Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree in the Rubiaceae family, also known as the coffee family. Kratom has been used in Southeastern Asian countries for centuries as traditional medicine, and now it has grown in popularity thanks to its analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative effects.
Over time, several states and cities in the United States have banned this traditional herb; however, this is not the case in Texas or Corpus Christi.
In this article, besides kratom’s legal status and where to find it near you, you’ll learn all you need to know about its strains, what taking kratom feels like, and much more.
Is Kratom Legal in Corpus Christi?
Yes, kratom is legal in Corpus Christi and throughout Texas.
Because Texas hasn’t approved any kratom-related regulations yet, it’s legal to produce, distribute, sell, and buy it without government oversight. On the other hand, no standards are in place to ensure products are safe for use.
Attempting to establish proper legislation, officials filed bills TX HB1097 and TX SB821, intended to become the state’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). Several other states have passed similar bills, but in this case, both bills failed.
While local officials across the country are pushing for kratom’s legality, federal agencies are campaigning for a ban. The FDA is one of them, and after it failed to achieve its goal domestically, it turned to the World Health Organization (WHO) to win support for its claims.
The FDA’s objective was for the WHO to perform a review of kratom and find it to be a dangerous substance. As a result, the entity would issue a global warning and recommend a ban on its manufacturing, sale, and consumption.
Being a serious concern, the WHO conducted the review but —fortunately for all users— found no evidence of an actual threat to human health. While the WHO will keep an eye on kratom, it believes that governments should establish industry standards to ensure safety.
Will Corpus Christi Ban Kratom?
No, Corpus Christi won’t ban kratom anytime soon.
While we can’t say that kratom will remain legal or unregulated forever, we don’t expect Texas to ban it in the short or medium term. This state has been one of few that never attempted to restrict or forbid kratom use, so that possibility is unlikely.
With the precedent of bills TX HB1097 and TX SB821, we expect officials to push once again to implement the state’s KCPA. Of course, we can’t assure you that this hypothetical new attempt will succeed, but it could soon become a reality.
Why Do Some States & Cities Ban Kratom?
Kratom bans occur due to misconceptions and a lack of reliable information. For starters, people conflate the herb with synthetic drugs, which are different. Kratom is an organic substance, and while it acts similarly to opioids, it isn’t one of them.
Then again, most information online is biased or simply wrong. The most reliable source would be scientific studies, but those are still too few. However, current research agrees that kratom has actual benefits, confirming the thousands of user reports out there.
Top 7 Kratom Shops in Corpus Christi
Of all the shops we found around Corpus Christi, only one specializes in selling kratom. As such, don’t be surprised to find just the prevalent strains. These shops are decent, though, and may save you if you are in a hurry, so look through this list to find one that suits you best.
1. Kratom CC
Kratom CC sells some of the best yet least expensive kratom in town. It has a large assortment of strains, all of which have been lab-tested. Furthermore, the staff will gladly answer all of your questions and assist you in choosing the best product for your needs.
You’ll find them at 4913 French Dr, but if you have any questions, their phone number is (832) 585-4381. In addition, on their website, you’ll find their products and shipping fees.
2. HalfPipe Skate & Stuff
Unique among smoke shops, this vendor fixes bicycles and skateboards while selling great smoking accessories. They focus on glass, but they also sell high-quality kratom at reasonable costs. During your visit, the staff will do their best to make you feel at ease.
This shop opens at 6037 Weber Rd, and its phone number is (361) 299-5910. It also has a social media presence, and its Instagram page has frequent updates.
3. American Smoke Shop
American Smoke Shop provides not less than high-quality smoking, herbal, and vaping equipment. You’ll find Yellow Vietnam and Red Maeng Da among the kratom strains they sell. Their staff is knowledgeable and always eager to give you relevant information.
You can locate them at the Stonewall Mall Shopping Center, 10522 Leopard St, but if you want, you may call them at (361) 242-2740. Their Facebook page is quite active, so they will answer any question you have.
4. S & G’s Smoke & Vape
All the S & G stores share a fine quality: they are always helpful in selecting the kratom strain best suited to your needs, which is ideal if you are new to this herb. Furthermore, all the products they sell are lab-tested and pure, so no worries about low-quality kratom.
This retailer has several locations around Corpus Christi, so visit its website for more information.
