Kratom is a medicinal plant that millions of people worldwide consume in various ways, hoping to improve their lives or treat an ailment.
This plant, native to Asia, belongs to the same family as coffee. Its leaves can be chewed or, more commonly, processed into a powder.
Legally, it’s a controversial issue. Some states prohibit it, others regulate it, and some simply ignore its existence. As of right now, Oregon falls into the latter category. Pending legislation aims to regulate kratom.
Is Kratom Legal in Oregon?
Kratom is unregulated in Oregon, which makes its consumption, sale, and possession permitted. However, there have been several attempts to regulate kratom in this state.
In 2017, the anti-kratom political lobby attempted to ban it. In 2019, the state of Oregon brought the kratom issue back to the table because many kratom products contained lead and nickel levels that exceeded those suitable for human consumption.
In January 2021, the government introduced a bill to regulate kratom, which is still pending but has wide approval.
The new bill includes:
- A ban on adulterated kratom containing dangerous, illegal, or synthetic substances
- A maximum content of 7-hydroxymitragynine (2%)
- A ban on the sale to minors under 21
- High fines for violating any of the measures
Where to Buy Kratom in Oregon
You can buy kratom in two ways: online or by going to a physical store.
Buying kratom from the right source helps you avoid poor-quality products or adulterated kratom. Below, we compare buying kratom online and in-store.
Buying Kratom Online
Online is the best way to get kratom in a state where it’s not regulated. Reliable vendors will give you several advantages over in-store purchases:
- It’s more discrete
- It’s more convenient
- It’s cheaper (less overhead)
- There’s more selection
- You have the opportunity to check third-party tests
It’s important to always source your kratom from AKA-approved, reputable vendors. If you’re looking for a quick recommendation, check out brands like Kona Kratom, VIP Kratom, or Star Kratom.
Buying Kratom In-Store
There may be local vendors that provide good quality kratom. However, you’re exposing yourself to the possibility of receiving a dangerously adulterated product. Since kratom is unregulated, anyone can sell it.
The kratom found in physical stores is often lower quality, more expensive, and more likely to be adulterated.
List of shops in Oregon selling kratom:
- Beaverton Smoke Shack Smoke Shop (Beaverton)
- Santa Clara Smoke Shop (Eugene)
- House of Pipes (Oregon City)
- All Stop Pipes and Tobacco (Tigard)
- Blaze Smoke Shop (Portland)
Find Kratom Near You
What To Look For When Buying Kratom
You know where to buy kratom, but how can you find a reliable vendor? In this section, we’ll focus on three things to look for.
Company Reputation
An extensive internet search should provide customer reviews for any company you wish to buy from. Our vendor review page gives accurate descriptions of various kratom retailers.
AKA Certification
The American Kratom Association (AKA), founded in 2014, is a non-profit company that supports kratom users in many ways.
Kratom vendors across the USA join its quality testing programs. Once a year, these vendors submit to an audit. Third-party laboratories test the products, and the vendor is no longer endorsed if the results fail to meet the standards set by the AKA.
Because this is often the only oversight, it’s important to make sure the vendor you buy from is certified by the AKA.
Strain
Each strain of kratom gives different effects since each one has a different alkaloid profile. However, an easy way to categorize kratom is by the color of the leaf vein. This is a good indicator of the effects it provides.
Red Vein Kratom
Red vein kratom is the most sedative option and provides anxiolytic, analgesic, and relaxing effects similar to opiates.
White Vein Kratom
If red vein kratom leans to one side of the scale, white vein kratom balances it by positioning itself on the opposite side. White kratom provides the most stimulating and euphoric effects.
It has a high level of mitragynine, an alkaloid that interacts with receptors that cause euphoria and stimulation.
Green Vein Kratom
Finally, green vein kratom is in the middle. Its effects are more balanced, as is its alkaloid profile. It’s important to read the description of these products carefully because they can cause stimulation or sedation.
What Are People Using Kratom For?
Currently, more than four million Americans use kratom for a variety of purposes. This section will review the most common uses of kratom and how to use it.
Pain Relief
Pain is our body’s way of alerting us that something is wrong. Before taking kratom, you should find the root of the problem. However, chronic pain can be a huge detriment to the quality of life, motivation, and overall health.
Red vein kratom may help manage pain and produces the most analgesic effects due to its alkaloid profile.
To treat chronic pain, you’ll most likely need to consume a high dose (5g or more) to get the effects you’re looking for.
Related: Best kratom strains for pain relief.
Opiate Withdrawal
Opiates have extremely high dependence. Quitting these substances can lead to severe opiate withdrawal symptoms. Kratom is an effective tool in the battle against withdrawal.
At high doses, kratom can mimic opiates enough to help appease the severe withdrawal symptoms.
Energy & Focus
White vein kratom provides stimulating effects similar to caffeine. However, this happens in lower doses, while higher doses can cause sedative effects.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are prevalent in our stress-filled society. Fortunately, kratom can help with both.
In the case of depression, white kratom is the best choice. If you only suffer from anxiety, red kratom will give you the relaxing effects you need.
However, it’s common for these two conditions to go hand in hand, and white vein kratom could increase your anxiety in low doses. In this case, try a more balanced green strain.
Is Kratom Safe?
Kratom is safe, but only if you consume it responsibly.
It’s next to impossible to take high doses of any substance regularly and not have negative consequences. However, kratom is safer than most medications you find in a pharmacy. While kratom addiction is possible, it’s on a small scale and easy to reverse.
Side Effects of Kratom
If you consume too much kratom or use it too often, you may encounter side effects. Occasionally, these occur even if you consume kratom responsibly, but this isn’t typical.
Some common side effects of kratom include:
- Brain fog
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Nausea and vomiting
Gastrointestinal side effects are most common when first using kratom. Kratom is a plant vibrant in alkaloids, and the body has to get used to it. Lethargy and brain fog are indicative of excessive dosage.
Never use kratom if you’re pregnant or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
What’s The Future of Kratom in Oregon?
We can’t give you any guarantees, but it seems kratom will be regulated in Oregon soon.
The authorities seem to know that prohibition is not a possible solution. We hope the state will support kratom users, allowing them to continue to use this valuable plant medicine.
Make sure you’re getting quality kratom by purchasing it from a reliable source like Kona Kratom, VIP Kratom, or Star Kratom.
