Is Kratom Legal in Knoxville?

Written by Johan Hansen
Last Updated 1 year ago

Johan Hansen

Ex-Kratom Shop Owner

Kratom, known as Mitragyna speciosa, is related to the coffee plant and grows on the leaves of a southeastern Asian tree. This herb played an underrated part in traditional medicine, dating back to the nineteenth century, and is now undergoing a sudden rise in popularity across the United States.

We will help you understand the plant’s legal status in Knoxville, Tennessee, and we will also curate a list of the best local vendors near you. Nearing the conclusion of this article, you will be able to buy kratom without compromising your safety, as it is fortunately legal in the city.

Is Kratom Legal in Knoxville?

Yes, kratom is legal in Knoxville and the entirety of Tennessee.

Although the herb is unregulated and allowed to everyone over 21 years of age, it is only permitted in its natural form. According to bill TN HB1832, even if pure kratom powder is legal to buy and own, synthetic versions of the plant are not.

Only buy pure kratom powder to abide by the state’s law.

Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently subjected the herb to review, declaring it not a threat to those who use it responsibly. Still, they suggested the creation of quality regulations to guarantee the buyers’ safety and awareness. For now, kratom remains unregulated at a federal level.

Will Knoxville Ban Kratom?

Knoxville’s kratom community can rest easy for now, as there are no laws in the upcoming future threatening the regulation of the herb. However, we can’t promise this will stay the same.

Anti-kratom authorities are still active in the state, so we recommend keeping close tabs on news outlets and bill updates.

Why Do Some States & Cities Ban Kratom?

As with anything new, there are a lot of misconceptions about kratom.

The DEA is constantly trying to get kratom on the list of substances of the Controlled Substances Act. That is why it is crucial to share unbiased information on the plant to compensate for anti-kratom propaganda.

Also, if your goal is to keep kratom legal in your city, please note that failing to use the herb responsibly only draws negative attention to it, so awareness is pivotal.

Top 5 Kratom Shops in Knoxville

Some people love visiting smokeshops and basking in their atmosphere and personal, face-to-face customer service. Luckily, Knoxville doesn’t fall behind in offering a broad spectrum of spots to choose from, where you’ll be able to find your desired strains or anything you might need.

In the following section, we ranked the five best shops in the city to help you discover your next favorite place.

1. The Hookah Hookup

Located near Fort Sanders Medical Center, The Hookah Hookup offers a broad assortment of kratom, CBD, and smoking accessories. This store prides itself on having the best customer service, with knowledgeable employees keen on making the purchase a gratifying experience for everyone involved.

They are open late, so time is not an issue if you’re looking to pay them a physical visit at 1821 Cumberland Ave. Alternatively, you can always visit their website or call (865) 540-0839 beforehand.

2. Apotheca

You’ll find Apotheca among the highest-rated stores in Knoxville. They’re known not only for their kratom but also for their high-quality hookahs and are a top recommendation for those looking to broaden their purchases.

Cherished by the local kratom community, we couldn’t forget to mention Apotheca’s employees, who give spot-on recommendations and remarkable overall service.

Visit them at 5710 Kingston Pike D, or find them online. We recommend calling them at (865) 313-2665 beforehand to check stock availability.

3. Knoxville CBD and Kratom

Although Knoxville CBD and Kratom’s stock might be limited to more mainstream strains, its excellent prices and customer service make them a worthy contender on our list.

Customers gush about their experiences online, praising the staff’s amiability and their remarkably accurate ability to recommend the perfect product.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to visit them at 603 E Emory Rd. You can contact them further through their Facebook page or call them at (865) 938-4040 as an alternative.

4. Pinky’s Hempire

Staying truthful to its name, Pinky’s Hempire is an all-pink oasis in the middle of Knoxville.

Clients would rate this store six stars out of five if possible, as it is not only a groovy hang-out spot but also offers a broad assortment of kratom and cannabis products.

You’ll find this store at 1814 Middlebrook Pike. Alternatively, you may contact them through their website. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to call them at (865) 247-7346.

