Where to Buy Kratom in Scranton

Written by Johan Hansen
Last Updated 1 year ago

Johan Hansen

Ex-Kratom Shop Owner

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree native to Southeast Asia, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, like coffee. Kratom use is becoming popular in the US because of its therapeutic range of effects, such as relaxation and pain relief. However, its medicinal benefits go far beyond that.

This herb is legal in Scranton and throughout Pennsylvania, and this article will show you which vendors deliver it near you. In addition, we will discuss its benefits, what side effects to expect, and which method of ingestion is ideal for you.

Is Kratom Legal in Scranton?

Yes, kratom is legal in Scranton.

Despite an attempt to ban it in 2019, kratom remains unregulated throughout Pennsylvania. That same year, the state senate passed PA Bill HR460, whereby the public and several non-profit organizations petitioned the FDA to regulate the kratom industry.

While kratom has suffered a smear campaign by the DEA and FDA, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently subjected this herb to an in-depth evaluation.

As a result, the agency concluded that kratom does not constitute a threat to public health and is not a substance of concern.

Will Scranton Ban Kratom?

Although there was an attempt in 2019 to ban kratom in Pennsylvania, the public and the American Kratom Association (AKA) have pushed for legislation to regulate the industry.

Therefore, it is improbable that Scranton will ban this herb —at least for the time being.

Why Do Some States/Cities Ban Kratom?

This herb has been the subject of an intense smear campaign, mainly by the DEA and FDA. These entities used their platform to spread misconceptions about kratom, associating it with more dangerous substances, such as illicit opioids and prescription pills.

Consequently, some cities and states still believe this herb to be a public health hazard and choose to ban kratom or its alkaloids. Even so, the WHO has already ruled on the matter and concluded that it does not pose a threat, and there is no reason to ban it.

Top 5 Kratom Shops in Scranton

If you prefer to buy your kratom in person, luckily, you have several stores that know this herb inside out in Scranton, offering products of the highest quality. Here’s a list of the five best physical stores where you can buy safe kratom at reasonable prices.

1. Smoke Buddies

This store has the most fantastic kratom variety in all of Scranton. You can find the herb in powder and capsule form on their shelves from brands like Remarkable Herbs, Element Kratom, and OPMS. Also, they carry extracts from brands K80, Lit, Hush, Mit 45, and more.

Besides kratom, Smoke Buddies can also provide you with a wide assortment of hookah kits, edibles, and vaping accessories. This relatively new store in town already has it all, from candles, exclusive clothing, and snacks to unique items for the smoker.

If you want to enjoy excellent customer service and affordable prices, don’t hesitate to stop by Greenridge Plaza at 1600 Nay Aug Ave. The store is located in unit 10A and is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Alternatively, call them at (570) 955-0241 or check their website.

2. Simply Tabacco

The first thing you will notice in this store is an impressive variety of items, including grinders, trays, disposable vapes, CBD-based products, and delta 8 edibles. However, Simply Tobacco stands out for its extensive catalog of kratom, both in powder and capsules.

Here you can find brands such as OPMS, Remarkable Herbs, or Whole Herbs. Some of the most popular strains in this store are Green Borneo, Red Bali, and White Vietnam. Prices are more than reasonable, and they often organize raffles with products.

To visit them, go to unit 3 of the mall located at 208 Meadow Ave every day from 9 am to 9:30 pm. If you need to resolve your query by phone, they will be more than happy to help you at (570) 866-2090. Unfortunately, they do not have a website or e-mail address.

3. Empire Smoke Shop

This store is more geared towards offering cigarettes and glass pipes but still has a decent variety of kratom. You’ll find strains like Red Maeng Da, White Bali, and Green Thai on their shelves in capsule and powder form. All of them are of outstanding quality and reasonably priced.

Empire Smoke Shop also offers delta 8 vape carts, CBD-based products, rolling trays, and any type of smoking goods. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and they have a Coinflip Bitcoin cashier during operating hours.

Find them at 551 Scranton Carbondale Highway, near the corner of Margaret Street. They work every day from 10 am to 9 pm and take phone inquiries at (570) 800-1525. You can also visit their website, although you won’t find much information about kratom there.

4. Within My Hands Botanical Tea Bar

When it comes to knowledge about kratom, this is the place to go. Stan and Robin, the owners, have created this holistic wellness center to spread the benefits of kratom in the community. Here, you’ll find seven strains in stock, both in tea and as a powder.

