The demand for kratom is skyrocketing thanks to an increase in popularity over the past few years. As more and more people turn to kratom for various uses and benefits, individuals looking to try it for themselves often wonder if it’s legal in their area and safe to consume.
Kratom users in Ohio can currently purchase the substance legally, as it has yet to be banned statewide.
In addition to the Ohio laws, we’ll be discussing where to buy kratom in Ohio, how to shop for it safely, and its uses and possible side effects.
Is Kratom Legal in Ohio?
Kratom is currently legal in Ohio with no restrictions.
People over the age of 21 can purchase and use kratom throughout the state in all municipalities.
However, Ohio passed a bill that forces regulation of the product within state lines. Restrictions are requiring that kratom not be laced with any other synthetic or natural drug. The alkaloid content by percentage is also regulated, and the state must license any individual or business that wishes to process kratom in Ohio.
Where to Buy Kratom in Ohio
There are many places you can purchase kratom in Ohio, including head shops, some convenience stores, and even cafes. Although there’s likely a local retailer near you, many users find that purchasing online delivers a better product and experience.
1. Buying Kratom Online
Some users turn to local brick-and-mortar kratom vendors because of the convenience of getting the product immediately. However, shopping online at vendors like Star Kratom, which has very fast delivery times, can be just as good.
There are also numerous other benefits to buying your kratom online. The most important consideration for the majority of users is the quality and purity of the product.
Online vendors either are the manufacturer or work more closely with the producer. As such, they have significantly better control over the purity and consistency of their offerings.
Many online shops provide third-party test results for their kratom, which very few physical vendors can do. Shopping online gives you a better chance of getting a high-quality product with guaranteed lab analysis. You’ll know what you’re consuming and can dose more appropriately based on the strength.
Another benefit of buying closer to the source is that it’s less likely you’ll end up with kratom tainted with additives or synthetic drugs. Unfortunately, some kratom vendors mix these into their products to make them more potent.
You can avoid these potentially unsafe products by opting for a reputable online company, like Kona Kratom or VIP Kratom.
Local shops not only have limited shelf space and carry a smaller selection, but they also charge more for their kratom to ensure they get a cut of the profit. When you purchase online, you’ll have more strain and product options, but you’ll also end up saving money and still get higher-quality.
Finally, getting your product the same day from a local shop may seem convenient, but never having to leave your home to get your product is a nice benefit of buying kratom online.
2. Buying Kratom In-Store
Buying kratom in a physical shop is far less appealing for most users. The most significant drawback is that the quality and consistency are often very low in the products you find at brick-and-mortar retailers.
You’ll rarely receive third-party testing results for the kratom you’re buying, so you won’t have complete confidence in the product.
You may get lucky and get a stellar kratom powder that works well for your needs, but you’re less likely to have a similar experience the next time because powders tend to be inconsistent.
Buying kratom locally also almost guarantees that you’ll spend more on your product and have a less impressive selection. Local retailers are rarely the manufacturer, so they’ll have to charge more to provide themselves with a cut.
While you pay more for your kratom, you’ll also have less strain and form options because local shops always need to manage their shelf space, therefore limiting product offerings.
If you do choose to buy kratom locally in Ohio, below are some of the better locations to find your product:
1. Waterbeds ‘n’ Stuff
Waterbeds ‘n’ Stuff has 13 locations throughout Ohio, including Reynoldsburg, Dublin, Lancaster, and five shops in Columbus. They have a decent selection of kratom products and friendly staff, but they don’t have testing results for anything they sell.
2. Midwest Wellness
Midwest Wellness, located in Columbus, is just southeast of the Ohio State University Airport. They don’t have guaranteed analysis of their kratom, but they have a decent selection and surprisingly helpful staff members.
3. Headies Hideout
Headies Hideout is centrally located in Columbus, OH, making it convenient from all points in the city. They have a relatively limited selection of strains and no lab results for any of them. However, they always seem to have kratom in stock.
4. The Hippie Hut Guitars & Things
The Hippie Hut is in Circleville, Ohio. Although they have very few kratom products, the vibe in the store is appealing, as they sell guitars, records, and other music-related items. Their staff is abundantly friendly, although they aren’t very knowledgeable about kratom in particular.
