Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an herbal extract derived from the evergreen tree of the same name. Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, it is currently experiencing a surge in popularity for its stimulant, relaxing, and pain-relieving properties.
In this article, you’ll learn about the herb’s legal status in Dayton, Ohio, and where to find the best kratom near you. Furthermore, we’ll tell you more about the substance’s qualities and other information relevant to the present day.
Is Kratom Legal in Dayton?
Yes, kratom is legal in Dayton and throughout Ohio.
As of April 2022, Ohio hasn’t yet passed any laws regarding kratom, but there’s a restriction in place that only allows kratom in powder form. In addition, nobody can market it as safe for human consumption. All of this, however, could change soon.
On February 9, the House of Representatives passed bill HB236, intending to regulate kratom in the state. If passed by the Senate, Ohio will become one of few states where the law would effectively protect kratom and its users.
Such a move would go against the FDA’s claim that kratom is an unsafe and dangerous substance. As there’s no federal regulation for kratom, the agency has pushed for all states to ban it individually.
The World Health Organization reviewed kratom, but contrary to the FDA’s wishes, it found little evidence of a threat, instead recommending regulation and safety guidelines. The organization will keep tabs on it, but kratom’s future remains bright for the time being.
Will Dayton Ban Kratom?
As the state’s health authorities have imposed some restrictions on its sale and marketing, kratom currently enjoys limited legality in Dayton. However, with the prospect of regulation becoming a reality in the coming months, the risk of a ban is pretty low.
Of course, there’s still a risk involved, but public opinion wouldn’t let a ban happen without a fight.
In 2019, the Board of Pharmacy voted to classify kratom as a Schedule I substance, and public efforts forced a reversal of that decision. The American Kratom Association’s (AKA) support was crucial for achieving this milestone.
In conclusion, while we don’t think Dayton or Ohio will ban kratom soon, we encourage you to stay alert and updated on related news. And as always, be ready to make your voice heard should the time comes.
Why Do Some States & Cities Ban Kratom?
Mostly, states and cities ban kratom due to long-held prejudices and a lack of reliable information. To many people, psychoactive substances and dangerous drugs are the same thing, which is simply not true: kratom is an organic substance and relatively safe.
The lack of information stems from the fact that kratom is new to the Western Hemisphere, and clinical studies are few or limited at best. There are thousands of user reports, but no study has confirmed or denied their findings yet.
That said, we are optimistic that the situation will change soon. As the herb gains more popularity, new studies will end the harmful prejudices around kratom.
Top 5 Kratom Shops in Dayton
As we know that finding physical stores can be a challenge, we’ve created a list of Dayton’s five best kratom shops. Explore them at your own pace, and remember that there’s always the alternative of choosing online vendors.
1. First Choice Kratom
First Choice Kratom has one of the finest selections in Dayton, and their products are lab-tested and proven to be free of additives before being sold. Furthermore, their customer service will fulfill all your kratom needs. Check out their Red Bali and Green Maeng Da if you visit them.
You’ll find them at 2915 Linden Ave, Suite A, and their phone number is (937) 951-2004. On their website, you’ll find the strains they have in store, contact information, and social media links.
2. Eastown Smoke Shop
Regardless of what you need, Eastown Smoke Shop will provide it to you with care and professionalism. Besides the prevalent kratom strains, they offer tobacco, and vape products, among other things. If you have any questions, their knowledgeable staff will answer them.
This shop opens at 3931 Linden Ave, but you can call them at (937) 258-3258 for further inquiries. Unfortunately, the store has no website, so you’ll need to call if you wish to contact them.
3. Smokers Plus Vapes
Smokers Plus Vapes has such a wide selection that you would question your previous choices. Their kratom products are lab-tested and inexpensive, something that’s hard to find among retail stores. Clean and tidy, this shop is a fine choice.
Visit them at 534 Wilmington Ave or give them a call at (937) 252-2806. If you have any questions, you can also visit their website and fill out their contact form.
4. Hemptations
Hemptations boasts quality products at reasonable prices and holds a rightful spot among the best kratom shops in Dayton. Their staff is always willing to lend you a hand if you’re new to this herb. To top it off, if you need a product they don’t have, they’ll order it for you.