Apart from kratom, they brew other herbal teas such as matcha, green tea, black tea, and other medicinal herbs. Furthermore, they sell organic chocolate infused with this herb and perform reiki therapies. Please note that they are only open on Saturdays from 2 pm to 9 pm.

The store is located at 1402 Ash Street, but due to their limited hours, we suggest you call them first at (570) 892-0307. They also respond quickly to inquiries through their Facebook page, or if you prefer, you can contact them by e-mail.

5. Headdies Pipe Shop

While this store’s flagship product is handcrafted glass pipes, they also offer a moderate range of kratom strains. You’ll find Red, White, and Green Maeng Da powder and capsules from the Wellness and White Rabbit brands at affordable prices.

Plus, they sell rolling papers, CBD and other cannabinoid-based products, and various smoking accessories. Their staff is knowledgeable and will not pressure you to buy fast. Additionally, they offer a rewards program with discounts on future purchases.

Stop by 757 Scranton Carbondale Highway to see how they blow glass in full view of the customer. They work from 10 am to 7 pm every day, and you can call them at (570) 341-9250. You can also check out their Facebook page, which they update constantly.

Looking for Kratom in Another City?

Check out these city guides to find kratom all over Pennsylvania:

Lackawanna County Courthouse Clock Tower, Scranton, PA

Why You Should Buy Kratom Online

There are specific reasons why buying this herb online guarantees you a much more reliable and enjoyable shopping experience. Below, we’ll look at what kratom qualities make buying online your safest bet.

For starters, it’s much cheaper since physical stores have surcharges such as wages, rent, or taxes that could make your kratom more expensive. Additionally, you can get welcome discounts and seasonal offers by subscribing to their newsletters.

This herb is very sensitive to humidity, temperature, and light changes. Physical stores are often unaware of these details and may store kratom incorrectly. On the other hand, online sellers are usually kratom enthusiasts who know how to keep it fresh.

Additionally, you’ll be able to read reviews on online vendors conveniently. Plus, you can quickly check if what you want to buy has been tested, and with a couple of clicks, you can have your kratom delivered to your doorstep.

Also, you will find a more comprehensive selection of strains and formats on the internet, as you will no longer be limited by physical distance.

Finally, most online vendors offer free shipping throughout the United States, which is very useful if you live in a remote area or don’t have a smoke shop nearby.

Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?

Buying kratom in-store is generally safe. However, online is safer.

This is not to say that shopping in a physical store is a horrible experience or one that you should avoid, as not all physical stores are the same. Still, we recommend buying online because it is generally safer, more affordable, and has many benefits.

Kratom Vendors That Ship to Scranton

If you decide to buy kratom online, the number and variety of vendors may overwhelm you. However, the herb is unregulated here, and you can’t trust all sellers. Some sell adulterated kratom, and others have outright scammed customers by sending empty boxes.

Fortunately, the American Kratom Association (AKA) monitors vendors and approves their products. Here is a list of the most trusted online kratom vendors the AKA endorses most.

1. Kona Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $45.00 — $115.00
Verified Vendor

Kona Kratom

4.95 / 5
Ranked 1 out of 190 vendors

Kona Kratom is at the top of our list for offering excellent quality kratom at an unbelievable price. In addition, they have a wide range of strains available in powder and capsule form, and all of their products are tested by third-party labs.

Also, Kona Kratom has the AKA endorsement on all of its items. Additionally, they know the herb inside out by maintaining ties with its farmers in Southeast Asia. For this reason, they have a deep knowledge of this herb which they pass on to the public.

These are Kona Kratom’s three best-selling varieties:

  • Green Horn    
  • Red Malay
  • White Sumatra

2. Star Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $35 — $95
Verified Vendor

Star Kratom

4.9 / 5
Ranked 2 out of 190 vendors

Star Kratom is a relatively new seller in the business, but that hasn’t stopped them from offering the fastest shipping times. In addition, they test their products twice and use top-quality kratom. You can find their varieties in both capsule and powder form.

Their kratom is of high purity and reasonably priced. Also, their customer service is excellent, and they offer the option to buy in bulk. However, their catalog of strains is more limited than that of other vendors.

Star Kratom’s three most popular strains are:

  • Green Horn
  • Red Hulu
  • White Dragon

3. VIP Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $40.00 — $125.00
Verified Vendor

VIP Kratom

4.85 / 5
Ranked 4 out of 190 vendors

If you want to try genuinely potent products of supreme quality, VIP Kratom may be what you are looking for. While their prices are a little high, they make up for it with kratom of superb quality that will last longer as you will use less to reach the desired dose.

VIP Kratom offers products that are tested to the max, and they also provide a wide variety of powder and capsule form strains.