5. Galactic Papes And Vapes
This retailer has one of the largest collections of smoking, herbal, and vaping products in town. Their strain selection is vast, with White Indo and Green Malay being two of the best you can find here. To top it off, their staff will make you feel at home.
You can visit them at 3521 S Staples St, but you can also reach them by phone at (361) 452-0976. Unfortunately, they have no website or social media presence that we know of.
6. Mr. Nice Guy’s
From Kratom to CBD, this store sells high-quality items in every category. While this place is known for its CBD products, it also offers an extensive selection of kratom strains. If you visit any of their locations, check out their Yellow Vietnam and Red Hulu.
Mr. Nice Guy has seven locations across Corpus Christi. You’ll learn where to find all of them, a contact form, and further information on its website.
7. Tobacco Junction
While low-profile, Tobacco Junction is a one-stop-shop for all things herbal, smoking, and vaping. People come here because the kratom is of high quality, and it comes directly from Indonesia. Don’t be hesitant to ask their staff questions regarding their products.
Tobacco Junction opens at 9858 Leopard St, and its phone number is (361) 241-8300. Additionally, you can visit its Facebook page, but unfortunately, it doesn’t get frequent updates.
Find Kratom Near You
Learn more about buying kratom in Texas with these city guides:
- Arlington
- Austin
- Brownsville
- Dallas
- Denton
- El Paso
- Fort Worth
- Garland
- Houston
- Irving
- Killeen
- Laredo
- Lubbock
- McAllen
- McKinney
- Plano
- San Antonio
Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online
Online purchases have several benefits over in-person purchases, and you may well be aware of many of them. However, you may be hesitant about depending on these relatively obscure businesses and prefer retail shops instead.
Still, shopping over the internet is more convenient, safer, and trustworthy. This section will explain why.
First of all, it is more practical, as a purchase only needs a few clicks and a handful of minutes. Secondly, you save money due to less overhead. Also, these manufacturers don’t have to manage retail stores, so their products will be cheaper.
In addition, an internet purchase runs through fewer intermediaries, so the chances of getting a tampered or spoiled product are none. Furthermore, reputable online vendors adhere to production standards and conduct lab testing, so their trustworthiness on the health front is high.
Finally, you also get a vast selection of strains to choose from, rare ones included, all backed by thousands of customer reviews. All these features make online purchases the safer bet over physical stores.
Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?
While purchasing kratom in-store is typically safe, online vendors are safer.
Most stores comply with local health regulations for businesses. Hence, buying in-store isn’t inherently unsafe, though minor annoyances could occur like receiving stale kratom.
Nonetheless, internet purchases offer substantial benefits, just as we saw in the previous section. Online vendors follow tighter and more specific regulations — as these differ state-by-state —so their products and processes are safer for all.
Kratom Vendors That Ship to Corpus Christi
If you’re new to online purchases, we know how tricky it can be to pick a kratom vendor. It is a worthwhile expenditure of time and effort, though, as a good choice will benefit your health while saving you money in the long term.
With this in mind, we made a list of the best online vendors that ship to Corpus Christi. These are secure and trustworthy since they have AKA certifications or undergo rigorous quality control.
1. Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom is a favorite of those searching for a diverse selection of inexpensive but high-quality products. This business sources all its kratom directly from Southeast Asia, always offering the latest batches at a fair price.
For the benefit of its customers, this vendor also offers sample packs of all its strains, a gesture that can save you time and lots of money. Furthermore, if your purchase goes over $29.99, shipping is free.
Kona Kratom’s top picks:
- Green Malay
- Red Maeng Da
- Red Dragon
2. Star Kratom
Star Kratom
Star Kratom has risen from being a humble newcomer to becoming a powerhouse in the kratom industry, all in a few years. That is due to its logistics: deliveries usually reach their destination within a day of purchase.
There’s a slight downside, though, and it is their small selection of strains. However, their delivery speeds and low prices make up for it. To top it off, they test all their products twice, always safeguarding your health.
Star Kratom’s top picks:
- Red Bali
- Green Maeng Da
- Green Malay
3. VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom holds its kratom to the highest standards, prioritizing quality over price. As a result, their costs per kilogram may be higher than other vendors, but customers don’t mind. They know the high quality and consistency are well worth it.
