Is Kratom Legal in Panama? (2023 Buyer’s Guide)

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) originates from an evergreen tree in the Rubiaceae family (AKA the coffee family).

Although kratom is just now experiencing a rise in popularity across South America, the herb has been used as a traditional plant medicine since the nineteenth century throughout its native range in Southeast Asia.

By the end of this article, you’ll know everything there is to know about the legality of kratom in Panama and where you can find kratom sellers near you.

Is Kratom Legal in Panama?

Although regulations aren’t clear, kratom is legal in Panama.

Due to its absence on Bill 176, a resolution listing all controlled substances by the Panamanian government, kratom is not regulated. There’s also no mention of kratom in the Panama penal code.

Last, the World Health Organization recently reviewed kratom and declared it not a threat when used responsibly. This may influence undecided countries like Panama to hold back on outlawing it.

We don’t suggest you try to enter or leave the country carrying the herb. It’s better to order online and have it delivered. While the herb isn’t illegal, there are some reports of people being hassled at the Panamanian border while transporting kratom.

Will Panama Ban Kratom?

Not likely. There are no significant movements to ban kratom in Panama.

Kratom has only been officially banned in a handful of countries across the globe — including France, the UK, Indonesia, and several US states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin).

Why Do Some Countries Ban Kratom?

Kratom is a controversial plant. Some of its effects work through the opiate system, the same mechanism used by addictive drugs like fentanyl and heroin. This fact has many regulators worried that keeping kratom legal could contribute to the growing opioid epidemic.

For years, the FDA, DEA, and various government organizations have tried to stain kratom’s image with isolated cases of abuse or misuse, resulting in deaths.

However, the evidence supports the position that kratom doesn’t pose a significant risk to society but may actually reduce addiction to opiates and benzodiazepines.

What to Look for When Buying Kratom (How to Find Quality Kratom)

There is almost no information regarding reputable physical kratom shops in Panama. Still, we know several poor-quality vendors will be eager to sell you sub-par kratom for some profit.

In this section, we will expand on four key aspects you’d do well to consider when deciding if a retailer is trustworthy or not. Although these won’t ensure getting the best herb obtainable, it’s still essential you keep these in mind when purchasing.

Look For AKA Endorsement (Or Equivalent)

The American Kratom Association (AKA) has played an essential role in raising awareness regarding the nature of the herb. By proposing kratom regulations in the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, they established a certification program recognizing and giving vendors their well-known seal of approval.

Even though only a handful of AKA-endorsed sellers ship to Panama, and there aren’t many local stores around, we still suggest looking for this seal when shopping for kratom products, even if you’re not living in the United States.

Read Vendor Reviews

Before purchasing, either via the web or in-store, we suggest checking online reviews on official sites and social media such as Reddit.

We recommend straying from vendors with several negative reviews or aggressive reactions to comments online. Outstanding customer service and good reviews come hand in hand with trustworthy suppliers.

Consider Strain Variety

A vendor’s inability to supply more than a handful of strains might indicate a lack of understanding of the herb’s effects.

It is of utmost importance to know how much knowledge each vendor has. A trustworthy seller will answer all questions that might arise, whereas deceitful retailers will do anything in their power to get rid of their sub-par products.

How to Store Kratom

Although poorly kept kratom will degrade in about three months, good storage practices will stretch the herb’s shelf-life to almost a year.

Always store your kratom powder in an airtight container (such as a sealable Tupperware, ziplock bag, or mason jar. Keep your kratom away from direct light or heat, and never let your kratom get wet.

If you’re ordering large quantities of kratom and want to store it for a long time, you can keep it in the fridge or freezer for several months or years.

Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online

Another choice you’ll have to make when purchasing the herb is how to buy it. Whereas some like to shop around and visit physical stores to get their kratom, others love being able to buy whatever strain they need by clicking a few buttons on a screen.

Following up, we curated a list to explain why we believe acquiring kratom online will improve your life.

We can’t promise you’ll find pure, unadulterated kratom with certifications by third-party labs in-store. However, online retailers can ensure their kratom’s freshness via the AKA’s seal of approval.

Also, web vendors offer their clients the ability to keep things undercover. Some online retailers will ship your kratom in an entirely discreet package. This feature made them a fan favorite among those looking to avoid the curious eyes of nosy neighbors.

In addition, most reputable online sellers evade dealing with intermediaries and get the herb straight from the manufacturer, consequently affecting their kratom’s price and quality.

