Kratom, also known by the scientific name Mitragyna speciosa, is an extract produced with the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree. Its many medicinal benefits remained unstudied for a long time, but it is now becoming popular across the United States.
The herb is legal in Winston-Salem and throughout North Carolina. The only requirement for buying kratom is being over 18 years old.
This article will provide you with everything you need to know regarding buying kratom for the first time, including a list of the best vendors near you. Additionally, we will explore its legal status and the associations advocating for it.
Is Kratom Legal in Winston-Salem?
Yes, kratom is legal in Winston-Salem and the entirety of North Carolina.
An attempt to ban kratom happened in 2016 when legislators presented the SB830 bill, which placed kratom as a Schedule 1 substance. This took place after blood studies linked kratom to 23 overdose deaths.
However, the lack of conclusive evidence caused the bill to be rejected, as there was no support from the Senate. In its place, the approved HB747 bill introduced age limits for selling kratom.
Although smear campaigns argue that kratom is detrimental, the World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed the herb and declared it safe. Kratom remains legal in most of the United States, and its future legal status looks generally positive.
Will Winston-Salem Ban Kratom?
No, Winston-Salem will probably keep kratom legal.
We don’t see many signs indicating a future ban in Winston-Salem or North Carolina. Research shows kratom is safe when used responsibly, and the previous attempt at banning it did not gather traction in the state.
However, we cannot assure this will stay like this forever. We recommend keeping tabs on related news to avoid surprises.
Why Do Some States & Cities Ban Kratom?
Many accusations against kratom come from general misunderstandings about its nature and isolated cases of misuse. As a result, some cities and states place bans against it as a preventative measure.
When a new substance becomes popular, it is common for fear and misconceptions to be born. However, as more research comes out, kratom’s safety becomes more apparent.
Top 6 Kratom Shops in Winston-Salem
Picking a local vendor that will cater to all your needs can be overwhelming. While there are many stores in Winston-Salem where you can find kratom, not all of them carry the best selection or the highest quality.
To save you the hassle, we have selected the best shops in the city to help you with your decision.
1. Smoke House Tobacco & Vapes
This is a top-rated shop with dozens of positive online reviews. They offer an incredible range of products, including CBD oil, tinctures, and hemp flowers. Here, you will access an impressive selection of strains, both in loose powder and capsules.
You can visit them at 355 Jonestown Rd. For further information, don’t hesitate to call (336) 703-1277 as the staff will be happy to help you. Unfortunately, they do not have a website or social media presence that we know of.
2. Apotheca
Apotheca claims to prioritize its customers by carefully selecting each brand, and their reviews reflect that. People love this store for its prices and remarkable customer service.
You can find delta 8 THC and other herbal remedies here, along with a decent selection of kratom powder, capsules, and extracts.
Visit them at 805 B Silas Creek Pkwy from 9:30 to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Call them at (336) 722-6393 or visit their website for further inquiries.
3. Tobacco Barn
This store has been in business since 2000 and offers all kinds of smoking accessories, including hookahs, vape devices, and water pipes. Their kratom selection includes only well-known brands, so you can worry less about the quality.
Don’t hesitate to visit them at 12200 NC-150 #2. Otherwise, get in touch via phone at (336) 608-4360. You can also check out their webpage and Facebook profile.
4. iHemp
iHemp is located right in the middle of the city and sells natural wellness products like CBD oils, pain creams, and edibles. Their staff will be happy to help you with any questions you may have, either in person or by phone.
You can find them at 636 S Stratford Rd Unit B. Try calling them at (336) 829-5858 or visiting their website for further inquiries.
5. Smokey Shay’s WS
With over 500 positive reviews, this is considered one of the best spots for kratom in the city. They sell many tobacco and cigar accessories from multiple brands, including pipes and vaporizers. Their kratom selection includes white, red, and green-veined strains.
They are open until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays at 1005 Burke St. For any questions, call them at (336) 722-3823. Additionally, you can visit their website and Facebook page.
6. HempXprs
This shop is mainly known for its selection of CBD and delta 8 products, but they also carry a wide variety of kratom strains. Also, they offer products for pain relief and other dietary supplements.
If you want to visit them, you can do so at 125 Jonestown Rd. Unfortunately, they do not have any social media, but you can speak to them personally by calling (336) 986-9033.
Looking for Kratom in Another City?
Review our North Carolina city guides to find the best local kratom stores:
Why You Should Buy Kratom Online
Although there are many great physical shops in Winston-Salem, there are several reasons to believe online stores can provide you with a better experience.
First, most online shops provide the results of third-party lab tests, which means you will get the safest, purest kratom possible. Physical shops have many difficult-to-control aspects that could potentially degrade kratom, such as humidity and exposure to sunlight.
Also, buying online means you will generally receive cheaper products, as online vendors don’t have as many expenses as physical stores have. These include taxes, salaries, and dealing with intermediaries.