They open at 548 Wilmington Ave, but you can talk with them at (937) 991-1015. Their website is old and difficult to navigate, so we recommend giving them a call instead.
5. Up In Smoke & Vape Kratom CBD
Up In Smoke has everything you’d want from a kratom store: good products, affordable prices, and excellent customer service. With a goods selection so extensive, you won’t help but feel overwhelmed by the possibilities. In addition, you’ll also find vape and CBD-based products.
You can locate them at 5101 N Springboro Pike, but you may call them at (937) 299-3200 if you need additional information. They haven’t updated their Facebook page in a while, so we suggest you call them should you want to know more.
Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online
All kratom users have faced — or will face — the dilemma of buying kratom in-store or online, and you may be wondering which one is the safer option. We’ll save you the trouble: internet purchases are safer, more reliable, and more convenient. Here’s why.
To begin, buying online only requires a few minutes of your time and a handful of clicks, all without leaving the comfort of home. That’s much easier than having to visit a brick-and-mortar store.
Also, keep in mind that local retailers pay the overhead costs of running a shop, which online vendors simply don’t need to do. As a result, internet purchases almost always save you money.
Online vendors also offer higher quality. Remember these manufacturers send their goods straight to your house, without intermediaries. This way, it’s unlikely you’ll receive stale kratom or a tampered product.
In addition, internet sellers usually follow strict quality standards and perform extensive lab testing. Also, most of them have hundreds of reviews, which come in handy when comparing different vendors or products.
Finally, online vendors offer a vast selection of strains, including many rare ones that would be impossible to find otherwise. No physical shop can ever compete in this aspect.
Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?
In general, physical stores are safe, but they carry some risks. It’s difficult to say for sure because these shops can be wildly different from each other. Some follow rigorous practices, while others are less stringent.
That said, due to serving the whole country, online vendors are more trustworthy and committed to safety. Their reputation and popularity have lots to say on the issue.
Kratom Vendors That Ship to Dayton
As you probably know, there are dozens of online vendors for each product sold in the market, and kratom is not the exception. It’s perfectly understandable if the sheer number of potential sellers overwhelms you.
While we can’t choose for you, we can certainly narrow your choices to something more reasonable. Therefore, we’re presenting you a list of the eight best online kratom vendors, all certified and ready to ship to Dayton. Read through and pick the one that suits you best.
1. Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom is at the top for its excellent price-quality ratio, commitment to safety, and top-notch customer service. It has one of the widest selections of strains, all coming straight from Southeast Asia and thoroughly lab tested.
If you pick this vendor, you’ll get a 30-day refund guarantee and free shipping on orders over $29.99. In addition, you can get sample packets at no charge to assist you in picking your new strain.
Kona Kratom’s top picks:
- Green Malay
- Red Maeng Da
- Red Dragon
2. Star Kratom
Star Kratom
In the second place, Star Kratom shines for its fantastic shipping speeds, which have no match in the market.
The brand isn’t known just for its quick shipping. In less than five years, it has established itself as one of the safest in the market. It may offer fewer strains than others, but its complete lab test results and reasonable prices make up for it.
Star Kratom’s top picks:
- Red Bali
- Green Maeng Da
- Green Malay
3. VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom is the vendor of choice for those users who want the best product possible. The secret to its success has been its focus on quality regardless of price. As a result, you’ll find its costs are higher than most, but the consistency and potency of its products always remain the same.
Speaking of potency, it increases as the quality does, so don’t be surprised to discover that the effects are more powerful or longer-lasting than lesser kratom. As a final perk, you’ll receive a handy 30-day money-back guarantee.
VIP Kratom’s top picks:
- Red Sumatra
- White Maeng Da
- Green Hulu
4. Kats Botanicals
Kats Botanicals
Kats Botanicals specializes in selling curative plants, including valerian root, moringa, turmeric, CBD oil, and kratom. They use organic methods to cultivate their plants, and their reputation is solid for both products and customer service.
They thoroughly test all their products, and while their costs may be higher than average, you’ll find exclusive items like their Digital Buddha kratom. Products come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and have thousands of reviews to back them.