5. Puff Palace
Puff Palace is in Hilliard, on the eastern outskirts of Columbus. Their staff is somewhat knowledgeable about kratom, and they’re generally helpful. They also sell tobacco products, CBD, incense, and more.
6. Smoke Zone Smoke Shop
Smoke Zone has two locations in Columbus, as well as a shop in Athens. Their selection of kratom products at any given time is minimal, but they constantly restock. The staff is helpful but doesn’t have much specific experience with kratom.
Find Kratom Near You
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What To Look For When Buying Kratom
Opting for buying kratom online or in a physical store is up to you, but there are several things you should look for in your product, no matter where you intend to buy it.
Below, we’ll include some information on how to buy kratom in Ohio for the best and safest experience possible.
1. Company Reputation
The most important thing to look out for when buying kratom is the company’s reputation. Whether you buy your kratom in a local shop or online, you should research the manufacturer of the powder or capsules before committing to a product.
As kratom becomes more popular and more widely used throughout the country, more and more scammers and illegitimate companies are attempting to sell fake products to unsuspecting purchasers.
Look into the producer and read reviews from previous customers. This can help ensure you aren’t buying a kratom look-alike or one with such a low alkaloid content as to be ineffective.
Additionally, buying from a company with a good reputation
will ensure you don’t end up with a product altered with additives like synthetic drugs or highly addictive opiates.
If you’re ever unsure about a company, you can check out our vendor reviews for reliable and impartial information.
2. AKA Certification
Second only to company reputation is certification from the American Kratom Association, more commonly referred to as the AKA. The AKA is a non-profit organization committed to the legalization and regulation of kratom throughout the United States.
They audit kratom manufacturers to ensure quality and consistency in their products, and they offer certification only to companies that consistently put out high-quality, safe, and potent kratom.
Kratom is mainly unregulated in the U.S., so the AKA members are some of the few people in the country committed to keeping users safe and informed about its uses and potential drawbacks.
An alarming number of companies produce low-quality and even potentially dangerous kratom products, so buying only from AKA-certified companies will keep you safe and provide the best possible experience.
3. Strain Selection
There are three different kinds of kratom strains available: red-vein, white-vein, and green-vein kratom. Most users report drastically different experiences depending on the strain type, so choosing the right one for your needs is essential when shopping for kratom.
Red-vein kratom is a sedative, with most users stating they feel heavily relaxed when consuming it. Many individuals use red-vein kratom to eliminate pain or reduce it to a manageable level and aid in sleeping.
Some users report that it helps alleviate stress and tension and suggest using red-vein kratom at night.
White-vein kratom, touted for its energizing effects, is generally recommended for morning or mid-afternoon consumption. It can produce uplifting and stimulating feelings, with many users using it to improve concentration, energy levels, and focus.
Many users of green-vein kratom note that this strain shares the benefits of both white and red kratom. Regularly used as a “cure-all,” green strains are suitable for all times of the day and many ailments.
What Do You Use Kratom For?
Based on numerous reports from regular users, kratom helps with a variety of ailments, illnesses, and pharmaceutical benefits. We’ll discuss some of the more common uses of kratom below.
1. Opiate Withdrawal
Kratom may even help reduce the effects of opiate withdrawal. This is for two reasons: kratom is often likened to an opiate because it produces increased endorphin levels, causing a pleasant feeling, and is said to be a natural painkiller.
Opiate addicts can use kratom to limit the underlying pain and ultimately ween themselves off of the more addictive pain pills or drugs they use.
2. Anxiety & Depression
Some kratom proponents use the natural substance to treat anxiety and depression.
Kratom causes a spike in endorphins, which can help those suffering from depression get relief.
Although there needs to be more research on kratom’s effects, it’s looking possible that kratom consumption temporarily increases GABA. This can quiet the mind and alleviate some of the overwhelming thoughts and experiences of those suffering from anxiety.
If you need more information about how kratom could affect these conditions, head over to this article.
3. Pain-Relief
Kratom users liken the substance to opiates because they note that kratom is a natural painkiller. On a cellular level, kratom interacts with the opioid receptors in your spinal cord.
