Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves have been known for centuries to have medicinal benefits. It’s used to treat many different ailments, including nausea, chronic pains, headaches, and insomnia.
It also has stimulant properties and has been traditionally used due to its stimulating properties to stay awake and endure long days of hard work.
Kratom was introduced in the US fairly recently, and its legal status has been thoroughly debated in the last years. This article will go through the plant’s legal status in Wilmington, North Carolina, and provide a list of local vendors where you can get kratom near you.
Is Kratom Legal in Wilmington?
Yes, kratom is legal in Wilmington and the whole state of North Carolina.
Kratom is not federally regulated in the US, so each state must decide locally on its legal status. Currently, it is perfectly legal to buy kratom in North Carolina, as long as you are 18 years old or older.
North Carolina lawmakers attempted to ban the herb in 2016 through bill SB830. The senators that introduced the bill claimed that kratom addiction was a potential problem because the substance was found in the blood tests of people who suffered opiate overdoses.
Kratom supporters actively opposed the bill and started petitions through different means, including change.org, effectively managing to keep the herb legal.
Moreover, the World Health Organization recently reviewed kratom and stated it shouldn’t be considered a threat to public health. Instead, they recommended proper regulations be established to protect its users better.
Will Wilmington Ban Kratom?
It is hard to say what the future holds, but the legal situation of kratom in Wilmington seems to be very stable for now. So far, every attempt to ban kratom in North Carolina has been pushed back thanks to public action and scientific research.
However, while kratom remains legal, it is still unregulated. Also, misinformation about the herb keeps showing up in the media. In some cases, kratom is even incorrectly associated with substance abuse cases.
Implementing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) would ensure that users are safe against unethical sellers by establishing clear rules on its handling and commercialization. Advocating for its implementation and kratom’s responsible use is the best way to ensure it remains legal.
Why Do Some States & Cities Ban Kratom?
Kratom has been surrounded by bad press, which in some cases was deliberate, and in others, simple misunderstandings. When it was introduced in the US, kratom was initially compared to opiates because of its sedative and analgesic effects.
Because of the opiate crisis in North America, many feared that kratom would become another problematic substance. Consequently, some states and cities chose to ban it.
However, kratom soon proved to be not as addictive as opiates. In addition, the herb showed very few adverse side effects in comparison.
Currently, the American Kratom Association (AKA) is advocating to stop misinformation and have kratom regulated in the US for everyone to be able to enjoy its benefits.
Top 8 Kratom Shops in Wilmington
Finding a trustable store where to buy kratom can be challenging, particularly if you’re just getting started.
It is not a product that you’ll commonly see advertised, and though many smoke shops sell it, you can’t trust all of them to obtain it from reputable producers or handle it safely.
For this reason, we listed eight stores where you can get good-quality kratom in Wilmington.
1. Up In Smoke
This tobacco shop sells many smoking products and has a wide variety of kratom. They obtain their products from trusted producers, and they are all previously lab-tested. Their employees are knowledgeable and can help you with any concerns.
Their website lists the products they offer, but you can always visit them in person at 1313 S College Rd. You may also call them at (910) 769-8450 or contact them through their social media profiles on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
2. Wonderland Gardens
This store has been selling kratom since 2015 and is currently the leading kratom seller in their area. They offer 100% natural pure kratom without any preservatives or fillers, which they obtain from trusted producers.
They’re located at 201 N Front St Suite 314. You can also order through their website or contact them by phone at (808) 371-6077. Additionally, you may try getting in touch through their Facebook group.
3. 777 Tobacco Outlet
This store offers several strains of kratom, even some exotic ones. They also have capsules and extracts, something not available in most local sellers. In addition to this, they sell many vaping and smoking products, including glass accessories and e-cigarettes.
Their primary location is 6620 Gordon Rd. You can visit their website or Facebook profile for more information. In addition, you may also call them at (910) 399-2972.
4. Kratom NC
As its name indicates, this store specializes in selling kratom. They offer not only all the most popular strains but also blends created by mixing different varieties. Other products available are kava tea and CBD.
Their address is 925 S Kerr Ave Suite M2. You can also call them at (910) 524-3498 for further inquiries. Unfortunately, they do not have a website or social media presence that we know of.
5. Smoke Rings Smoke Shop
This store sells many smoking products, including kratom, glass pipes, CBD, and vape juices. Their customer reviews praise their staff for their friendliness and helpfulness, and they’re an excellent choice for novice kratom users.
You can visit them at 1207 S Kerr Ave or call them at (910) 399-7911. They don’t seem to have an active website or social media presence.
6. King Vape & Tobacco
This enormous store has everything you need to satisfy your smoking needs. They offer kratom powder and extracts at very affordable prices, along with CBD oils, vape juices, tobacco products, and more.
They are located at 5224 Market Street. You can also visit their business site or call them at (910) 399-4689.
7. Wrightsville Smoke Shop
This shop sells many smoking products, hookah accessories, vapes, CBD, and kratom. They also offer drinks and snacks that you can enjoy in the store. Their selection of kratom is affordable and includes all the popular strains.