Kat’s Botanicals’ top picks:
- Green Maeng Da
- Digital Buddha
- White Maeng Da
5. Happy Hippo Herbals
Happy Hippo
While their website may not inspire much trust, Happy Hippo Herbals is a genuine vendor, just like all the others on this list. It has one of the most rigorous testing regimes of all, and the quality of its processes achieved the AKA’s Good Manufacturing Practices certification.
Their website takes some time to explore, but their selection of products is worth it. In addition to kratom, they sell other medicinal herbs like kanna and kava. Furthermore, they sort their products by the time their effects take to set in, which is unique in the market.
Happy Hippo Herbals’ top picks:
- Green Maeng Da
- White Horn
- Red Maeng Da
6. Green Leaf Kratom
Green Leaf Kratom
Green Leaf Kratom defies all kratom industry traditions by prioritizing quantity above quality. They offer a wide selection of strains, but they don’t disclose much about the testing performed on their products.
Besides their varied merchandise, the company provides a 30-day return period on all purchases, which comes in handy if yours wasn’t satisfying. Uniquely, they offer free shipping across the country, no matter the cost or the amount.
Green Leaf Kratom’s top picks:
- Green Maeng Da
- Red Horn
- White Maeng Da
7. Remarkable Herbs
Remarkable Herbs Kratom
Founded in 2001, Remarkable Herbs is one of the oldest companies in the kratom industry. Since its inception, it has had remarkable consistency across batches and top-notch lab testing. As such, the AKA has certified its processes as safe and sustainable.
This company also distinguishes itself by offering other herbal extracts like Mitragyna hirsuta and Mitragyna javanica, two herbs closely related to kratom. Unfortunately, they sell their products through third parties, but you won’t take long to find them in local shops.
Remarkable Herbs’ top picks:
- Green Thai
- Green Malay
- Kava
8. Golden Monk
Golden Monk Kratom
Golden Monk is a solid choice among kratom vendors for its fantastic strain selection and discreet shipping options. Being a member of the AKA’s GMP program, you can rest assured its manufacturing processes are environment-friendly and safe.
New clients always get a discount on their first buy, and its system of purchase points keeps its customers around. Later, you can exchange these points for additional discounts, which are very handy if you’re on a budget.
Golden Monk’s top picks:
- Red Bali
- Maeng Da
- Green Malay
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
When we talk about kratom strains, we refer to the more than 50 variants of Mitragyna speciosa that grow throughout the world. We can distinguish them by the color of their leaves’ veins, and each produces its own set of effects.
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each strain will help you choose the one that’s best suited to your needs.
Green Vein Kratom Powder
In terms of effects, green vein kratom powder stands in the middle between the white and red strains. Green strains are excellent starting points for those who’d like to try kratom for the first time.
The top-rated green-vein kratom strains are:
Green Malay
Recognized as the quintessential green strain, Green Malay provides an ideal balance of energy and relaxation. In modest dosages, it boosts energy and enhances mood, while in higher amounts, it reduces pain and anxiety.
Green Borneo
Green Borneo is ideal for beginners looking to experience the benefits of this herb. This strain is regarded as a jack of all trades since it can adapt to all your needs. However, we found out it works slightly better at reducing pain, stress, and anxiety.
Green Bali
Leaning more towards the energetic side of the spectrum, Green Bali boosts the mind and body enough to last through a workday. As it lasts longer than other strains, many people use it to replace coffee.
Red Vein Kratom Powder
Primarily offering sedative and analgesic effects, red vein kratom powder is ideal for those who deal with pain or insomnia. Its distinctive color is due to a higher concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is responsible for the qualities of this variety.
The top-rated red-vein kratom strains are:
Red Bali
Due to its stimulating properties at modest dosages, Red Bali is a rare find among red strains. In higher amounts, though, it becomes a potent pain reliever. It is also an effective sedative, ideal for relaxing after a long day.
Red Thai
Red Thai is the ideal choice for those people who have to deal with anxiety or insomnia every day. Besides also boosting mood and providing analgesic effects, many people have found it helpful to alleviate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Red Sumatra
If you’re looking for the most effective sedative among all strains, Red Sumatra is the one you should choose. While comparable to Red Thai in moderate doses, it creates an unparalleled sensation of serenity and relaxation in higher amounts.
