Today, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is entirely legal in Queens, New York, and though there have been multiple attempts to ban and regulate it, all have failed.
This article tells you all about the kratom laws and what the WHO says about this plant. Plus, find out where to buy kratom and the best ways to use it. So if you came here looking for “kratom near me,” read on because we’ll recommend the best online vendors and much more.
Is Kratom Legal in Queens?
Yes, kratom is legal in Queens and throughout New York.
In 2017, lawmakers introduced bills NY A08787 and NY S06924 to propose a ban on the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of 18.
Furthermore, NY A00231 proposed prohibiting its sale or distribution in New York State regardless of age. Finally, as if it wasn’t enough, bills NY S05531 and NY A08249 sought to forbid selling it to anyone under 21.
Fortunately, all of the bills died; kratom remains legal and unregulated in New York — as kratom is in most US states — though some counties enforce age restrictions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed kratom and found no reason to control kratom use.
Currently, kratom is legal in most of the US and throughout the rest of the world, with only a handful of states and a small number of countries choosing to ban it.
Top 5 Kratom Shops in Queens
The more popular kratom becomes, the more stores pop up selling it. Not only can you find it everywhere in tiny corner shops, but even gas stations and other places sell it. Unfortunately, the kratom in some of these shops can put your health at risk.
Buying kratom is unlike buying coffee (though they are in the same family). You can buy coffee from a gas station and choke it down because you’re desperate for caffeine. You might walk away feeling a little ashamed (or not; it’s okay if you like it), but you’re no worse off.
Kratom is unregulated, though, and pretty much anything can pass for it. No one is watching over how it’s processed and sold. That job is up to you, and that’s why we put together this list of shops in Queens to check out (these shouldn’t be your first choice — but we’ll get to that).
1. Titan Kratom and CBD Smoke Shop
This store may be a little hard to find, but it’s a worthy contender on our list, selling a significant amount of kratom strains with speedy shipping to boot. Located in the Little Neck neighborhood, you’ll be able to park easily should you choose to come in person.
Their most popular strain is White Maeng Da, but it also sells green and red vein powder, rotating the varieties and stock over time. Users are delighted with the fast and efficient customer service and a very inviting storefront. Visit it at 248-25 Northern Blvd Ste 1-J 384 or check out its website.
2. Vape Blvd
Vape Blvd is a store operated by its owner, who pleasantly services its customers. Unlike other physical stores, it doesn’t pressure you to buy quickly, and the prices are reasonable. It has an outstanding, well-laid-out assortment of products ranging from vaporizers to CBD to, of course, kratom.
Located at 34-43 Vernon Blvd, in Astoria, delivery is not a problem if you are nearby. Though it has no website that we know of, feel free to call (718) 440-3298, and someone will be happy to help you.
3. Cloud Beast CBD Smoke And Vape Shop
This store sells quality products at reasonable prices, and you’ll find a professional, friendly staff here. In addition, its customer service is quite helpful for first-time users as they’re always willing to explain how to use the products safely. Cloud Beast fosters a welcoming and accessible atmosphere, where everyone feels welcome, and constant sales abound.
This store is located at 2205 35th St, and you can check them out online, though the website seems lacking. Furthermore, you could try calling (917) 459-4628 for even more information.
4. Gem Smoke Shop
If you’re in Ozone Park and like to stay up late, you should visit this beautiful, well-set-up store. Gem Smoke Shop possesses the widest variety of products ranging from vapes and cigars to drinks, candles, and much more.
Unfortunately, even though it does sell kratom, the strains leave much to be desired.
The staff will help you choose a product based on your needs and try to find items that may not be available at the time. It’s located at 15019 Cross Bay Blvd, and you should try giving them a call at (929) 354-1609 before visiting, as it lacks a website.
5. Hi-Life Vape Shop Smoke Shop CBD Kratom
If you’re in Fresh Meadows, this store is open from 12:30-10 pm and is located at 168-06 Union Turnpike. It holds a wide range of items, including liquid kratom, vape juices, and CBD products. The variety of kratom is not very good, and customers complain about the customer service and overpriced products.