5. Clouds Over Knox

Nearing the Tennessee river lies Clouds Over Knox, a modern shop loved by the younger buyers in the area. Although it focuses on CBD products and other smoking gadgets, this powerhouse store still holds a limited stock of kratom strains, making it worthy of being on our list.

Their top-notch customer service is their best quality, as reviewers online can’t get enough of their patient and knowledgeable employees.

Visit them at 2315 Chapman Hwy to see if you can find your desired kratom strain, or call beforehand at (865) 247-4932 to check the store’s stock availability. Sadly, there’s no web page at the moment.

More Kratom Near You

Check out where to buy kratom in these cities:

Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online

We know how overwhelming all the choices can be when attempting to purchase kratom, such as selecting the perfect strain to match your necessities or locating the perfect vendor.

Therefore, in the following section, we plan on helping you comprehend why buying in-store might be detrimental compared to online retailers.

First, physical shops can’t certify the herb’s freshness, making it potentially more hazardous to purchase and use. Online-sold kratom, however, is generally unadulterated and tested by third-party labs that guarantee its purity.

Online vendors will also make sure to be discreet. Not only can you find your favorite kratom strain without leaving the comfort of your home, but you’ll also manage to bypass any curious neighbors. Some sellers even ship the herb in inconspicuous packaging.

Moreover, online vendors avoid intermediaries, and some get their products straight from the source, ensuring their buyers’ safety. Affordable prices, a broader assortment of strains, and certified quality are things you can only expect from remarkable internet retailers.

Further below, we listed eight of the best online vendors in the market, each with its advantages, to help you find the ideal one.

Kratom Vendors That Ship to Knoxville

Picking a reliable online retailer shouldn’t be a matter of stress for any newcomers to the kratom community. However, locating a perfect match will most definitely be a worthy investment in the long run, as it will benefit both your health and your wallet.

That’s why we have decided to curate a list of the best online vendors that ship directly to Knoxville, so you can easily find whichever suits you best. Safety and quality are both guaranteed.

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

Our top recommendation is, without a doubt, Kona Kratom. This vendor supplies its clientele with an unbeatable price-quality ratio and a mint variety of strains.

Sourcing its entire stock straight from Indonesia, Thailand, Borneo, and Vietnam, they make sure only to sell the very best. In addition, a third-party lab verifies each one of its products.

Known for its cheaper sample packs, this powerhouse store is every beginner’s dream. You’ll manage to avoid the expenses of test buying, saving both time and money while locating the perfect strain to meet your needs. As if it wasn’t enough, you get free shipping on orders over $29.99.

Kona Kratom’s top picks:

  • Green Malay
  • Red Maeng Da
  • Red Dragon

2. Star Kratom

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

Star Kratom

4.9 / 5
Ranked 2 out of 190 vendors

Faithful to its name, Star Kratom is the rising star among online kratom retailers. Having the fastest logistics in the market, this store quickly gained a reputation for its unbeatable turnabout times.

Although they might not have every type of kratom in stock, their top-notch quality and competitive prices make the lack of variety worth a try.

If you’re worried about safety, you’ll have no issue with this store, as they test everything twice and send back what doesn’t meet their requirements. Finally, we couldn’t leave their 30-day money-back guarantee and efficient customer service out of their perks.

Star Kratom’s top picks:

  • Red Bali
  • Green Maeng Da
  • Green Malay

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

Delivering premium kratom straight from their sources to your door is VIP Kratom‘s specialty. Although a bit on the pricey side compared to other retailers over the counter, we insist it’s worth it when considering the outstanding quality of its products.

However, keep in mind that this particular seller’s kratom is more potent than what you get in your regular corner store, so it is paramount to start with smaller doses. Quality Green Hulu is always in stock in VIP Kratom, and we recommend giving this particular strain a try.

VIP Kratom’s top picks:

  • Red Sumatra
  • White Maeng Da
  • Green Hulu

4. Gaia Kratom

Aka GMP Certified no
Pricing $1.20 — $1200.00
Verified Vendor

Gaia (Mitragaia) Kratom

3 / 5
Ranked 102 out of 190 vendors

What used to be Mitragaia is now Gaia Kratom, a cherished retailer among the kratom community with six years on the market. We couldn’t forget this store when making this list, as its broad assortment of kratom and its competitive prices still make it a public favorite.