The result is a dulled and diminished feeling of pain, often making it much more manageable. Because kratom interacts with your body in the same way as opiates, but to a lesser degree, it can provide similar relief.
4. Energy & Focus
A staggering number of users take kratom regularly to improve energy levels and the ability to focus, similar to how millions of Americans consume coffee every morning.
According to experts with admittedly little research behind their claims, kratom interacts with the body like caffeine does, boosting endorphins, dopamine, and epinephrine in your bloodstream. These compounds are the same ones that control your fight or flight mechanism, which directly affects focus, alertness, and energy levels.
Countless users report feeling stimulated and energized by kratom.
Is Kratom Safe to Use?
Many experts believe that kratom is perfectly safe to use when consumed responsibly and properly. Users and researchers both report that kratom can be addictive and habit-forming, and any substance described like this should be respected and researched before you consume it yourself.
We recommend that you only use kratom between four and five days per week and that you take “tolerance breaks” if you ever notice that you need to increase your dose to get the same effects.
In addition to frequency, you should regulate your dosage. A light dose is 2 – 6 g of kratom powder, and a heavy dose usually sits between 6 – 12 g. Taking large amounts right away or increasing your dose too quickly will often lead to an unpleasant experience.
Kratom remains legal throughout Ohio and many other states because it is less addictive and harmful than prescription painkillers. With that said, it can be misused and abused, and some side effects may arise if you don’t use it properly.
Side Effects of Kratom
Some users experience side effects from taking kratom. These usually appear in large doses or when the user ignores dosing and frequency recommendations. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand the side effects before you try kratom for yourself.
1. Upset Stomach
One of the most commonly reported side effects of taking kratom is an upset stomach or digestive issues. This almost always goes along with overly large doses or constant use. Following the guidelines above will help limit this side effect.
2. Dizziness
Taking kratom consistently or increasing dosage regularly can lead to dizzy spells or vertigo symptoms in extreme cases. Changes in blood pressure as the epinephrine in your bloodstream increases could cause this problem.
Most users report that the feeling goes away in a short amount of time without any action on their part, but make sure you drink plenty of water to help stay hydrated and regulate your blood pressure naturally.
3. Anxiety
Kratom can help treat anxiety or cause it if taken improperly. Some users report feeling anxious after taking large doses or the wrong strain for their condition. It’s believed that changes in epinephrine are to blame.
To avoid anxiety, keep your quantities under 5 g at all times, and take tolerance breaks when you feel you need more than that.
4. Cloudy Thoughts
Impaired short-term memory or “cloudy” thinking is another side effect reported by some kratom users. It’s unclear why individuals experience this, but large doses over 10 g are suspected to be the culprit.
5. Low Energy
Some kratom users note that their energy levels feel reduced over time with regular use. Like caffeine and many other drugs, kratom can cause your adrenal gland to secrete adrenaline and other hormones artificially.
Over time, you could experience adrenal fatigue, which could result in noticeably lower energy.
Most users report that this side effect is only an issue with extended use but can return to normal with tolerance breaks.
6. Other Side Effects
There are several other side effects that kratom users have reported in far fewer numbers. They include kidney and liver issues, irritability, and long-term hormonal imbalances. These symptoms aren’t as well established or common in the kratom community, and any substantial research doesn’t back them at this time.
Experts believe that kratom isn’t safe to consume while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as it could have adverse effects on your baby.
It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t use kratom with alcohol or other drugs, as unwanted effects and side effects could result.
What’s The Future of Kratom in Ohio?
Currently, kratom is legal throughout the state of Ohio, with no age restrictions for purchasing it. Some regulations in place include alkaloid limits and restrictions on substances and synthetic drugs included in the products.
Kratom users in Ohio may have to worry about the future legal status of the substance, as the state is considering placing a ban or additional restrictions on kratom. However, there is no bill to make kratom illegal in Ohio at this time.
You can purchase kratom in many local head shops and smoke shops throughout Ohio’s major cities without restrictions. However, many users turn to online shops for higher-quality, guaranteed-pure kratom at lower prices.
Some of the top vendors for quality and purity include Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom. Find a trusted source, then see if kratom works for you.
