Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a medicinal plant that grows naturally in Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand and is used prevalently as a stimulant and pain reliever. Its popularity has spread to the rest of the world and is unregulated in much of it.
Currently, kratom is unregulated in Michigan, USA. However, the Kratom Consumer Protection & Regulatory Act was recently introduced and will regulate it if passed.
This means there are currently no laws regulating the sale, purchase, or use of this plant.
Because of this, it’s imperative to take extra precautions when buying and using kratom. This guide will tell you about your state laws in Michigan, how kratom can benefit you, and how to buy and use it safely.
Is Kratom Legal In Michigan?
Kratom is not regulated federally or in Michigan, and its sale, production, purchase, and consumption are permitted.
However, in April 2023, HB 4061 (the Kratom Consumer Protection & Regulation Act) was introduced. If passed, retailers and manufacturers would need a license, kratom products would have to be labeled properly, and no one under 21 could buy it.
Note the difference between the term “legal” and “unregulated.”
Ibuprofen is legal to buy but illegal to make and sell without meeting specific criteria. This means it’s regulated. Kratom, on the other hand, is unregulated — the government has no standards for its production.
Related: The World Health Organization Reviews Kratom
Where to Buy Kratom In Michigan
Since the government doesn’t require testing any kratom for sale in Michigan, the full responsibility falls on you, the consumer. It’s important to do your research whenever shopping for unregulated products like kratom.
You can buy kratom either online or in a local store. There are pros and cons to each, but online is the better choice, especially in terms of safety.
This section compares these two methods, so you can decide what’s best.
1. Buying Kratom Online
Buying kratom online is almost always the best option, whether your state has regulated it or not. Here’s why:
It’s More Discrete
By purchasing kratom from a reliable online supplier, you’ll receive a discrete package in the comfort of your home. If you don’t want to expose yourself publicly, this is a convenient and private option.
If you’re looking for fast shipping in addition to discretion, Star Kratom ships its products in record time.
It’s Cheaper (Usually)
The quality of the kratom found online is usually higher than in most physical stores, and the price is generally lower. This is mainly because most in-store sellers don’t produce kratom and instead act as intermediaries; however, overhead costs also add to the price.
If you decide to buy kratom online, Kona Kratom has the best value for money, and if you want to invest in premium kratom, you can’t go wrong with VIP Kratom.
There’s More Variety
Online stores provide a wider range of kratom strains and products. This is not a minor detail since the strain considerably influences the effects, and there are a growing number of ways to take kratom, including shots, extracts, and gummies.
2. Buying Kratom In-Store
Buying kratom in-store is an option and can be a good one — not all physical vendors provide inferior products. However, the odds are on your side when you buy online. It’s simply easier to get good quality products by going through these kinds of retailers.
There are benefits to buying locally, such as not having to wait a few days while you wait for the product to be delivered.
Here are just a few of the kratom vendors in Michigan:
- Vape Hut Kratom CBD (Wyandotte)
- Tobacco Town, Kratom & CBD (Monroe)
- Another Birds Eye View (Niles)
- Hyzer’s Pro Disc Golf and Smoke Shop (Walker)
- Vape Super Center St. Clair Shores CBD & Kratom (St. Clair Shores)
Find Kratom Near You
Check out these Michigan city guides:
What to Look for When Buying Kratom
If you buy online, you’re on the right track, but it’s not enough to guarantee quality products. This section tells you the main things to look for when buying kratom.
AKA Certification
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a private company and aims to create a safe environment for kratom users.
This non-profit organization began operating in 2015, and in addition to doing fantastic research work, it has a quality control program that vendors can join to gain credibility. To be certified by the AKA, vendors must submit kratom samples to an annual audit conducted by a third-party lab. If the results fail to meet the AKA’s standards, the vendor loses certification.
Company Reputation
Take the company’s reputation into account when buying kratom. Before making a purchase, read reviews from previous customers. Not only will you find out the quality of its products, but users also tend to review the accuracy of the product descriptions. Our vendor reviews cover various kratom suppliers, giving you a headstart.
Strain Selection
The strain of kratom you choose is crucial because this determines the effects you’ll get. For simplicity, leaf vein color determines kratom strains. This color is visible before processing.