Although kratom powder is this store’s specialty, it doesn’t mean it can’t supply you with the herb in other forms. Kratom tinctures, capsules, and extracts are available and in stock if that’s what you’re looking for instead.

We suggest ordering in bulk, as larger purchases come hand in hand with discounts that will benefit your wallet in the long run.

Gaia Kratom’s top picks:

  • Green Batak
  • Red Brunei
  • White JongKong

5. Green Leaf Kratom

Aka GMP Certified no
Pricing $22.99 — $350.00
Verified Vendor

Green Leaf Kratom

2 / 5
Ranked 149 out of 190 vendors

Green Leaf Kratom maintains its competitiveness on the market by delivering exotic strains straight from Southeast Asia in both powder and capsule form.

However, some buyers consider this store’s prices a bit over the higher side, as sales and discounts are not its forte. If you value discreet packaging, you might find the extra fees worth it, so leave it open for consideration.

We suggest giving Green Leaf Kratom a chance, especially if you are a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as they accept this kind of currency as a payment method.

Green Leaf Kratom’s top picks:

  • Red Bali
  • White Borneo
  • Red Maeng Da

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

Kava, catclaw, and kratom of outstanding quality are a guarantee at Remarkable Herbs. By sourcing its products from multiple locations, its entire stock is well-known for keeping its freshness and purity.

Remarkable Herbs is not involved in the retail market, as it focuses only on wholesale. You can still find positive reviews for their products online if you’re interested.

Remarkable Herbs’ top picks:

  • Green Thai
  • Green Malay
  • Red Bali

7. 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 the perfect match for those looking to purchase kratom and other herbs. They offer a broad assortment of CBD oils, vape pens, and other smoking gadgets while avoiding the sour taste of kratom powder by selling mainly capsules.

This store is known for stocking up on exotic strains you probably wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else, so we suggest looking past the higher prices that might be off-putting at first.

Kats Botanicals’ top picks:

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 specializes in offering a discreet experience to every one of their buyers by shipping their kratom in free, inconspicuous packaging that will keep it safe from curious onlookers.

Besides not being able to distinguish the content of its boxes from the outside, this store’s shiny reputation is also due to its famous deals and discounts on your starting purchases.

With an affordable price-quality ratio, Golden Monk stays competitive in the market. This store is our top choice for those with a moderate amount of money who aren’t willing to compromise the purity of their kratom.

Golden Monk’s top picks:

  • Red Bali
  • Green Maeng Da
  • Green Malay

Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?

Another choice you’ll have to make when starting your adventure is locating the perfect kratom strain to match your needs. Each of them has specific peculiarities, ranging from the effects they might cause to how long they last.

In the following section, we’ll expand on some of the existing varieties and their respective qualities to help you understand them better.

Green Vein Kratom Powder

Green vein kratom powder has both stimulating and sedative effects when taken correctly and is the most balanced variety you can find.

The top-rated green-vein kratom strains are:

Green Sumatra

Green Sumatra is the perfect match for those whose top priority is long-lasting effects. Compared to other green-veined strains, the effects caused by this particular variety last for extended periods.

Green Malay

If anxiolytic properties are what you’re looking for, then Green Malay is the way to go. Users employ it as an alcohol alternative, as it causes feelings of joy and euphoria and acts as a social lubricant that lessens anxiety.

Green Bali

For those wanting to switch up their regular coffee, we suggest trying Green Bali. This particular variety is a non-standard choice among other green-veined strains. However, it might be a bit harder to find, and we recommend checking out online retailers such as Kona Kratom to locate quality stock.

Red Vein Kratom Powder

If you’re looking for a palliative strain that can help with pain or insomnia, red vein kratom powder is for you. It’s known for helping those who struggle with muscle pain, anxiety, overbearing stress, and insomnia.