On top of that, all of their products come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so if you are not satisfied with the product, you will get your money back.

These are VIP Kratom’s three best-selling varieties:

  • Green Bali
  • White Indo
  • Red Maeng Da

4. Kats Botanicals

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $$6.99 — $$99.99

Kats Botanicals

4.5 / 5
Ranked 10 out of 190 vendors

Kats Botanicals is a brand belonging to the wellness category, which started selling CBD and herbal supplements in 2016. In addition to selling valerian root, ashwagandha, shilajit, and other medicinal plants, they offer tested, pure and potent kratom.

All their products are 100% organic, and they have an extensive catalog of strains, both in powder and capsules. They even make unique blends that you will only find on their website, and they are endorsed by the AKA and hundreds of positive user reviews.

Kats Botanicals’ top three best selling strains are:

  • Wild Red Bali
  • White JongKong
  • Green Brunei

5. Happy Hippo Herbals

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $7.00 — $35.00
Verified Vendor

Happy Hippo

4.5 / 5
Ranked 9 out of 190 vendors

Happy Hippo Herbals is an Idaho-based company that sells premium quality, adequately tested, and super potent kratom. Despite the flashy design of their website, they are a serious vendor, as the AKA approves all of their products and they provide test results.

This vendor has a solid image among the public, backed by many positive reviews. In their catalog, you will find a variety of strains in powder, capsules, and extracts. However, you may find their prices too high.

Happy Hippo Herbals’ three best-selling strains are:

  • Red Kali
  • Yellow Sumatra
  • Green Sunda

6. Remarkable Herbs

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $6.49 — $85.99
Verified Vendor

Remarkable Herbs Kratom

4 / 5
Ranked 44 out of 190 vendors

Remarkable Herbs started its activities in 2001, making it probably the first vendor in the field. You will find other botanical products on their menu, such as kava, Mimosa hostilis, or the kratom relatives Mitragyna hirsuta and Mitragyna javanica.

This brand sells potent, high-quality products that undergo rigorous testing. Although the AKA endorses them, they do not sell to the public. Still, you can find their products in gas stations and smoke shops.

Remarkable Herbs’ three best selling strains are:

  • Green Malay
  • White Vietnam
  • Red Bali

7. SLO Kratom

Aka GMP Certified no
Pricing $12.99 — $134.99
Verified Vendor

Slo Kratom

4.5 / 5
Ranked 16 out of 190 vendors

SLO Kratom goes above and beyond to find the rarer strains — there’s no shortage of selection with this company. They also guarantee there’s at least 1.4% mitragynine in each product. However, this also means their prices are high.

They offer same-day shipping, and if you’re not happy, you can ask for an exchange.

SLO Kratom’s three best-selling strains are:

  • Red Brunei
  • Yellow Dragon
  • White Samarinda

8. Golden Monk

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $39.99 — $254.99
Verified Vendor

Golden Monk Kratom

4.75 / 5
Ranked 5 out of 190 vendors

Golden Monk is a company with an excellent reputation among the public, and they are part of the AKA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) program. They have a wide range of strains available in powder and capsules, adequately tested, and of superior quality.

In addition to frequent discounts, they offer free shipping throughout the US on purchases over $44.99. As a bonus, their packaging is discreet, and their customer service is outstanding.

Golden Monk’s three best-selling strains are:

  • Red Bentuangie
  • Green Malay
  • White Borneo

Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?

Kratom has over fifty known variations (strains) with different effects. The most straightforward way to group them is by the color of their leaf’s veins. Below, we’ll tell you about the characteristics of each color and its most popular strains.

Green Vein Kratom Powder

Green vein kratom powder is the most balanced variety, with combined effects ranging from the relaxation of the red-veined strains to the stimulation of the white-veined ones.

These strains are also the most prevalent, making them easier to obtain and more affordable.

The top-rated green-veined kratom strains are:

Green Malay

Ideal for beginners because of its versatility, Green Malay is very effective as an energizer at low doses and a painkiller at higher doses. Additionally, it can improve mood quickly, and many users report that it helps them overcome social anxiety.

Green Borneo

If you need more anxiety-focused relief but one that doesn’t leave you feeling sedated or overly relaxed, Green Borneo is the ideal strain for you. In low doses, it can provide extra energy and mental clarity. Plus, it is an excellent pain reliever.

Green Bali

Green Bali is an extremely popular strain due to its energizing effects at low doses and relaxing, pain-killing effects at higher doses. This is a complete strain, which can help you improve your mood, combat anxiety, or even relax the mind and body.

