and even gummies. Among their best-selling strains, you will find Green Malay and Red Bali.

The Botany Bay has two locations in Lexington: 1757 Alexandria Dr and 2350 Woodhill Dr. Suite 144. However, you can also order through their website, and orders are delivered for free with purchases over $50. For more information, you can call them at (859) 225-4367.

2. Purple Haze Smoke Shop

Purple Haze is one of the best-known smoke shops in Lexington, with three locations in the city. Their kratom is of excellent quality and tremendously affordable, and it comes directly from Southeast Asia.

Their branches are located at 1236 Versailles Road, 635 East New Circle, and 527 South Upper Street — all open daily. For more information, visit their website or call them at (859) 225-1111.

3. Ky Smokes

Ky Smokes is a small store known for offering low prices without compromising the quality of its products. Although physically small, their product variety is one of the largest in Lexington, offering bongs, vapes, cigars, CBD products, hookahs, and kratom.

Their strain collection is decent and has the most popular varieties on the market, though they don’t stock exotic or rare ones.

This store is located at 731 Lane Allen Rd and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. For more information, visit their website, or call them at (859) 554-8090.

4. Hemp XR

Hemp XR is an excellent store dedicated mainly to hemp products. You will find CBD, delta 8-THC, hemp flowers, and kratom of outstanding quality here. Green Borneo and White Maeng Da are their best-selling strains, available in capsules and powder form.

Their store is located at 1060 Chinoe Rd #140 and is open every day of the week. Although their website has all the information you need, you can call them at (859) 303-4017 for a personal inquiry.

5. Smoke-N-More

Smoke-N-More is a store with various products on its menu, including tobacco, hemp, pipes, hookahs, kratom, and much more. Although not mainly dedicated to kratom, their products are surprisingly good for their price.

You may visit them personally at 3130 Pimlico Pkwy, where they open throughout the week. On their Instagram page, you can see some of their stock, though we suggest you call them for extra information at (859) 299-2004.

Also see: Where to Buy Kratom in Louisville.

Why You Should Buy Kratom Online

Although buying kratom in a physical store will generally be a positive experience, we believe getting it through the Internet is even better for several reasons. Further below, we will cover some of the reasons that make online stores superior.

To begin with, online vendors are safer, as many are members of the American Kratom Association (AKA). One of the main functions of this organization is to rigorously check the quality and purity of the products on the market.

In addition, through the Internet, you can quickly check the results of third-party lab tests for your products, which will give you even more security.

Furthermore, one thing physical stores can’t compete with is variety. You can buy any strain and product on the Internet, while physical stores are limited by their current stock.

Also, buying online will save you money since internet sellers are usually manufacturers, so almost no intermediaries inflate the final price. Moreover, they do not need to maintain a physical store, with all the expenses this entails — salaries, taxes, rent, etc.

Last but not least, comfort is a tremendous advantage online shopping has. There is nothing more convenient than ordering your products from home and receiving them within days right to your doorstep.

Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?

Yes, but it mostly depends on the vendor.

The only dangerous thing about physical stores is that many are not specialized in kratom, so they ignore some of its care. Poor storage of the herb can cause it to deteriorate in a short time —two to three months.

Therefore, to avoid bad sellers, we recommend you to investigate their reputation on the Internet: sites like Reddit or Google Maps have excellent authentic reviews.

Kratom Vendors That Ship to Lexington

Although online stores are safer, there are many shady vendors and even scammers that you would want to avoid at all costs.

For this reason, we have created a list of eight of the best online vendors that ship to your city. The first three are AKA-approved and provide laboratory test results for their merchandise.

1. Kona Kratom

Kona Kratom will probably become your favorite vendor, as it has variety and excellent value for money. Also, their delivery service is fast and efficient — free with purchases over $29.99.

Their prices may seem a little high — a kilo of kratom powder costs 159.99. However, once you try it, you will be more than satisfied.

Also, on their website, you can easily find all the third-party lab tests for each of their products, making them a very transparent company.

Kona Kratom’s best strains:

• Green Borneo
• Red Malay
• White Maeng Da

2. Star Kratom

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, don’t hesitate to go for Star Kratom, which offers excellent quality kratom powder at only $99.99 per kilo.

In addition, their logistics service is even faster than Kona Kratom’s and any other brand, so you won’t have to wait long to receive your order.

However, it doesn’t take first place for having a limited variety of strains, so don’t expect to get more than the most common ones.

Star Kratom’s best strains:

• White Malay
• Green Maeng Da
• Green Dragon

3. VIP Kratom

If you are looking for the best quality in the market, go for VIP Kratom since all its products undergo intense quality control beforehand. Of course, this considerably inflates the price of kratom, costing up to $179.99 per kilo.