Lastly, internet vendors offer a more extensive assortment of strains. By buying online, you’ll no longer be limited to your local smoke shops’ selection.

Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?

Even if purchasing kratom in-store isn’t necessarily dangerous, most physical shops don’t abide by the best safety standards of the industry. Only a few of them can equal online vendors regarding quality and safety.

We can’t help being biased toward online shopping, as cheaper fees, assured purity, and comfort, are certified guarantees this way. However, it is up to you to decide if you like browsing around enough to ignore these immense benefits.

Kratom Vendors That Ship to Panama

We know how difficult finding a perfect web retailer to cater to your needs might be for both beginner and experienced buyers.

So, to help you get on your feet, we listed the two best reputable vendors that ship to Panama. These stores will supply you with discreet packaging, reasonable fees, a wide assortment of strains, and the AKA’s approval.

1. Kona Kratom

Locating specific, hard-to-find strains is a piece of cake when buying from Kona Kratom. Our top recommendation in the current worldwide market, this powerhouse offers an excellent selection of inexpensive kratom without compromising quality.

They guarantee the freshest possible products by sourcing its entire stock straight from Thailand, Borneo, Indonesia, and Vietnam. In addition, they make sure a third-party lab tests their products twice.

Kona Kratom will protect your health and save you time and money by avoiding unnecessary test buys, as they provide newcomers with sample packs. You can also get free shipping on orders over $29.99.

Kona Kratom’s top picks:

• Green Malay
• Red Maeng Da
• Red Dragon

2. Star Kratom

Another contender on our list is Star Kratom, cherished by the kratom community for its fast shipping times. This brand offers free, fast shipping and inconspicuous packaging to keep your purchase safe from curious bystanders.

This powerhouse gained a trustworthy reputation for offering incredible deals for new customers (sign up for the mailing list for a discount). If you’re short on cash yet don’t want to sacrifice your herb’s quality, you should give Star Kratom a shot. 

GStar Kratom’s top picks:

• Red Bali
• Green Maeng Da
• Green Malay

Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?

Another choice you’ll be obligated to face when dipping your toes in the kratom world is selecting the ideal kratom strain to suit your needs. Users classify the varieties according to their leaf’s vein color, place of origin, or specific phenotype.

Here are some of the most popular kratom strains for each of the three primary strain colors:

Green Vein Kratom Powder

With both stimulating and anesthetic effects under its sleeve, green vein kratom powder is the junction where these opposite results converge. This makes green-veined strains the most balanced varieties in the market and a favorite for beginners.

The top-rated green-vein kratom strains are:

Green Thai Kratom

Green Thai’s mild effects will help you achieve a relaxed state of mind. Some users highlight its ability to make you feel as if you were “floating.”

Green Borneo Kratom

If you’re looking to defeat muscle aches and anxiety in the blink of an eye, you should give Green Borneo a chance. It is one of the most balanced strains in the market and will deliver sedating and stimulating effects.

Green Sumatra Kratom

Green Sumatra is perfect for those who worry about the duration of their product’s effects. Compared to other strains, Green Sumatra’s alkaloids provide a long-lasting experience.

Red Vein Kratom Powder

If you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, and overall muscle pain, red vein kratom powder will overpower them with its sedative and nootropic effects. A handful of red-veined strains will even target insomnia when accurately dosed.

The top-rated red-vein kratom strains are:

Red Bali Kratom

Red Bali is a potent, quick-acting, painkilling strain, though it might induce a mild feeling of sedation once its effects finally subdue,

Red Sumatra Kratom

Red Sumatra is our top recommendation for those dealing with poor sleep. Moderate doses after having dinner are equal to the right amount of relaxation to call it a night.

Red Borneo Kratom

Red Borneo is ideal for those looking to beat muscle pain. However, its main highlight is its lack of mentionable side effects.

White Vein Kratom Powder

White vein kratom powder is now undergoing a spike in demand due to its popularity among students and workers.

This particular variety supplies the user with swift painkilling and nootropic effects, helping those struggling with extended work hours and long study nights.

The top-rated white-vein kratom strains are:

White Sumatra Kratom

We thoroughly suggest White Sumatra if you need an energy boost to last you all night. You can even replace your morning coffee once you purchase this strain, as it is a perfect alternative.

White Indo Kratom

Perhaps the most balanced strain on the top three, White Indo, will improve your mood and help you deal with poor self-esteem. Its euphoric effects will get you up and running in a heartbeat.