Red Vein Kratom Powder

Red vein kratom powder is the most relaxing and soothing variety, with remarkable effectiveness in pain relief.

They owe their color and effects to their high level of 7-hydroxymitragynine, an alkaloid that interacts with the mu-opioid system and acts in approximately 45 minutes. 

The top-rated red-veined kratom strains are:

Red Bali

Red Bali is the ideal strain for those seeking relaxation or fast and effective pain relief. It is so relaxing that it can even be sedative, so we don’t recommend using low doses for energy. Plus, it is an excellent anxiolytic and relieves muscle tension.

Red Thai

Red Thai is a fantastic supplement for relaxing the mind and body and could even be your ally against insomnia. As such, it is also effective in combating anxiety symptoms and provides moderate pain relief. We do not recommend it for energy or extra concentration.

Red Borneo

Red Borneo is a predominantly sedative strain, so it is not ideal as a nootropic or energizer. This strain stands out for its anxiolytic and relaxing effects, suitable for those who suffer from stress. In addition, it can stabilize your mood and combat muscle pain.

White Vein Kratom Powder

Lastly, white vein kratom powder contains a high amount of mitragynine, an alkaloid that is an agonist of the mu-opioid system that stimulates serotonin receptors.

Therefore, it provides energizing, nootropic, and euphoric effects and increases concentration and focus.

The top-rated white-veined kratom strains are:

White Thai

White Thai is one of the most stimulating strains, ideal for those who need to concentrate on studying or focus on cumbersome tasks. In addition, it causes a pleasant euphoria that improves mood. We do not recommend its use in high doses to obtain relaxation.

White Bali

White Bali is a well-rounded strain that provides energy and improves focus in low doses. Conversely, it is an excellent supplement against anxiety in high amounts and relieves pain quickly. In addition, it is a fantastic strain for mood enhancement.

White Sumatra

While White Sumatra‘s strength is in giving you energy and focus at low doses, it is equally effective as a sedative at high doses. Although it does not excel as an anxiolytic, some users report that it can improve mood and relieve pain.

What Are the Benefits of Kratom?

Kratom is a safe medicinal plant with more than one accepted therapeutic use in traditional Asian medicine. Lately, in Western countries, its much safer profile than prescription opioids make it a potential ally in combating specific ailments.

Here are some of the benefits of kratom:

Kratom for Pain

Kratom is an effective natural painkiller due to its unique alkaloid combination that interacts with the mu-opioid system receptors. Thanks to these compounds, kratom possesses a potent analgesic effect, yet with less risk of side effects and addiction.

Certain alkaloids, such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, can block the pain signal before it reaches the brain. In addition, this herb reduces inflammation by blocking the COX-2 enzyme and relaxes muscle tension, relieving muscle-based pain.

While using kratom in high doses and too often can build up your tolerance, it is a much safer alternative to OxyContin or other prescription drugs. Furthermore, some users choose kratom to quell opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Some of the strains indicated for pain relief are:

  • Red Borneo
  • Red Maeng Da
  • Red Bali

Kratom for Sleep

Many people have insomnia and choose kratom for its sedative qualities. Red varieties can effectively reduce anxiety and chronic pain, two common causes of insomnia. In addition, they can induce a pleasant state of calm and relaxation.

Some of the kratom varieties indicated to improve sleep are:

  • Red Indo
  • Red Kali
  • Red Maeng Da

Other healthy habits you can incorporate to improve your sleep quality are:

  • Exercise
  • Avoid using screens at night
  • Establishing a consistent sleep routine
  • Maintaining a healthy diet
  • Practicing meditation

Kratom for Energy

Kratom has nootropic qualities and stimulates energy and focus. Therefore, it could be your ally when engaging in demanding tasks, such as studying or working.

For this purpose, you should use low doses, avoiding using it too frequently. Otherwise, higher doses and chronic use can have the opposite effect, making it difficult to concentrate and causing fatigue.

The ideal way to stimulate energy and focus is to use this herb in moderation and with doses of less than 4 grams.

Some of the best strains to obtain energy are:

  • Green Indo
  • White Maeng Da
  • White Borneo

Kratom for Anxiety

Many users choose this herb for its ability to dissolve stress and anxiety. While there isn’t enough research on this subject, it is believed that kratom may interact with GABA receptors, which play an essential role in inducing calmness and lowering anxiety.

For this purpose, the most important thing is to measure your doses correctly, as taking less kratom causes stimulant effects that could trigger your anxiety. Therefore, using doses higher than 5 grams will help you keep your stress and negative thoughts at bay.