In addition to having the best quality, VIP Kratom also has incredibly potent products, so you’ll have to watch your dosage. Their variety is acceptable, but it’s not the largest you’ll find.

VIP Kratom’s best strains:

• Red Sumatra
• White Indo
• Green Malay

4. Chief Kratom

Chief Kratom is an option to consider if you are looking for something out of the ordinary since it is the only vendor on this list that offers kratom with a water-soluble extract. Plus, their prices are affordable, as a 12 ml bottle costs only $11.99.

Still, keep in mind that Chief Kratom only sells in bulk, so you will have to look for their products in your local stores. They also don’t offer third-party lab testing results, taking away a lot of transparency.

Chief Kratom doesn’t specify which strains it uses.

5. Remarkable Herbs

You have probably already heard about Remarkable Herbs, as it was the first brand to market kratom products. In addition, their kratom is sold in more than 15,000 stores nationwide, so you’ve probably already come across one of their products.

Unfortunately, this seller also only sells wholesale, so you will have no choice but to look for it in your city. However, the quality they offer is excellent and so are their prices.

Remarkable Herbs’ best strains:

• White Maeng Da
• Green Thai
• Red Bali

6. Happy Hippo Herbals

Just like VIP Kratom, at Happy Hippo Herbals, you will also find potent and high-quality products at high prices — a kilo of their kratom costs $229.99.

However, you will find many promotions and discounts on their website that can make up for it. The more you buy, the more points you accumulate, which you can later redeem for more products.

Happy Hippo Herbals’ best strains:

• Green Sumatra
• Red Kali
• Red Maeng Da

7. Kats Botanicals

Kats Botanicals is ideal for those looking for non-conventional products, as they offer unique herbal supplements and kratom blends such as their well-known Digital Buddha. They also have 20 strains of kratom, all in both capsule and powder form.

Their prices are neither too high nor too low, with a kilo of kratom costing $139.99. However, they lack transparency, as they do not show third-party lab testing on their website.

Kats Botanicals’ best strains:

• Green Bali
• Red Horn
• White JongKong

8. Golden Monk

If you want to use kratom inconspicuously, go for Golden Monk, as they discreetly deliver their orders. Plus, it’s the cheapest brand on this list — a kilo of kratom is $89.99 — so it won’t hurt your pocket.

Their products are of excellent quality, as they are AKA-approved. However, this brand also does not offer third-party lab testing, a dealbreaker for some users.

Golden Monk’s best strains:

• Red Borneo
• Green Hulu Kapuas
• Red Maeng Da

Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?

The answer to this question is subjective, as everyone has different goals with kratom. But to give you a little guidance, we have created a list of the three most popular strains of each color, all with their unique effects and qualities.

However, keep in mind that there are over 50 kratom strains in the market, so we recommend you do your research and don’t just stick to the following.

Green Vein Kratom Powder

If you have never taken kratom before, the strain you are looking for is probably among the green-veined ones. Green vein kratom powder covers the full spectrum of the herb’s effects in a smooth, easy-to-handle way.

These are the three best selling green-veined strains:

Green Borneo

If you suffer from depression or insomnia, Green Borneo can be of great help, as it is an excellent anxiolytic. It can also promote incredible stimulant effects in low doses, helpful in dealing with fatigue.

Green Thai

Green Thai is one of the best strains for beginners, as it excellently covers all the effects of kratom smoothly. Depending on the dose you take, it can help you relax, boost your energy or soothe mild pain.

Green Sumatra

Green Sumatra is one of the most stimulating green varieties, which besides giving you energy, will also elevate your mood. Although it can relieve anxiety, some people report that it increases it, so take it with caution if you suffer from this disorder.

Red Vein Kratom Powder

If you feel that the green varieties are too mild for you, you can try red vein kratom powder. Its effects are mainly relaxing, so you can use it to treat insomnia or chronic pain. However, some strains can also stimulate you in low doses.

These are the three best selling red-veined strains:

Red Thai

Red Thai is one of the few red strains that promote excellent stimulating effects. However, it stands out mainly for its sedative and anxiolytic properties.

Red Sumatra

Red Sumatra is one of the best strains to relieve anxiety in large doses. However, be aware that it is a potent sedative, so it can put you to sleep.

Red Borneo

Red Borneo is also an excellent anxiolytic but has more potent sedative effects. So, if anxiety keeps you awake, this strain may be ideal for you.

White Vein Kratom Powder

White vein kratom powder is the opposite of red varieties, promoting potent stimulant effects. Many users take it in the morning to perform better during the day, though keep in mind that some strains can be relaxing in large doses.

These are the three best selling white-veined strains:

White Thai

If you are just looking for energy, White Thai is ideal for you, as it is one of the most stimulating strains. It can also elevate your mood, making it an excellent strain to perform better during long workdays.

