Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree native to Southeast Asia, a member of the Rubiaceae family, and closely related to coffee. Locals have chewed its leaves for centuries to obtain energy, pain relief, or combat fatigue. Still, its medicinal benefits go far beyond that.
This article will cover all aspects of the herb, from its legality in Hickory and the rest of North Carolina to the stores selling it in your area. Plus, we will explain kratom’s different strains and their effects and give you a list of the best online retailers shipping near you.
Is Kratom Legal in Hickory?
Yes, kratom is legal in Hickory.
This herb is legal throughout North Carolina for those 18 and older by bill HB747. Another bill, SB 830, attempted to ban the herb in 2016 through an intense defamation campaign. The bill sought to equate kratom with opioids, wrongly ascribing overdose deaths to it.
However, kratom activists organized against the bill, arguing that kratom is not an opioid and the bill was based on dubious data. They rallied against the bill and succeeded in bringing it down.
Interestingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently reviewed kratom, clearing up doubts about its safety. The organization concluded that the herb does not threaten public health and, therefore, it doesn’t recommend a ban.
Currently, no pending legislation is intended to ban kratom in either North Carolina or Hickory. Nevertheless, you can join local kratom enthusiast groups to stay current on legislation, as it could change anytime.
Traveling With Kratom
Traveling with kratom is legal federally and internationally unless it’s banned in the city, state, or country where you are heading. Still, we discourage it, as few people know about kratom beyond enthusiasts, and it could raise unwanted suspicion.
If you prefer taking kratom with you anyway, do so in small quantities. You should also keep your product in its original packaging to reduce the chances of issues.
Suggested Reading: Is Kratom Legal? A Global Analysis
Top 3 Kratom Shops in Hickory
Since kratom is perfectly legal in North Carolina, if you are 18 or older, you can find tested, safe kratom powder here. Below is a list of the best physical stores where you can buy kratom at a reasonable price in Hickory.
1. High Life Smoke Shop
This is the go-to store for local users, offering a wide variety of quality products. You will find kratom powder and capsules on their shelves from brands such as Krave, Kratom Pharmacy, and Club 13, among others. Moreover, their staff is trained to guide you in your purchase.
The store is located at 2107 Catawba Valley Boulevard South East. You can also call them at (828) 322-2583, and they will happily answer your questions. Lastly, you can check out their Instagram profile for more information, although they do not update it often.
2. N&Y Tobacco & Vape
If you want to try new things, you should visit this store. In addition to vape pens, tobacco, and other smoking essentials, you will find a wide assortment of kratom here. They sell both capsules and powder, with many brands and strains for you to choose from.
Take a stroll down to 2135 North Center Street to discover the best variety available in Hickory. Moreover, call them at (828) 569-2431 if you have any doubts. Unfortunately, they don’t currently have an active website.
3. The Kava Bar
If you are open to new experiences, let this kava and kratom bar surprise you. Here you can not only taste these herbs in tea format, but you can also buy kratom, delta 8-based products, edibles, glassware, and much more.
To enjoy their outstanding customer service and the best price-quality ratio in the area, feel free to go to 2296 North Center Street. They are open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, and you can call them at (828) 569-1201 or visit their Instagram profile to learn more about them.
Find Kratom Near You
Learn more about buying kratom in North Carolina with the following city guides:
Why You Should Buy Kratom Online
Buying kratom in physical stores is not inherently risky, but buying it online is the safest and most convenient option.
Firstly, buying online is generally more affordable, as online vendors regularly offer discounts, deals, and free shipping throughout the United States.
Plus, you will find every strain and form of kratom online and get it delivered to your doorstep with just a couple of clicks. This is particularly helpful if you live in a rural area or do not have a reliable smoke shop in your neighborhood.
Also, researching the vendor before buying is crucial, and you can quickly do so when shopping online. This way, you can read user reviews and verify that the products are lab-tested.
Lastly, online vendors usually offer better-quality items. This happens because kratom is very prone to degradation. Many factors drastically shorten its shelf life, and these storage mistakes usually occur in physical stores, which tend to know little about the herb.
Kratom Vendors That Ship to Hickory
Many brands offer kratom online, but unfortunately, not all provide safe, high-quality products. Fortunately, the American Kratom Association (AKA) monitors these vendors, testing their merchandise and endorsing the ones they deem best.
Below, you’ll find a list of the best online kratom vendors, all of them AKA-approved.
1. Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom leads our list, as they offer quality kratom at very reasonable prices. In their catalog, you will find an ample assortment of strains in capsules and powdered form. Every item on their list is tested in third-party laboratories, as your health is their highest priority.
Additionally, their team maintains an excellent relationship with Southeast Asian farmers, so they know kratom like a book, and their customer service is impeccable. Lastly, they ship throughout the United States, and purchases over $29.99 get free shipping.
2. Star Kratom
Star Kratom
If you need to receive your kratom quickly, Star Kratom is the ideal vendor, as they offer the fastest delivery times in the industry. Regarding quality, they test every product twice, obtaining an impressive potency.
In addition, they sell in bulk, and all of their products come in powder or capsule form. Finally, if the product does not convince you, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all orders.
3. VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom sells top-of-the-shelf strains in capsule and powder form. While their prices may seem expensive, they are well worth it, as the quality and potency of their products are unmatched and will not let you down.
Also, their items undergo extensive testing in independent labs. This vendor also offers kratom in bulk and fast shipping. Lastly, you have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you will get your money back if the product is not to your liking.
4. SLO Kratom
Slo Kratom
SLO Kratom is a Nevada-based company that offers kratom in powder and capsule form. They have a vast catalog of regularly tested strains, all of which are impressive.
Their prices are highly competitive, and they accept cryptocurrencies and credit cards as payment methods. Plus, purchases over $39.99 get bonus shipping. Regrettably, they do not have enough customer reviews, but they are a legitimate vendor nonetheless.
5. New Dawn Kratom
New Dawn Kratom
New Dawn Kratom is one of the latest vendors to enter the business, yet they have already managed to offer an extensive catalog of strains. Based in Colorado, this brand has affordable prices and provides testing results for every batch.
They accept payments via MESH, ACH transfer, credit cards, and even Bitcoin. Plus, they offer free priority shipping with USPS to the entire US. Sadly, if you are looking for liquid kratom, you will not find tinctures or extracts in their catalog.
Suggested Reading: How Much Does Kratom Cost?
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
Kratom is a single species, but there are over fifty known varieties, each one carrying a particular concentration of alkaloids. Therefore, every individual kratom strain offers unique effects. Most vendors classify them according to their leaf’s vein color.
Green Vein Kratom Powder
Green vein kratom powder is the most balanced strain, with a wide range of effects, usually mild but ranging from stimulation to relaxation. These are the most widely cultivated varieties, making them the easiest to find, most affordable, and most popular.
Top-rated green-veined kratom strains:
- Green Thai — Depending on the dosage, this variety can provide energy, focus, relaxation, or pain relief.
- Green Bali — This strain is equally helpful for energy or pain relief.
- Green Borneo — While it may increase your energy or relieve pain, this strain reduces anxiety.
Red Vein Kratom Powder
Red vein kratom powder contains a higher concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine, an alkaloid agonist of the mu-opioid system. As a result, these strains are potent pain relievers and help with insomnia. Interestingly, some people use these strains to cope with opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Top-rated red-veined kratom strains:
- Red Bali — This is one of the best varieties for users interested in pain relief, relaxation, anxiety relief, or improving sleep.
- Red Thai — This strain is predominantly relaxing and a potent anxiolytic, although it can also relieve pain.
- Red Sumatra — This variety is ideal for combating anxiety, but it can also help you if you are looking to relax or soothe any pain.
White Vein Kratom Powder
White vein kratom powder contains higher levels of mitragynine, an alkaloid that interacts with serotonin receptors and the opioid system. These varieties have a more energizing and nootropic profile, inducing euphoria and improving mood.
Top-rated white-veined kratom strains:
- White Bali — This strain is ideal for mood enhancement, anxiety relief, or as a mild painkiller.
- White Indo — Low doses of this strain have energizing and mood-enhancing effects, while large amounts cause non-overwhelming sedation.
- White Sumatra — This is a mainly stimulant variety, although it can be a powerful sedative in higher doses.
Suggested Reading: Kratom Dosage Guide
Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom In Hickory
Luckily, kratom is legal in Hickory and throughout North Carolina, if you’re 18 or older. Furthermore, you can easily access top-quality kratom at affordable prices here. There is no pending legislation at the moment, and the future of kratom looks bright in the city.
Still, kratom isn’t tremendously popular here, so your local options are somewhat limited, and you may have issues finding a particular strain. That’s why we strongly advise you to give online vendors a chance. Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom are currently the best.