Check out their website or call them at (718) 380-0900. It is a place to keep in mind, but probably not the best option.
Looking for Kratom in Another City?
No problem! Check out these other spots in NY:
- Albany
- Bronx
- Brookhaven
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Hempstead
- Manhattan
- North Hempstead
- Rochester
- Staten Island
- Syracuse
Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online
The main reason is straightforward: it’s simply the safest way to buy, with online purchases allowing you to check if the product has the corresponding COAs. This is vital because it is the only way to confirm that the product will not put your health at risk. You can also research reviews from other users, which helps you determine the product’s reliability.
Money is another reason — not only do online stores have fewer overhead costs and middlemen, but they also tend to offer discounts, send free samples, or have free shipping. This all adds up to huge savings for the customer.
Buying from the producer also means superior quality, as it hasn’t been sitting on shelves or exposed to who-knows-what.
Add all of this with the convenience and almost endless selection; there’s no question as to why online is better.
Kratom Vendors That Ship to Queens
Online is better, but it doesn’t mean all online vendors are reputable. There are plenty of questionable places to buy from, so you still have to be careful.
To make it easy, here are the top online kratom vendors — companies that consistently rank for quality.
1. Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom is at the top of our list as the most reliable. It sells high-quality kratom at a super reasonable price while also holding various strains in powder and capsules.
Some of the best-selling strains on the website include Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and White Horn. If you’re not happy with your purchase, you can get your money back.
2. Star Kratom
Star Kratom
Star Kratom is fairly new but is already renowned for having the fastest shipping times in the industry. Additionally, it holds its products to the highest quality standards, competing with more experienced brands like Kona Kratom.
Some of the most popular strains in the store are Green Elephant, a particularly euphoric variety, and White Malay, which provides energy and improves mood.
3. VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom is another of our favorite brands for several reasons. First and foremost, the kratom is very potent and high quality, so you consume less than other brands. Of course, this translates into a higher price, but the products are worth it.
VIP Kratom has various strains, both in powder and capsules, with its best-selling varieties being Green Malay, Red Maeng Da, and White Indo.
Also, there’s a 30-day guarantee, so if you are not completely satisfied with the product, you’ll get your money back. Furthermore, if you did not open the product’s package, the warranty is extended even more to 90 days.
4. Kat’s Botanicals
Kats Botanicals
Kat’s Botanicals sells CBD oils, vaporizers, pet care products, and, most importantly, kratom in powder and capsule form.
It has a satisfaction guarantee while also offering exclusive strains like Red Explosion powder, a blend of 12 red vein strains, and Spacebird, a blend of green, white, and red strains for high spectrum effects. Another of its proprietary blends is Digital Buddha, where white veins dominate.
5. Happy Hippo Herbals
Happy Hippo
Happy Hippo Herbals is a small company, but its discounts and selection are remarkable. Don’t let the aesthetics of its website fool you, for it’s very innovative and takes kratom seriously.
It has a whole section dedicated to beginners, with tips, information, and strain recommendations. Lastly, Happy Hippo Herbals is one of the vendors that offer same-day shipping.
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
There are many kratom strains, and they all have different properties. Each one is classified according to the color of the leaf vein. This is simply a way to organize the strains and their effects.
1. Green Vein Kratom Powder
Green strains are the most balanced and don’t provide extreme pain relief or energy but are good for all-around use.
Top Green Strains:
- Green Malay Kratom — Particularly potent green strain
- Green Borneo Kratom — Stimulating, some pain relief
- Green Bali Kratom — Boosts energy and promotes relaxation
- Green Thai Kratom — Very balanced strain
- Green Sumatra Kratom — Uplifting and energizing
2. Red Vein Kratom Powder
Red strains are more relaxing and soothing due to their higher content of 7-hydroxymitragynine, an alkaloid that causes feelings of relaxation, sedation, and pain relief similar to opioids. These help fight pain, insomnia, and anxiety, while patients with opioid addiction use them to cope with withdrawal symptoms.