White Sumatra

White Sumatra is one of the most varied white-veined varieties, as it is excellent for both energy and relaxation. It will boost your energy in low doses and relax you in large amounts.

White Indo

White Indo is also excellent for both stimulation and relaxation. It also enhances your mood and helps you deal with anxiety.

What Are the Benefits of Kratom?

Kratom for Pain

One of the reasons many people are turning to kratom is for its powerful pain-relieving properties. Its alkaloids stimulate opioid receptors to block pain signals from ever reaching the brain. It also relaxes muscle fibers, relieving muscle tension and pain.

The best varieties to treat pain are the red-veined ones — since they mainly possess 7-hydroxymitragynine, the alkaloid that interacts with the opioid receptors.

Kratom for Sleep

Kratom acts in the same way as it does to relieve pain to promote sleep. Its alkaloids — mainly 7-hydroxymitragynine — stimulate opioid receptors, activated by our endorphins, the body’s natural analgesic and sedative hormones.

Logically, the best varieties for improving sleep quality are red-veined strains.

Kratom for Energy

Although kratom is known primarily for interacting with the body’s opioid system, it also has excellent stimulant effects.

Kratom acts in many ways to achieve energy, primarily by influencing dopamine and norepinephrine. These systems are heavily involved in energy production and motivation.

The ideal variety for increasing energy and motivation is white vein kratom. Its high mitragynine content significantly influences the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Kratom for Anxiety

Unfortunately, many people suffer from anxiety and depression nowadays. Kratom can be an excellent tool to treat this disorder — however, it is not a definitive cure.

Although most strains work to alleviate anxiety, some can increase it. Therefore, avoid the most stimulating strains that contain a high concentration of ajmalicine and mitragynine.

Instead, go for the red varieties since they contain mainly 7-hydroxymitragynine and speciogynine, the relaxing alkaloids of the herb.

What’s the Dose of Kratom?

The answer to this question is also subjective, as it depends on your size, weight, tolerance, and goals. Still, further below, we will mention some general guidelines to make it easier for you to find your dose of kratom.

The first thing you should know is that kratom’s effects are usually stimulating at low doses, while at high ones, they are sedative. Therefore, it is crucial that, before taking kratom, you are clear about what you want to achieve.

Best dose for each target:

• Pain: The dosage ranges from two to four grams for mild pain. If you aim to alleviate moderate to severe pain, the dosage ranges from three to five grams or even more if necessary.
• Energy & Focus: Doses for energy and concentration must always be low: two to four grams is more than enough.
• Opiate Withdrawal: The dosage for treating opiate addiction is usually high — about five grams or more. However, if you are a beginner, start with two grams to see how your body reacts.
• Anxiety: Generally speaking, the ideal dose to treat anxiety is three to four grams. But, if after 45 minutes you feel that it did not work, you can increase the amount to one gram per hour.

Finally, doses are not the same for beginners since they tend to have less tolerance. Therefore, it is always preferable to start in small quantities, even if you try a new strain.

If you exceed your dosage or do not leave a considerable space between them, you can feel unpleasant side effects.

How to Take Kratom

There are many ways to take kratom, the most straightforward methods being capsules or tinctures. However, powder is the most common, is cheaper, and sometimes can be just as practical.

This section will show you the three most common powder ingestion methods.

Prepare a Tea

Preparing a tea is a practical way to take kratom powder. Moreover, by sweetening it with whatever you like, you can camouflage the unpleasant bitter taste of the herb.

Kratom tea is prepared simply by adding the powder to a tea bag or muslin bag and pouring hot water over it. To get the most out of the alkaloids, we recommend letting the tea steep for 10 minutes after pouring the water.

Parachuting

Parachuting is an excellent method to replace capsules. It consists of wrapping the powder in toilet paper or any thin paper you have on hand and swallowing it as if it were a pill.

Many enthusiasts prefer this method to capsules because it works faster — the paper dissolves in the stomach easier than the capsules’ gelatin. Of course, parachuting will also help you avoid the bitter taste of kratom.

Toss ‘N’ Wash

If you are not afraid of kratom’s unpleasant taste, we recommend you opt for the toss ‘n’ wash, as it absorbs the alkaloids directly and efficiently. It consists of simply placing your dose in your mouth and swallowing it with any beverage.

Best drinks to toss ‘n’ wash your kratom (hint: many of these also act as potentiators):

• Orange juice
• Mango juice
• Grapefruit juice
• Lemonade
• Chamomile tea
• Mint tea

Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Lexington

Currently, kratom is unregulated in Kentucky, so you are free to buy, sell and possess it here. The downside of having no laws is that products have no purity control, so it is easy to come across poor-quality kratom in local stores.

As always, we recommend you buy AKA-approved online sellers. Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom have led the market for a long time and will not disappoint you with their offerings.