The last benefit is convenience. Online stores will often offer a broader range of strains and novelty products. You can also quickly check vendor reviews, order with a few clicks of your mouse, and even get it delivered right to your doorstep the same day with some vendors.
In conclusion, online vendors can provide you with better service and products, lower prices, and more options.
Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?
Yes, buying kratom in-store is generally safe, but online is safer.
Buying kratom in a local store is not necessarily a dangerous ordeal. This is a popular choice for many people, and no physical vendor will purposefully sell you a contaminated product.
Still, there are more advantages to buying online, including all that we previously stated. Although safe, physical shops cannot compare to the superior experience and comfort online retailers can offer.
Kratom Vendors That Ship to Winston-Salem
Most vendors will ship to North Carolina, so there are plenty of choices when it comes to online stores. However, finding a reputable and trustworthy seller might be tricky.
Hoping to make your job easier, we’ve compiled a list of the eight best online kratom vendors.
1. Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom excels in all the basics — quality, selection, and price. All their products are shipped directly from the country where kratom was harvested and go through at least two rounds of tests before it reaches you.
The sample packs they offer at no additional cost are an excellent detail, as they can save you some money when looking for the perfect strain. Orders over $24.99 come with free shipping.
Kona Kratom’s top picks:
- Green Malay
- Red Maeng Da
- Red Dragon
2. Star Kratom
Star Kratom
Star Kratom provides some of the best delivery times we’ve experienced. Their incredible logistics service makes them a favorite for many kratom users, as they offer same-day shipping.
Additionally, this is one of the cheapest options on this list, with a kilo of kratom costing about $99.99. Their selection of products may not be as extensive as other vendors, but it might be a perfect choice if you need high-quality kratom delivered as fast as possible.
Star Kratom’s top picks:
- Red Bali
- Green Maeng Da
- Green Malay
3. VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom honors its name by offering only premium quality kratom. Every one of their batches goes through extensive lab tests that ensure quality and purity, and every product that does not meet their expectations gets sent back to its source.
This strict quality control results in a higher-than-average cost, but you will never be disappointed by their products. It is worth noting that the potency of their kratom is tremendous, so you will need lower doses than usual.
VIP Kratom’s top picks:
- Red Sumatra
- White Maeng Da
- Green Hulu
4. Remarkable Herbs
Remarkable Herbs Kratom
Remarkable Herbs has been in business for over 20 years and offers many different medicinal herbs aside from kratom, such as catclaw and kava. Their products come from Polynesia and Southeast Asia and are tested by third-party labs.
This store is dedicated to wholesale, so you might need to look around if you want to try any of their products.
Remarkable Herbs’ top picks:
- Green Thai
- Green Malay
- Red Bali
5. SLO Kratom
Slo Kratom
SLO Kratom‘s selection might be what you notice first, but there are plenty of things to like about them: hard-to-find strains, same-day shipping, and third-party testing on all products. Though relatively new, they’re on the path to success.
SLO Kratom’s top picks:
- Green Horn
- Red Medan
- Yellow JongKong
6. New Dawn Kratom
New Dawn Kratom
New Dawn has a decent selection, and third-party labs perform rigorous testing on each strain. AKA certification further ensures high quality.
If you want multiple strains, you can split a kilo or check out their sampler pack if you don’t know what to choose. If you’re not happy, contact customer service and request an exchange.
New Dawn’s top picks:
- Red Dragon
- Green Vietnam
- White Malay
7. Golden Monk
Golden Monk Kratom
Despite Golden Monk’s limited selection, this brand is a popular choice thanks to its excellent quality and affordable prices. In addition, they offer a discreet shipment option where your product arrives in an unlabeled box to keep any curious eyes away.
There are tons of discounts on their website and a special deal for first-time buyers. This, and their loyalty-based reward system, makes them a great choice if you are tight on money or are looking for a long-term kratom supplier.
Golden Monk’s top picks:
- Red Bali
- Green Maeng Da
- Green Malay
8. Kats Botanicals
Kats Botanicals
You can find many wellness products on Kats Botanicals, along with CBD oils and smoking accessories. They are also famous for their kratom blends, like Digital Buddha, which mixes red, white, and green-veined strains.
Although their prices may be a bit higher, it is an excellent option if you want to buy everything in one place.
Kats Botanicals’ top picks:
- Green Maeng Da
- Digital Buddha
- White Maeng Da
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
There are numerous kratom strains available for you to purchase, each with a unique effect profile. They are named after their place of origin and the color of the leaf’s vein.
With so many different options in the market, choosing a strain can be overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with their respective properties. This list will delve into the most popular ones to help you get started on your research.
Green Vein Kratom Powder
If you are new to kratom, you’ll probably want to go with green vein kratom powder. These strains are the most balanced, as they can achieve both relaxing and stimulant effects. They also tend to be milder and have fewer side effects.