White Vein Kratom Powder
With higher levels of mitragynine, white vein kratom powder enhances cognition and boosts energy. As it is also an excellent nootropic, many people have picked it as an alternative to their morning coffee.
The top-rated white-vein kratom strains are:
White Thai
White Thai is a fantastic choice for those looking to increase their energy, battle exhaustion, and improve their focus. Users report feeling more social and creative, but we advise caution because it has the potential to induce sleeplessness.
White Bali
White Bali is an inexpensive but popular strain among experienced and beginner users alike. Many users claim it makes them feel more alert, motivated and concentrated. Additionally, in higher amounts, it becomes an effective sedative and analgesic.
White Indo
White Indo provides a long-lasting energy boost capable of supporting people through a hectic day or a demanding routine. Boasting coffee-like characteristics, it has minimal side effects when it wears off.
Can You Overdose on Kratom?
The short answer is that yes, it’s possible to ingest too much and overdose on kratom. Of course, you’ll feel pretty terrible, but overdoses usually aren’t fatal —unless the kratom interacts with other substances.
The CDC has reported that in 18 months, kratom was a contributing factor to the death of 91 people due to overdose. However, these deaths resulted from ingesting other substances besides kratom, such as high amounts of alcohol, prescription painkillers, or other hard drugs.
However, as long as you keep using kratom responsibly, an accidental overdose, at worst, will provide horrible —but non-fatal— effects.
Some of the common effects you can expect of an overdose are:
- Agitation or irritability
- Difficult breathing
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Nausea & vomiting
If the vomiting gets too violent or you start hallucinating or passing out, you should go to the hospital immediately or call 911. If, instead, you’re only experiencing mild symptoms, drink water, eat healthy foods, and rest until you sober up. Also, avoid taking any more kratom.
As always, kratom is safe as long as you use it responsibly. Avoid doses beyond the recommended amounts and be mindful of the dosage according to your body.
Related: What’s the Dose of Kratom?
Is Kratom Safe for Older Adults?
The popular pain-relieving properties of kratom have attracted many older adults looking for a natural replacement for conventional medication. While this isn’t surprising, there’s little medical data regarding kratom’s effects on the elderly.
Looking to revert this trend, researchers analyzed data from the US poison centers searching for cases involving both kratom and older adults in the 2014-2019 period. Out of 3484 cases, 4.6% involved adults of 60 years or more.
In their findings, older adults seemed to suffer the most adverse effects. There was something of note, though: there were several cases where kratom interacted with conventional medications [1].
Ultimately, it’s too early to determine whether kratom is entirely safe for older adults. There are possible hazards, so we advise caution and care when preparing the doses. Most of all, do not take kratom in combination with medications.
Can You Become Addicted to Kratom?
As with any other substance, you can become dependent and addicted to kratom if you don’t use it responsibly. There are two stages of dependence: psychological dependence and physical dependence.
Psychological Dependence
You start craving the thing that relieves you from the unpleasant sensations of pain, anxiety, or depression. In short, you want to feel kratom’s effects at all times, and you feel anxious or irritated when you don’t get them.
Physical Dependence
In this case, the body assumes that kratom is another constant of normal daily function. Therefore, when the substance leaves the system, the body loses equilibrium, and you feel physically ill.
Thankfully, the feelings of illness are mild and pass relatively quickly compared to other substances. It may take some time, but you won’t feel irritated or sick anymore once it’s over.
If you become addicted or know of someone who’s addicted, remember that there are ways to beat addiction and quit kratom effectively. There are many support groups online, and thousands become free every year, so don’t lose hope yet.
Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Dayton
Thankfully, kratom is legal in Dayton, and Ohio is on the path to regulating it for good. If the efforts succeed, Ohio will join the list of states where this herb is legal and protected. The possibility of a ban is further away than ever now.
Although we could find several legitimate physical stores in Dayton, there are so few that we recommend resorting to online vendors instead. Examples like Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom offer all the benefits of internet purchasing and are reputable and trustworthy.
- Graves, J. M., Dilley, J. A., Terpak, L., Brooks‐Russell, A., Whitehill, J. M., Klein, T. A., & Liebelt, E. (2021). Kratom exposures among older adults reported to US poison centers, 2014–2019. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 69(8), 2176-2184.