A notorious side effect of the focus on quality is the higher potency of their kratom. Therefore, use low doses when trying this vendor for the first time. In the end, if you want premium kratom disregarding price, this is the vendor to pick.
VIP Kratom’s top picks:
- Red Sumatra
- White Maeng Da
- Green Hulu
4. SLO Kratom
Slo Kratom
SLO Kratom sets its standards high, with same-day shipping, a money-back guarantee, a strikingly large selection, and third-party testing that proves purity. They make sure each batch has 1.4% mitragynine or above, so you know their products are effective.
SLO Kratom’s top picks:
- Yellow Sumatra
- Green Riau
- Red Medan
5. Remarkable Herbs
Remarkable Herbs Kratom
Remarkable Herbs has AKA sponsorship due to its safe and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Established in 2001, they serve the whole country with their excellent kava, catclaw, and kratom.
Unfortunately, they only sell their products through third parties, but you can find them in most local or online retailers. As reviews are always positive and product consistency is high, you won’t have any trouble with this vendor.
Remarkable Herbs’ top picks:
- Green Thai
- Green Malay
- Kava
6. Golden Monk
Golden Monk Kratom
Golden Monk has a long history of excellence in the kratom market and is known for being one of the first to offer discreet shipping. It does so by delivering purchases in unmarked boxes to keep prying eyes away.
If that isn’t enough to persuade you, this company also gives discounts on initial purchases, despite their low prices. Customers appreciate their ability to keep products so low without affecting quality.
Golden Monk’s top picks:
- Red Bali
- Maeng Da
- Green Malay
7. Happy Hippo Herbals
Happy Hippo
Happy Hippo Herbals has a wide range of strains in powder, capsule, and tincture forms. They test every product thoroughly and follow rigorous standards. As a result, they’ve achieved the Good Manufacturing Practices certification from the AKA.
Their website may be off-putting at first, but don’t worry: this is a serious and legitimate business. For instance, this vendor classifies their goods by the time their effects set in, which is unique in the market.
Happy Hippo Herbals’ top picks:
- Green Maeng Da
- White Horn
- Red Maeng Da
8. New Dawn Kratom
New Dawn Kratom
This Colorado Springs-based company offers high-quality kratom in powder and capsules. New Dawn Kratom is well known for its affordable prices — you can get 250 grams of kratom powder for $19.00, 500 grams for $39.00, and 1 kilo for $79.00.
The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for unopened and opened products. Simple enough, you don’t need to explain why you return your item to receive a refund.
New Dawn Kratom’s top picks:
- Green Borneo
- Red Bali
- White Sumatra
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
Like tea and coffee, kratom has dozens of variants that we call strains. Each has its particular subset of effects, making them more suited for different purposes. Finding the perfect strain for your needs is essential if you want kratom to benefit your daily life.
Therefore, here is a list of the most popular kratom strains, organized by the color of their veins. Note that there are many more out there, so we encourage you to read more about this fascinating herb.
Green Vein Kratom Powder
The most prevalent variants of kratom are the green strains. Their effects achieve a delicate balance between sedation and stimulation, barely tilting to either side. As a result, green vein kratom powder has many uses, and its effects make it an ideal option for beginners.
The top-rated green-veined kratom strains are:
Green Malay
Green Malay is an excellent social lubricant, inducing a sense of ease similar to alcohol while avoiding its side effects. One of the most well-known strains, it is a fine entry point for those wishing to experience kratom’s anxiolytic qualities.
Green Borneo
Green Borneo has made a fame for being a good analgesic, but many don’t know that it also provides anxiolytic and nootropic effects. Overall, this is a well-rounded strain for daily use, but keep in mind that it leans slightly toward the energetic side.
Green Thai
Depending on the dose you take, Green Thai can boost your energy or induce a relaxed state of mind. According to users, one of the most noticeable effects is a sense of floating and pleasantness, feeling tension fade away.
Red Vein Kratom Powder
While there are exceptions, users consider the red strains to rule at providing sedative effects. However, their benefits do not stop there, and red vein kratom powder excels as a pain reliever.
The top-rated red-veined kratom strains are:
Red Thai
Red Thai is a solid sedative and stress reliever, and all its users report feeling soothed and having an inner sense of peace after taking it. We note, however, that it can become euphoric in high amounts, so proceed with caution.