You can visit them at 3405 Wrightsville Ave. You may also contact them through their Instagram profile or by calling (317) 647-2075.
8. Port City Vapor: Kava & Oxygen Bar
This store has a massive selection of kratom strains, most of them at very affordable prices. As their name indicates, they also offer kava, CBD, and other herbal products. Since it’s a bar, it is also a nice place to hang out and have a good time.
Their downtown location is at 208 S Front St Unit 2, but you’ll also find them at 1001A S Kerr Ave and 5530 Carolina Beach. We suggest you visit their website for more contact information.
Find Kratom Near You
Review our North Carolina city guides to find the best local kratom stores:
Why You Should Buy Kratom Online
Online purchasing has many advantages over physical shopping. Firstly, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home, and you’re not limited to stores in your area anymore.
You will also find many more kratom strains available online. Brick-and-mortar stores will typically only carry the most popular ones or the ones they’ll know that sell in their area. On the other hand, online sellers can offer many more that will be considered ‘exotic’ for some.
Also, it is much easier to compare prices between sellers. In addition, online vendors offer better deals and have more affordable prices in many cases, as their kratom is usually sourced directly from the producers. As a result, fewer intermediaries inflate the price.
This also means that purchasing online is safer, as it reduces the risks of kratom getting contaminated or decaying from staying in storage for too long.
In conclusion, buying online is the best way to receive fresh and good-quality kratom.
Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?
Buying kratom in physical stores is safe as long as you trust the seller to obtain their kratom from a reputable producer and handle it safely, avoiding contamination. Unfortunately, this is not easy to verify.
Even if you trust the store, it can be exhausting to ensure that the whole supply chain is safe and complies with the AKA’s principles. For this reason, we recommend buying kratom online, where it’s easier to verify the lab tests and reviews for each seller.
Kratom Vendors That Ship to Wilmington
Below, you’ll find our list of the top online sellers shipping to your city. They all comply with the AKA’s statement of principles and guarantee you’ll receive a safe and high-quality product.
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom is our most recommended choice. They sell high-quality kratom at affordable prices, and they back up their sales with a 30-day-money-back guarantee.
Also, they offer the most popular strains of kratom powder and capsules. They get their kratom directly from farmers in Southeast Asia and have it tested by third-party labs. Their most notable kratom strains are Green Malay, Red Maeng Da, and Red Dragon.
Star Kratom
Star Kratom
Something remarkable about Star Kratom is its fast shipping times. They’re located in a massive shipping hub in the US, so they can offer same-day or next-day shipping to several areas. If you want to receive your kratom fast, they’re the best choice.
They offer fewer strains than other sellers, but they have rigorous quality controls and test their products twice. Among their selection are some varieties very favored by the kratom community: Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and Green Malay.
VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
As their name indicates, VIP Kratom sells nothing but the best quality kratom. They test their products through strict quality controls, ensuring only the highest quality kratom powder.
They may be a bit more expensive than other sellers because of their extensive testing, but their products are worth it. Green Hulu, White Maeng Da, and Red Sumatra are their best-selling varieties, among many other potent strains.
Remarkable Herbs
Remarkable Herbs Kratom
Remarkable Herbs was among the first to research kratom and have been in business longer than any other seller on this list. While initially, it was common to find kratom with artificial additives, they prided themselves in offering 100% natural kratom powder.
They have an excellent output capacity, so you’ll always find your favorite strain in stock here. Their Green Thai and Malay varieties are praised among kratom enthusiasts. Just remember they don’t sell small quantities to end customers, only big orders at wholesale prices.
Golden Monk
Golden Monk Kratom
Something that sets Golden Monk apart is its discreet packaging. They ship all their products in completely unmarked packages, so they’re a great choice if you prefer to keep your kratom usage private.
Still, they don’t usually offer rare strains, and their kratom powder and capsule selection are somewhat limited. Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and Green Malay are their best varieties. They also have a loyalty-based point system to reward recurrent customers.
SLO Kratom
Slo Kratom
SLO Kratom has a huge selection, so if you’re in the market for something new, you might want to check them out. Every product is lab-tested and guaranteed to have at least 1.4% mitragynine, so you know it’s effective.
They also offer same-day shipping, in case you’re in a hurry.
New Dawn Kratom
New Dawn Kratom
New Dawn Kratom is certified by the American Kratom Association and has plenty of positive customer reviews. You can buy in bulk or go with a sample pack if you’re unsure. With their wide selection of strains, choosing might be an issue.
Kats Botanicals
Kats Botanicals
Kats Botanicals gets all their kratom from producers in Indonesia, who harvest it from local farms. The result is 100% pure kratom powder, which they offer by strain, or mixed in exclusive blends created by them and improved with customers’ feedback.
The best-selling strain they offer is Digital Buddha, a blend of three different varieties designed to be relaxing and energizing at the same time. Other commonly sought types include their Green Maeng Da and White Maeng Da strains.
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
Like most herbs, kratom has different strains, each with different properties. Some will make you more energetic, while others are best for fighting pain or insomnia. It’s crucial to know about them before deciding which kratom strain to buy.
