Kratom is a therapeutic herb native to Southeast Asia but is steadily gaining popularity in the US, partly because it’s federally legal. Most states either adopt restrictive laws, ban kratom use, or leave it unregulated.
Because of this, buying kratom can be risky — you teeter on either breaking the law or using something fake or dangerous.
Here’s all you need to know about buying kratom in New Mexico, including the laws, how to buy it locally and online, and what you need to know before making a purchase.
Is Kratom Legal In New Mexico?
Kratom is legal in New Mexico. So far, no law regulates its production, commercialization, or consumption. There have been no attempts to ban the herb in this state or adopt the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KPCA).
Under current legislation, no governing agency oversees the quality, and anyone can produce, sell, and consume kratom.
Where to Buy Kratom In New Mexico
If you live in New Mexico or any other legal state, you can buy kratom online or in-store. The former is safer and more convenient; the latter may save you shipping time, but it’s an inferior option.
Here’s a closer look at the two, so you can decide which route to take.
Buying Kratom Online
By purchasing kratom online, you’re most often dealing with a company that specializes in the herb — it’s full of passionate experts that use kratom themselves.
This way of purchasing entails several benefits.
Better Prices
First, the prices are better, even though the kratom is of higher quality and there’s more variety.
This is because online retailers usually produce their kratom rather than buying it through intermediaries. They cut out the middleman, have low overhead costs, and pass the savings onto the customers.
Higher Quality
Reliable online vendors go to great lengths to ensure their kratom’s safety and quality. Certification from the American Kratom Association (AKA) is just one way these vendors prove quality; third-party testing is another. If these are lacking (though ideally, both are utilized), find a different source.
Local vendors rarely have the funds to do these tests and sell untested kratom that could be full of bacteria or chemicals. Many other vendors don’t care and knowingly sell kratom which could be dangerous.
The number of recalls for kratom only emphasizes the need for diligence. Fortunately, many vendors have great customer reviews and proven track records.
Some, like VIP Kratom, Kona Kratom, and Star Kratom, go above and beyond with top-shelf products, a wide selection, and fast shipping.
Privacy
For some, buying kratom in public, especially from a head shop, is enough to keep them away from kratom even if they’re desperate. Buying online gives you the utmost privacy and freedom to look over your options without embarrassment or pressure.
Simplicity
Nothing says “easy” like shopping from your couch. Obviously, everyone enjoys the simplicity it offers — Amazon is plenty of proof.
Of course, it goes deeper than laziness; shopping around first is a real benefit. A wise purchase is based on price comparison and buying what suits your needs, something easily done online.
More Selection
Physical stores are limited by physical space. Online stores can offer as many products as they can comfortably manage. The variety in these stores outshines anything a storefront has to offer.
This can be a big deal regarding kratom since there are many strains, and they all provide unique effects. The more you have to choose from, the more likely you’ll find what you need.
Buying Kratom In-Store
There are benefits to buying locally, like walking out with the product in hand. However, when you consider the risk associated with untested kratom, it hardly seems worth it.
If you still decide to opt for in-store shopping, go prepared and don’t rush into a decision.
Here are a few vendors that sell kratom in New Mexico:
- Kava Kratom — Albuquerque
- Botanical Infusions CBD & Kratom — Las Cruces
- Just Urban Smoke Shop — Albuquerque
- The Zone Smoke Shop — Albuquerque
- Aqualung Smokeshop/Giftshop — Santa Rosa
What to Look for When Buying Kratom
Now that you know where to get kratom in New Mexico, you may be wondering how to get the right kind (or not, but you should.) When choosing kratom, many factors are at play, and some determine your experience.
Here are three of the most important factors to remember when shopping for kratom.
AKA Certification
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a private, non-profit company dedicated to studying kratom. In addition, the association is involved in education and consumer rights advocacy.
As founders of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), they’re responsible for keeping kratom legal in several states. However, their most important work is in quality control programs.
All kratom vendors in the US can join these programs. However, by doing so, they test their products regularly with third-party labs. The vendor loses the association’s certification if the results fail to meet the AKA’s standards.