Red Horn
Red Horn enjoys renown for being an effective analgesic and helpful in battling insomnia. This strain can also relieve unpleasant or unwanted emotions like depression, stress, and anxiety.
Red Borneo
Red Borneo excels at relieving pain and anxiety, and it may be the best strain for that purpose. In smaller amounts, however, it provides a mild energy and mood boost, which can be helpful if you’ve run out of the more stimulant types.
White Vein Kratom Powder
Opposite to red strains, white vein kratom powder excels at providing energy and boosting mood throughout the day or night. The effects of white varieties can last for up to eight hours, so many people are using them to replace caffeine.
The top-rated white-veined kratom strains are:
White Thai
White Thai is a fine choice for people who need to concentrate for many hours at work or college. It is also a well-known mood and energy booster, and people report feeling more outgoing and creative after taking it.
White Bali
White Bali has surprisingly good analgesic qualities, unique among white strains. In addition, its stimulating effects are milder than in other white types, so it is popular among novices. This popularity makes it a very affordable choice in the kratom market.
White Indo
White Indo provides a well-rounded set of benefits, including relaxation, stimulation, and better mood. Its long-lasting energy boost can help people get through a stressful day or a tedious routine.
How Much Does Kratom Cost?
You might be wondering about the typical costs of kratom or if the amount you paid was fair. This overview will provide you with an estimate of costs and information to help you evaluate them. Essentially, they follow a simple rule: the more you buy, the less you pay.
These are the average prices in the United States:
- 1 oz (28 g): $8
- 35 oz (1 kg): $150
Prices often depend on five factors:
- Quantity — most vendors provide discounts for larger purchases.
- Quality — prices vary depending on the pureness and potency of the product.
- Location — there are differences between selling in a major city and a small town.
- Strain — some have a larger supply and are thus less expensive.
- Delivery method — the production costs of powder, capsules, and tinctures are all different.
Due to these variables, determining the cheapest and most expensive kratom is tough. A strain will often cost more if it’s rare or has uncommon effects.
What Does Kratom Feel Like?
If you’ve never tried kratom before, you might be curious about what it feels when you use it. This section will give you an understanding of what to expect before using this herb for the first time.
Kratom has many effects, physical and psychological, depending on the dose and strain used. As a rule of thumb, lower dosages will be more stimulating, while higher amounts will be more sedating.
Physically, you will feel:
Psychologically, you will feel:
Depending on the dosage, people either describe feeling an afterglow or a hangover in the aftermath. The former is described as a feeling of vigor and focus, whereas the latter features lethargy, fatigue, and headaches and usually occurs after a large dose.
Side Effects
Dosage is an important factor while using kratom, and you should never exceed the suggested amounts for each purpose. If you don’t listen to our recommendations, you’ll experience kratom’s adverse side effects.
Side effects can be very uncomfortable, and you shouldn’t take them lightly. These manifest as vertigo, dizziness, and nausea, a combination known as the “wobbles.” There can also be constipation and bloating, and you could start building tolerance to kratom.
How Old Do I Have to Be To Buy Kratom?
Kratom doesn’t have laws in most states, but one way or another, all of them have age restrictions in place: basically, you have to be at least 18 years old to buy kratom.
As there’s no federal law concerning kratom, the issue of age limits falls upon each state. The states that have regulated the herb put the limit at either 18 or 21 years old. In the states without legislation, local businesses avoid selling kratom to minors as a precaution.
Furthermore, many internet retailers require age verification before allowing you to purchase their items. They do this to avoid getting into trouble with parents and the local authorities.
Here’s a breakdown of the age restrictions in each state, if they have them:
- Age 18: Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Utah
- Age 21: Ohio, South Dakota, and Tennessee
Also, note that Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin have banned kratom. The remaining states have no age limits or legislation, so keep an eye out for restrictions imposed by counties, cities, or retailers.
Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Corpus Christi
Kratom is legal in Corpus Christi and throughout Texas, but there are no safety standards due to a lack of regulation. Legislators have been working to amend this, and we anticipate the herb to be fully legal in the next few years.
We discovered several retail stores in Corpus Christi, but we recommend making your purchases online instead. The best vendors on the market are Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom, and we are confident their goods will suit your expectations.