Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia and distant relative to coffee.
Because of its ability to knock out pain, many people have started using it to relieve chronic health issues. It’s not without its share of controversy, however.
While it’s unregulated in much of the USA, some states ban its use while others regulate it.
While a free market for kratom may sound tempting, it has serious disadvantages. Adulterated or spoiled products are not uncommon.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about buying kratom in the state of Maine.
Is Kratom Legal in Maine?
Kratom is legal in Maine — not because the authorities have decided to legalize it, but because they act as if it doesn’t exist.
As in most states, kratom is still unregulated in the Pine Tree State.
In 2017, the state government tried to pass bill ME LD1546 listing mitragynine, kratom’s primary alkaloid, as a Schedule W substance. Under this categorization, kratom would be illegal for any use. The bill passed but without mitragynine on the list.
Thanks to lobbyists and concerned citizens, kratom remains legal to buy and sell in Maine.
Learn more about kratom laws in the United States.
Where to Buy Kratom in Maine
As a deregulated substance, anyone can sell kratom in Maine. On the plus side, you won’t have any problems accessing the herb; the real challenge is finding a reliable vendor.
There are two ways to purchase kratom in Maine, online or in-store. Below we’ll compare the two methods and give you our recommendations.
Buying Kratom Online
Buying kratom online is usually the safer option.
Reputable vendors offer various safeguards so you can focus on finding the best kratom strain rather than ones that won’t harm you. In these suppliers’ stores, you’ll find certificates of authenticity (COAs), American Kratom Association (AKA) certificates, accurate product labels, and a wide variety of kratom strains. Local vendors rarely have the resources to offer this peace of mind.
Another benefit is cost. Online vendors often get kratom straight from the source, meaning fewer go-betweens and fewer people handling the products.
Plus, by purchasing your supply this way, you have maximum discretion without leaving the comfort of your home.
If you decide to buy online, you can’t go wrong with trusted vendors like Kona Kratom, VIP Kratom, and Star Kratom.
Buying Kratom In-Store
All the benefits of buying kratom online vanish when you look at local options.
Products from in-store vendors are usually more expensive, of inferior quality, and in the worst cases, even dangerous. It’s possible to get quality kratom in a physical store, but it’s much easier to find online.
The only benefit a local store has over an online vendor is time. Waiting for shipping isn’t always an option.
Here’s a list of local Maine shops that sell kratom:
- Maine Daze (Portland)
- MAINE Northern Lights (Gardiner)
- Maine Smoke Shop (Farmington)
- Exhale Smoke Shop (Saco)
- Wild Side Smoke Shop (Portland)
What To Look For When Buying Kratom
Whichever way you choose, there are some precautions you should take to avoid surprises. As a deregulated substance, no government body is ensuring you get a safe product. Therefore, you have to do the work.
This section reviews essential factors you’ll need to keep in mind when buying kratom.
AKA Certification
This private non-profit organization started operating in 2015. Since then, the organization has been working tirelessly to provide a safe environment for kratom users.
In addition to leading quality control programs for affiliated vendors, the American Kratom Association (AKA) conducts immense research and education regarding kratom. The company is also responsible for reversing numerous attempts to ban kratom across the country.
Associated vendors go through a yearly audit to keep their certification. Third-party labs test these company’s products, assuring compliance with the AKA’s standards.
Company Reputation
If you decide to buy kratom online, research the company’s reputation first. Customer reviews reveal a lot about a company, from quality to ethics to reliability. You’ll learn more about each vendor’s products, but more importantly, its trustworthiness.
To help you get started, you can use our kratom vendor reviews.
Strain Selection
Kratom strains determine what effects you’ll get. This aspect is one of the most important when choosing the right kratom. The most straightforward way to categorize them is by the color of the leaf vein.
Red Vein Kratom
Red vein kratom is the most soothing and relaxing strain. This is due to its high concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine, an alkaloid with an opiate-like effect.
White Vein Kratom
Of the three, white vein kratom is considered the stimulant. Strains in this category are high in mitragynine, an alkaloid that causes nootropic and energizing effects.
It’s comparable to a cup of coffee but longer-lasting and with an increase in mood and focus.
Green Vein Kratom
Finally, green vein kratom is an intermediate. None of its active alkaloids are dominant, so its effects are the most balanced. These kratom strains tend to be less potent but also have less risk of causing adverse effects.
What Are People Using Kratom For?
Kratom users discover more and more benefits from kratom, and the scientific evidence is starting to back them up. There are many reasons for using it, but this section focuses on the most common ones and provides you with the recommended strains for each.
Pain Relief
Pain is an automatic—but annoying—response, a signal the nervous system sends to the brain when something is wrong.
Masking it with painkillers before finding out the cause only puts you at risk. It’s not a good idea to treat pain without knowing where it’s coming from.
If you need pain relief, red vein kratom is a potent analgesic and sedative.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are becoming increasingly common. There are many medications to help combat these disorders. However, these prescriptions often cause harmful side effects, causing many people to turn to kratom for help.
If you suffer from depression, we recommend white kratom strains because of their stimulating and euphoric effects.
On the other hand, red kratom is best for anxiety due to its calming effects.
Opioid Withdrawal
Kratom is not a cure for opioid addiction, but it does help ease opiate withdrawal symptoms.
The euphoria, relaxation, and peace of mind from red vein kratom resemble the effects of opioids without the side effects.
Energy & Focus
White vein kratom is the best choice for those who want to use kratom as a nootropic. However, overdoing it has opposite effects and can cause lethargy or anxiety.
If you deal with anxiety, try a green strain. These tend to have the least amount of side effects and still provide stimulation.
Is Kratom Safe?
Kratom is safe. However, any substance can harm you if used irresponsibly.
To avoid side effects, consume the least amount of kratom that’s still effective, and do it as infrequently as possible.
Side Effects of Kratom
In an ideal world, no medication would have side effects. However, chances are you won’t face most of kratom’s adverse effects if you use it responsibly.
If this is your first time using it, don’t be alarmed if you experience mild nausea. This is common; your body will adjust.
Some of the most common side effects of kratom are:
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
You should never use kratom while under the influence of alcohol or benzodiazepines (anxiety medications). This combination is particularly dangerous.
What’s The Future of Kratom in Maine?
More and more states are taking a stand in favor of kratom. We believe that Maine will be no exception; it’s unlikely they’ll ban kratom considering the previous attempt failed. We might see the Kratom Consumer Protection Act implemented soon, though.
In the meantime, don’t risk your health on questionable kratom; only buy from trusted vendors like Kona Kratom, VIP Kratom, and Star Kratom.