The top-rated red-vein kratom strains are:

Red Bali

If we had to pick our favorite among the red-veined kratom strains used as painkillers, it would be Red Bali. However, keep in mind that it can cause a mild feeling of sedation once the herb’s effects leave your body.

Red Thai

Although a bit similar to its green-vein counterpart, we can’t classify Red Thai as a mild strain. Experienced users tend to gatekeep this particular variety due to its effects being too much to handle for some beginners.

Red Borneo

Last but not least, if you aim to battle excruciating muscle pain, we suggest trying Red Borneo. This strain is efficient and quick-acting when facing the ache, and what makes it one of our favorites is that it has no mentionable side effects.

White Vein Kratom Powder

Dealing with extended work hours and long study nights are routine problems for students and employees alike. White vein kratom powder proposes temporary solutions to these irritating issues by delivering quick-acting and powerful nootropic effects.

The top-rated white-vein kratom strains are:

White Borneo

Among the most reputable white-veined strains, you’ll find White Borneo, with its characteristic balanced stimulation. As it boosts your attention span and lifts your moods, facing long study hours won’t be such a challenging ordeal.

White Sumatra

If you’ve grown tired of your morning coffee, we suggest giving White Sumatra a chance. This strain is the perfect stimulant to help you stay awake all night by delivering quick and reliable energy boosts.

White Indo

White Indo will lighten up your spirits on low days with its balanced, euphoric effects.

How Old Do I Have to Be to Purchase Kratom?

The only age restriction enforced by law in Knoxville is that you have to be at least 21 to make a purchase.

Some online retailers will require you to prove you’re 18 and over, while some sketchy over-the-counter vendors might not even ask for your age.

We suggest shopping around until you come across a safe, law-abiding spot with only the safest kratom.

Remember to look for third-party lab tests if you want to guarantee purity and quality.

How Much Does Kratom Cost?

First, it is essential to point out that most kratom will cost less the more you buy. The price range for kratom 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 such as quality, quantity, retailer, form, and strain will affect the total fee you’ll pay. Don’t forget to consider these factors before making a final purchase.

For example, as we’ve mentioned before, buying kratom online is almost always cheaper than in-store. With every online retailer making sure to source their herb straight from the manufacturer, avoiding unnecessary costs is easier.

Another important fact is that you can find the herb in four different forms: raw leaves, kratom powder, kratom capsules, and kratom tinctures. Leaves and kratom powder are the cheapest delivery method, followed by capsules and tinctures. However, the latter tends to be more potent, although costing an average of $1.30 per mL.

Moreover, leaves are around $10 when acquired online, while powder is approximately $12, and capsules average $16 per ounce.

Cheapest Kratom Strains       

There are ways to save money on kratom, and finding the most common strains is a good place to start.

  • Bali
  • Indo
  • Thai

Most Expensive Kratom Strains

If you want something rare, you’ll likely pay more for it. Here are the most expensive or hard-to-find strains.

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

What Does Kratom Feel Like?

It is crucial to consider how much kratom you plan to take, as the herb’s effects vary depending on the dose. Whereas low doses can be stimulating, high doses will be palliative.

Besides, the effects will differ drastically depending on the kratom strain you have chosen, its purity, and the form you’ve decided to take it in. Still, there are some generalizations we can make about kratom’s effects to help further your understanding of it.

In lower doses, kratom will boost your energy, focus, and mental clarity. It can make you feel sharper and more reactive, similar to a regular morning coffee.

It induces a relaxed state in larger doses, which helps fight insomnia and restlessness without ending on the sluggish side. It can reduce mild pain with smaller amounts and is a potent painkiller in larger doses.

Among the herb’s psychological effects, it can cause feelings of pleasure and intense joy by acting as both a social lubricant and anxiolytic.

Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Knoxville

Even if kratom is currently legal in Knoxville and the state of Tennessee is not actively looking to outlaw it, we still think you should stay updated on related news. Laws are never set in stone, and the herb’s legal status can change at any given time.

Still, if the physical stores we found in the city don’t do the trick for you, remember to check out reputable online vendors like Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom.

We thoroughly suggest them to those searching for more affordable prices without compromising the herb’s quality.