If a vendor has no interest in proving its products are pure and high-quality, they’re not worth your money.
Company Reputation
A company’s reputation should be a determining factor when making your purchase. Unfortunately, although this may sound obvious, many scammers try to captivate you with “the best kratom.”
Never buy kratom without first performing a thorough search for customer reviews. If you need a good starting point, check out our vendor reviews.
Strain Selection
Finally, pay attention to the kratom strains you’re buying. These strains will determine the effects, so be careful when choosing.
An easy way to categorize kratom is by the color of its vein. Kratom comes in three different vein colors: red vein, white vein, and green vein kratom.
Red vein kratom provides powerful sedative and mellow effects due to its high 7-hydroxymitragynine content, a mu-opioid alkaloid that binds to opioid receptors. Red kratom is ideal for lowering stress levels and calming anxiety.
White vein kratom is the opposite: a powerful stimulant with nootropic effects. It has high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, an alkaloid that binds to serotonergic receptors. Psychedelics bind to these receptors, and while kratom is not psychotropic, it can certainly boost lateral thinking.
What are People Using Kratom For?
This list isn’t comprehensive, but here are the most common uses of kratom and what strain best eases the symptoms. It’s worth noting that even though these are common uses, there’s no right or wrong as long as you use kratom responsibly.
Energy & Focus
Kratom is an excellent nootropic; however, go with white kratom to increase your focus and energy.
The stimulation provided by these strains is comparable to a double cup of espresso but without the anxiety and jitters.
Anxiety & Depression
People are turning to kratom as a natural way to treat symptoms for many things, anxiety and depression included. Fortunately, these conditions are becoming less taboo, and those who suffer are finding help. While it won’t cure these (or any) illnesses, kratom helps with depression and anxiety.
If you suffer from anxiety, red kratom will provide the relaxing effects you need. On the other hand, white kratom is the best choice to give you the energy you lack when battling depression.
Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal is another reason many users turn to kratom. But, unfortunately, there’s no easy treatment for opioid withdrawal.
While kratom won’t magically eliminate the unpleasant symptoms, it can help due to its similarity to opioids. By emulating the effects of opioids, kratom can reduce cravings and physical discomforts and counteract the anxiety of withdrawal.
Large doses of red strains mimic opiates and can help these symptoms the best.
Pain Relief
Pain is an alarm that sounds in our body, warning us that something is wrong. If you feel a lasting or intense discomfort, you should go to the doctor to find out the cause instead of trying to silence it.
However, if you know the source and need relief, kratom has potent analgesic effects with fewer side effects than prescription painkillers.
Because of the opiate effects of the red strains, these also work best for pain. However, green is a good middle ground and might be ideal for daytime.
Is Kratom Safe?
Yes, kratom is safe. However, like any active substance, there is a fine line between a therapeutic dose and an excessive dose of kratom.
Fortunately, it’s not difficult to consume kratom responsibly. Remember that it isn’t a recreational substance but a medicinal herb.
You should be fine if you take kratom at the lowest effective dose and as infrequently as possible.
Side Effects of Kratom
Even though it’s generally safe, there are some side effects associated with kratom.
If you’re new to kratom, don’t be alarmed if your stomach gets upset. This is common the first few times and doesn’t necessarily mean you’re consuming too much.
If you’ve been consuming kratom for a while and use it responsibly, you should suffer almost no side effects.
Common Side Effects of Kratom
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Lethargy
- Liver damage (with long-term use)
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Remember that it’s unsafe to use kratom during pregnancy or under the influence of alcohol.
What’s The Future of Kratom in New Mexico?
Until now, there has never been any discussion of banning or regulating kratom in New Mexico. However, the AKA constantly educates the public about the herb, so New Mexico may discuss the KCPA.
So far, kratom remains unregulated in New Mexico, making it crucial you only buy from trusted vendors. By purchasing from reliable online vendors like VIP Kratom, Kona Kratom, and Star Kratom, you’ll get better quality and selection and lower prices.