Green Vein Kratom Powder
Green vein kratom powder is the most balanced of the strains. Its name comes from the vivid green of the kratom leaves when it’s harvested. It provides a relaxing effect and is considered the best option for beginners.
These are the top three green-veined strains:
Green Malay
Green Malay is probably the most famous kratom strain, and it’s found on most sellers’ menus. As green-veined strains go, it’s highly potent and provides a powerful energy boost with pain-relieving and relaxing effects.
Green Bali
Green Bali is a very potent strain. It’s highly popular due to its anxiety-relieving and painkiller effects and causes no drowsiness despite acting like an analgesic.
Green Sumatra
Green Sumatra is a great energy booster. It’s also a very potent mood enhancer and is beneficial against anxiety. Consequently, it is commonly used to increase productivity.
Red Vein Kratom Powder
Red vein kratom powder has much more sedating effects than other strains. People who prefer this variety usually choose it because of its relaxing and pain-killing effects. It gets its name due to the bright red color of the kratom leaves when they reach maturity.
These are the top three red-veined strains:
Red Thai
Red Thai is quite common among the red strains. It has the distinction of providing a different effect depending on the dosage. It will sedate you in high amounts while keeping you alert and focused on lower ones.
Red Horn
Red Horn is harder to find than other strains, and some sellers may sell it at higher prices due to its rarity. It’s a very potent painkiller and also works as a mood enhancer. It’s best to use small doses of it, as it’s also a powerful sedative that can make you sleepy.
Red Borneo
Red Borneo is a potent sedative, even at small doses. It’s commonly used by people who need to fight insomnia or anxiety. It’s excellent to induce sleep, so it’s recommended not to take it if you have a busy day ahead of you.
White Vein Kratom Powder
White vein kratom powder also gets its name for the color of its leaves, but its alkaloid content is different. This strain is very stimulating, making you energetic and focused while at the same time producing euphoria. It even helps increase creativity for some.
These are the top three white-veined strains:
White Bali
White Bali provides a significant energy boost and is also a potent stress reliever, providing a relaxing effect that will help you remain focused and awake.
It also works as an analgesic for moderate pain and is even used to help lose weight, as it suppresses appetite.
White Sumatra
White Sumatra is a potent stimulant in small doses that will give you a huge energy burst. If you take a higher amount, its effects will change to a powerful sedative and relaxant, so measuring the dose is crucial if you decide to use this variety.
White Indo
White Indo is a strain that acts as a potent painkiller without causing any drowsiness or sleepiness. It is a great energy booster, and in higher doses, it will also function as a mood enhancer.
What Is the American Kratom Association?
The American Kratom Association is a non-profit organization that actively advocates for the legality and regulation of kratom in the US. It also works against misinformation campaigns and ban attempts in several US municipalities.
Many kratom enthusiasts fund them, and some are prominent scientists and government members.
In addition, they evaluate kratom vendors and provide a set of principles to follow that ensure the safety of its users. AKA-certified vendors can be trusted regarding the quality and purity of their kratom.
You can visit their website and contact them for any requests, like evaluating the legitimacy of a seller or requesting guidance and assistance in advocating for kratom.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Buy Kratom?
The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. Unlike other substances, kratom is not federally regulated in the US. This means that each state and city gets to choose the legal status of the herb.
In places where kratom is legal, legislation will vary on the minimum age to purchase kratom. Some areas will require you to be at least 18, some will request you to be over 21, and some will not have an age limit.
In North Carolina, you must be over 18 to buy kratom, and you’ll get carded everywhere you go to purchase it.
What Does Kratom Feel Like?
Kratom will have a different effect depending on the strain used, dosage, and person, so it’s difficult to explain precisely what taking kratom feels like.
Still, we can list the most common kratom effects as six basic feelings: stimulating, relaxing, analgesic, euphoric, focusing, and sedative.
All of them are interrelated, but some strains will have more of one and less of the other. The effects are dose-related, with lower amounts providing energy boosts and concentration, while higher doses alleviate pain and make you sleepy.
Also, we can generalize that white-veined varieties are potent stimulants, apt to use for long study or workout sessions. On the other hand, red-veined strains are potent sedatives that will help you sleep and alleviate physical pain.
Green-veined strains lie somewhere in the middle, usually giving energy boosts while helping you relax.
While the effects of kratom are similar to mild opiates, the herb is nowhere near their potential for addiction and comes with much fewer adverse side effects.
Furthermore, if you try to increase the effect by ingesting higher, unsafe doses of kratom, you’ll become nauseous and most likely vomit the excess. This is a good thing, as it keeps anyone from reaching an overdose, even if actively trying to.
Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Wilmington
Kratom is an excellent alternative to opiates, energy drinks, and treatments for physical pain, insomnia, or anxiety. You can use it for studying, training, or helping you achieve much-needed sleep.
It’s perfectly legal to buy kratom in Wilmington, North Carolina, as long as you’re over 18. Also, you can trust many physical stores in the area to provide good-quality kratom powder or capsules.
Still, buying your kratom online is a better choice, in our opinion. Sellers like Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom comply with the AKA’s regulations and have hundreds of positive reviews.