White Thai Kratom

If you’re an artist struggling with a mental block, White Thai will get you out of trouble by enhancing your creative drive. A natural social lubricant and an ideal alcohol alternative, this strain will even help lessen your anxiety.

What Are the Side Effects of Kratom?

Kratom can cause side effects when dosed irresponsibly. Said effects usually appear when you take more than your body can handle. We’ll cover some of the most common ones further below.

Excess and withdrawal can induce you to experience nausea, so we suggest avoiding the herb on an empty stomach. Hydration should be your top priority; using ginger and drinking water will help reduce vomiting and soothe your stomach.

Higher doses of pain-relieving strains might drop your blood pressure, so lightheadedness is another symptom you should keep tabs on. Avoid sudden movements and lie down to power through this stress-inducing experience.

Abusing the herb for extended periods might lead to longer sedations and eventually evolve into chronic fatigue in the long run. It is important to practice moderation with kratom and other substances.

The plant’s misuse can compromise your bowel movements and prompt constipation by influencing your spinal receptors. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet and reducing your kratom intake should help.

Issues with your liver and kidneys, hormones, emotional instability, hyperalgesia, and libido might happen if you abuse the herb for a long time.

Chemical or psychologically induced anxiety is bound to appear when dosing your kratom inaccurately. It should disappear after halting your intake for a few weeks, but if you’re still feeling uneasy, we suggest giving another strain a chance or taking a break.

Drinking water and eating adequately go hand in hand with responsible kratom use to diminish the chance of facing these side effects. However, if you’re undergoing any sensations that might hint toward addiction, please visit your nearest expert.

Types of Kratom Products

Once you’ve successfully chosen the perfect strain to suit your desires, you’ll also have to decide what form you’ll take it in. Even if we don’t plan on pointing fingers and telling you which is the best, you might find out some of them are better at catering to specific needs.

Next, we’ll expand on the three types of kratom products and their advantages.

Kratom Powder

First up, we have kratom powder. It is the most commonly found form of kratom as it is easy to carry and allows you to measure each dose accurately. The powder is just ground-up leaves.

Nevertheless, we can’t ignore its bitter taste. The easiest way to take powdered kratom is via the “toss & wash” procedure.

Kratom Tinctures

If you’re looking to boost the effects of your kratom by dissolving it in a drink, tinctures are the way to go. Although some deem it a bit pricier, this procedure doesn’t sacrifice portability, taste, or quality.

After putting a few drops of tincture under your tongue, you might experience a mild burning sensation. However, this comes with a decent trade-off, as kratom tinctures are long-lasting.

Kratom Capsules

Ideal for limited and accurate dosages, many users can’t help but love capsules. However, they are more expensive over the counter and limited to a mainstream assortment of strains, making them harder to find.

The gelatin shells that encapsulate the herb will help conceal the bitterness, allowing you to avoid the natural sour taste of powdered kratom.

Still, experienced users believe this method isn’t powerful enough for them, as they need to take several pills before experiencing its effects. In addition, if you take too many capsules, you may upset your stomach due to their gelatin, which is not convenient for large doses.

How Much Does Kratom Cost?

Kratom will cost you exponentially less the more you buy, and its price range across the US is generally the following:

• 1 oz (28 g): $6-$12
• 8 oz (250 g): $30-$55
• 35 oz (1000 g/1 kilo): $90-$240

However, several factors surrounding the purchase will affect your total price. Before buying, you should always consider quality, quantity, retailer, form, and strain.

Also, purchasing kratom through the web is cheaper than in-store. Online retailers ensure the herb will come straight from the manufacturer, avoiding unnecessary costs and intermediaries.

Furthermore, although leaves and powder have the most affordable purchase and delivery costs, capsules and tinctures tilt towards the pricey side. Still, keep in mind that the latter is usually more potent —it costs an average of $1.30 per mL.

Lastly, leaves are around $10 when acquired online, and capsules average $16 per ounce.

Cheapest Kratom Strains

• Bali
• Indo
• Thai

Most Expensive Kratom Strains

• Red Dragon
• Yellow Horn
• Green Hulu Kapua
• Cambodian

Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Panama

We believe kratom has a bright future in Panama and other Latin American countries. Still, we can’t promise things won’t suddenly change, and you’d do well by staying as updated as you can on kratom-related news.

To avoid the nuisance of searching for physical stores in your city, you should try online vendors instead. You shouldn’t have any issues with Kona Kratom or Star Kratom, vendors that have been in the market for some time now and won’t disappoint you.