Top Red Strains:
- Red Bali Kratom — Popular for pain relief
- Red Thai Kratom — Used for stress and anxiety
- Red Horn Kratom — Known for providing pain relief without sedation
- Red Sumatra Kratom — Awesome mood booster
- Red Borneo Kratom — Powerful anxiolytic
3. White Vein Kratom Powder
White strains are the most stimulating and energizing varieties. They have a higher amount of mitragynine, an alkaloid that interacts with serotonin receptors, causing euphoric effects. Users choose white strains to concentrate, combat fatigue and improve mood.
Top White Strains:
- White Borneo Kratom — Enhances focus, energy
- White Thai Kratom — An incredibly energetic strain
- White Bali Kratom — Helpful in fighting depression and stress
- White Sumatra Kratom — A potent strain that makes you active and awake
- White Indo Kratom — Recommended for productivity and focus
What Are the Side Effects of Kratom?
Although kratom is an ancient medicine, it by no means works miracles. There are potential side effects, so be careful when using it.
Kratom is a fibrous plant and can cause nausea and vomiting. You can prepare kratom tea with ginger to avoid this, relieving nausea.
It also interacts with the body’s opioid receptors, slowing your bodily functions. As a result, this can cause constipation, so remember to stay hydrated.
Other side effects include:
- Addiction & dependence
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Liver damage (with long-term use)
- Low libido
- Numbness
- Sedation and prolonged sleepiness
- Withdrawal symptoms
- The Wobbles
These side effects usually occur with larger doses, so cutting down on the amount might help relieve them.
Types of Kratom Products
There are many ways to take kratom, so if you struggle with one method, there are other options.
Here are a few kratom products to consider and how to use them.
Kratom Powder
Kratom powder is obtained by drying its leaves and pulverizing them. It is the most popular form of kratom because it’s a convenient way to transport it.
It’s also the most cost-effective, as you can sometimes buy it in bulk at a discount. In addition, almost all strains of kratom are marketed in powder form.
However, kratom powder isn’t the best if you need to be discreet. It is an inconvenient way to ingest kratom if you need to take it on the go, plus it has an unpleasant taste.
Kratom Capsules
Kratom capsules are powdered kratom measured into capsules, making them an excellent choice for users that want to avoid the herb’s bitter taste.
They’re also more discreet and accessible to carry than other methods, though they are not the cheapest option.
Capsules are straightforward to ingest, but unfortunately, you won’t find a vast assortment of kratom strains in this form.
Kratom Tinctures
Kratom tinctures are made by diluting kratom in alcohol, extracting the alkaloids.
Tinctures are an easy way to consume kratom, plus you can avoid its unpleasant taste. The effects appear very quickly, and you can make it as potent as you wish. Also, if you make your own kratom tinctures, you can add other medicinal herbs to amplify its impact and improve the flavor and aroma.
How Long Does Kratom Take To Work?
Chronic pain and anxiety often cause patients to wonder how long it takes for kratom to take effect. If you consume kratom powder, you’ll feel the result within 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion, while the capsules take a little longer — about an hour.
Several factors influence how kratom works, including your body mass, tolerance, hydration, and the contents of your stomach.
There are also ways to make kratom last longer, such as mixing kratom with a potentiator.
The most popular potentiators are grapefruit juice and turmeric. Another effective potentiator is freezing the kratom drink you prepare, which breaks down the plant’s cell walls.
Take a kratom break once in a while to lower your tolerance, thereby enhancing kratom’s effects while not hurting your wallet as much.
Conclusion: Is Kratom Legal In Queens?
Kratom is legal in Queens, so buying it won’t be a problem for you. Still, remember to keep up with the news because authorities have tried to ban and regulate it in the past.
Since Queens’ vendors will be more expensive, pricier, and have less selection, we suggest you buy kratom online. This way, you will purchase safe products from reputable sellers, with even better options available in different boroughs of New York, such as Brooklyn.
Finally, we recommend you check the websites of the first three vendors on our list, Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, or VIP Kratom.