The most famous varieties for calming anxiety are:

  • Red Thai
  • Green Malay
  • White Maeng Da

How to Take Kratom

It is complicated to obtain fresh kratom leaves to chew in the Western Hemisphere, so kratom powder is the most shelf-stable and readily available alternative. Still, its bitter taste and earthy texture make it a problematic herb for many people to swallow.

Still, kratom powder is the most affordable alternative, with many rare strains available. Its effects set in quickly, and it’s easy to measure with a scale, so you can adjust the dosage to the desired results. Below, we will show you the most common methods of ingestion.

Prepare a Tea

Preparing a kratom tea is probably the best way to use kratom. First of all, you can mask its unpleasant taste however you prefer. You can sweeten it, mix it with milk, or add herbs with pleasant flavors —you can also add fatty oils that will soften its fibrous texture.

In addition, you can enhance its effects by adding citrus juices or freezing your tea. Also, the ritual of preparing tea is relaxing and predisposes you to a good experience. Plus, it also constitutes an excellent occasion to share the benefits of this herb with friends.

The tea is absorbed faster than most alternatives and is easier to digest than other methods. If you are just starting to use kratom, this is a gentler approach, and you will enjoy its benefits much more.

Toss N Wash Method

If the taste and texture of kratom don’t intimidate you, this might be the best alternative for you. The toss and wash method is a speedy, effective, and simple solution, as you simply put the powder in your mouth and wash it down with liquid immediately afterward.

Although you will feel its bitter taste, it will pass quickly. You can wash it down with citrus, mango juices, or herbal teas. You can even mix the powder in these drinks to soften the flavor and texture, customizing it to your liking.

This method requires patience and practice to achieve it without coughing or gagging, so we do not recommend it if you are a beginner. In that case, we recommend more pleasant alternatives such as capsules, tea, or edibles.

Parachute

Unfortunately, kratom capsules are usually more expensive than other alternatives. In addition, ingesting more than one capsule for larger doses may cause an upset stomach for some people. For this reason, some users prefer to parachute kratom.

Parachuting consists of weighing your dose and wrapping it in some thin, easily digestible paper, such as oblate discs or rice paper —these products are not only designed to be swallowed but dissolve quickly in the stomach.

This method is simple, and the effects are fast and potent. However, you should start with smaller doses until you perfect your technique.

What Are the Side Effects of Kratom?

Kratom is a safe medicinal plant, but like any substance that interacts with the brain, it can cause potential side effects. Fortunately, most users do not experience them, as these generally result from irresponsible use.

For this reason, listening to your body and how it tolerates kratom is vital, and you should change your habits if you present any of the following symptoms.

Keep in mind that responsible use will make you avoid these undesirable effects and help keep kratom legal in your area.

The most common side effects of kratom are:

  • Anxiety: Kratom interacts with the adrenergic system, which activates your fight-or-flight response. This could trigger anxiety, which you can counteract by reducing your dose, switching strains, or taking a break.
  • Nausea: The fibers in this herb are tough, and your body has a hard time digesting them. When you take too much kratom, you may experience nausea. It can also be a sign of withdrawal.
  • Depression: Kratom can be addictive, and one of the most common symptoms of tolerance is depression. This does not make it a dangerous herb, but you should respect it and use it responsibly.
  • High blood pressure: This is an uncommon consequence, and not much research explains its origin. But theory suggests that high blood pressure may be another result of tolerance.
  • Headaches: Kratom withdrawal can cause the same withdrawal symptoms as opioids, such as flu-like symptoms. The headache could be due to this or using too high a dose.
  • Constipation: When kratom stimulates opioid receptors, the system slows down your movements, including those of your bowels. However, constipation usually occurs after using this herb for several days.
  • Heart palpitations: Kratom, like other stimulants, can cause heart palpitations as a side effect. This may happen because of its interaction with the adrenaline system activity.
  • Diarrhea: This is another symptom associated with opioid withdrawal. Since kratom sometimes causes constipation, the body gets used to compensate for it. When you stop using this herb, the balance is broken, and you suffer from diarrhea.

Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Scranton

Fortunately, kratom is legal in Scranton, and now you know more than one physical store where you can get a variety of strains and tested products. For now, there are no laws seeking to ban this herb, and it seems likely that Pennsylvania will choose to regulate it.

However, if you want to enjoy kratom’s full benefits, we once again recommend that you go to reputable online retailers. Top-notch vendors like Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom all ship to Scranton and will not disappoint you.