These are some of the most common green-veined strains:
Green Malay
Green Malay is a gentle strain that can help you unwind after a long day. It has relaxing effects and can even alleviate mild muscular pains.
Green Bali
Green Bali is a great choice when you need pain relief but do not want to feel tired. The stimulant properties of this strain will give you an energy boost while helping with localized pain.
Green Thai
Green Thai has both stimulant and relaxing effects, and it is said to make you feel as if you’re “floating.” It is quick and effective, but experienced users could find it too mild.
Red Vein Kratom Powder
Red vein kratom powder is mainly sought after for its medicinal effects. These strains can help with stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Thanks to their powerful pain-relieving properties, many people use them to replace conventional painkillers.
These are some of the most common red-veined strains:
Red Bali
If you are looking for a quick and effective painkiller, our recommendation is Red Bali. This strain will make you feel sleepy as it wears off, so it is best to take it an hour before bedtime.
Red Sumatra
Red Sumatra is an effective way to deal with insomnia. Thanks to its strong sedative properties, even a small dose can help you fall asleep in a few minutes.
Red Borneo
If you are dealing with muscular pain, then Red Borneo is your best option. It is a fast-acting strain, with its main benefit being its lack of side effects.
White Vein Kratom Powder
White vein kratom powder can be considered the opposite of red-veined strains. These varieties are best used for work and study as they contain nootropic properties that can help improve your mood, creativity, and focus while providing a significant energy boost.
These are some of the most common white-veined strains:
White Thai
White Thai is known for enhancing your creative drive, making it perfect for artists. You can also use it to replace alcohol in social situations as it can help you minimize your anxiety.
White Bali
White Bali is an excellent stimulant that can help put you in a good mood. Its energizing properties will keep you focused and alert the entire day.
White Indo
White Indo is the most balanced out of all the white-veined strains. Its euphoric effects can improve your mood and self-esteem while boosting your energy.
What Is the American Kratom Association?
If you’ve done any research on kratom, you probably came across mentions of the American Kratom Association (AKA). This is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 by kratom users to respond to the numerous FDA campaigns against kratom.
The AKA advocates for the safe use of kratom and its benefits by providing educational resources and scientific research. Additionally, they certify kratom vendors after reviewing their manufacturing process and products, making it easier for customers to find trustworthy retailers.
The five main goals of the American Kratom Association are:
- Supporting kratom users: Many people depend on kratom as a medicine, and the AKA seeks to help them by fighting for the legality of kratom.
- Educating people: As we’ve discussed before, misinformation is the main reason for kratom bans as people believe it to be dangerous. The AKA rectifies this by spreading updated, unbiased information on the herb.
- Amplify users’ voices: Creating an organization allows the voices of kratom users all around the world to be heard.
- Promoting awareness: Kratom could be life-changing for many people unaware of its existence. The AKA dedicates many of its resources to making kratom known to them.
- Conserving natural resources: When the demand for a natural resource increases, greediness can lead to unsustainable harvesting practices. The AKA reviews these processes to ensure the protection of the environment.
If you want to support them, there are many ways to do so. You can donate or sign petitions, but you can also sign up for their newsletter and share your story on their forums.
How Long Does Kratom Take To Work?
Knowing how long kratom takes to work is necessary if you want it to kick in at a specific time, like during a study session or before bed. Generally speaking, you can expect to feel the effects 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion.
Times can vary depending on dosage, method of consumption, and the strain you are using, among other factors. Powders and tinctures generally work quicker than capsules, and taking them with a full stomach can slow down the process.
After the effects kick in, you can expect to feel them for the next 5 to 8 hours. Some strains, like Red Bali, can last for up to 10 hours.
Related: Kratom Dosage Guide
How to Store Kratom
Kratom has a shelf life of three months, but the manufacturing and delivery times can take up to a third of it, leaving you with only a few weeks of freshness. However, proper storage can make kratom last for up to a year.
Here are the things to keep in mind when storing your kratom:
- Keep it dry, as humidity can cause mold and ruin an entire batch.
- Do not put it in a hot place: A cool, consistent temperature is the ideal resting place for kratom.
- Keep it away from UV light, as sunlight causes kratom to degrade much quicker.
- Avoid oxygen: You should never let your kratom “breathe.” Oxygen will oxidize your kratom, and it will consequently degrade quicker.
In a nutshell, the best way to store kratom is in an airtight container. This container should be kept in a dry, cool, and dark place. You can pre-measure your doses in plastic bags to avoid exposing the rest of the batch to light and oxygen.
Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Winston-Salem
Kratom is legal and widely available in Winston-Salem, and it is likely to remain legal in North Carolina for the next few years. Previous ban attempts have failed, and information on the herb is rising, so there are few chances of the state prohibiting kratom anytime soon.
Although you can find great local vendors in the city, we recommend online stores like Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, or VIP Kratom. These specialized vendors will provide you with the purest kratom you can find and guarantee a positive experience.