Red vein kratom includes the most sedative strains. These have a high content of 7-hydroxymitragynine, one of the alkaloids in kratom that affects the opioid receptors.
White vein kratom is the most stimulating option. Its high mitragynine content is responsible for increased concentration and euphoria. These strains provide you with nootropic effects but might leave you feeling anxious if you overdo it.
Last but not least, green vein kratom strains tend to have the most balanced alkaloid profile, providing effects that fall in the middle of the white and red veins. Some green strains are more stimulant, and others offer more relaxing effects.
What Are People Using Kratom for?
Today, millions of people use kratom therapeutically. However, their reasons for using this medicinal plant vary.
This section will concentrate on the most common ones, and we’ll tell you which kratom is best for each.
Energy & Focus
If you’re thinking of using kratom for nootropic and stimulating effects, go with white strains. Their alkaloid profile is excellent at providing the increased brain activity you need.
In addition, white vein kratom is a euphoriant. By consuming it, you’ll feel content with your surroundings, more social, and have enhanced creativity.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are the two most common psychological disorders in the United States. Estimates are that one in five people suffer from either or both.
Many people use kratom for depression and anxiety. Red vein kratom has soothing effects and can help decrease the excess activity in your brain that causes anxiety.
On the other hand, if you suffer from depression, white vein kratom is best. These strains provide you with the euphoric and uplifting effects you need.
Opioid Withdrawal
Opioids are devastating drugs and best avoided because of their high potential for addiction and terrible withdrawal symptoms.
Unfortunately, sometimes it’s too late. Once addicted to opioids, there’s no way to avoid the nightmarish withdrawal symptoms.
Fortunately, kratom eases opiate withdrawal symptoms. Red vein kratom is best for this. As previously mentioned, it has high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine, a mu-opioid agonist, which, in high doses, has effects similar to those of opioids.
Pain Relief
Kratom is an atypical opioid, meaning it doesn’t just interact with the opioid system, making it safer.
Red vein kratom is an excellent analgesic in doses greater than 5 g.
However, as a rule of thumb, find the source of the pain before you treat it. Pain is the body’s way of saying something’s wrong. You don’t want only to treat the symptoms. Ignoring health issues can be dangerous.
However, once you’ve found the source, or if you suffer from chronic pain, kratom is an effective pain-reliever and can be almost as effective as a pharmacy-grade pain reliever — without all the side effects.
Is Kratom Safe?
Kratom is like any pharmacologically active substance and causes side effects if you overdo it. However, it’s pretty forgiving and low-risk when you’re careful. If you take breaks from it and don’t take absurdly high doses or use it with other substances, you’ll most likely only suffer a few side effects that go away in a few hours.
Kratom can be addictive, so it’s important to only use it when you need it. Kratom dependency isn’t as severe as opioid or alcohol addiction, but it’s still best to avoid it.
Related: Why Is Kratom Controversial?
Side Effects of Kratom
As is the case with any pharmacologically active herb or substance, there’s always some risk of side effects when using kratom, but these usually come with larger doses. Our kratom dosage guide can help you figure out how much to take.
For most people, these side effects are nothing more than a minor inconvenience. However, people who are especially sensitive to kratom, or use a very high dose, may experience some pretty uncomfortable effects.
Despite kratom’s actions on the opioid system, it is unlikely to cause an overdose.
The side effects of kratom include:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
How to Minimize the Risk of Kratom Side Effects
To have a positive experience, be responsible with dosage and use.
This involves:
- Keep kratom consumption to 5 days per week or less
- Only take the dose you need — more doesn’t mean better
- Don’t mix kratom with other drugs, alcohol, or medications
Sounds easy, doesn’t it? It is. By following these simple steps, chances are you won’t suffer from any side effects of kratom.
Keep in mind that kratom is unsafe if you’re pregnant or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What’s the Future of Kratom In Michigan?
Currently, kratom is legal in most of the United States; however, some states have banned or regulated it. Its acceptance grows as more research comes out.
Past attempts to ban kratom in Michigan have failed, and now they’re considering regulating it, so it seems unlikely it will be outlawed there. We believe Michigan — and the rest of the country — are moving towards legalization.
For now, enjoy the benefits of kratom and rest knowing you have quality products by going to trusted vendors like Star Kratom, VIP Kratom, and Kona Kratom.
