Where to Buy Kratom in McAllen

Written by Johan Hansen
Last Updated 1 year ago

Johan Hansen

Ex-Kratom Shop Owner

Kratom is an herbal extract native to the forests of Southeast Asia, where locals have used it as traditional medicine for centuries. Scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, it provides many effects, such as boosting energy or relieving pain.

Currently, this herb is legal in many states across the US, and Texas is among them.

In this article, you’ll learn the full scope of its legality and where to find it near you in McAllen. Additionally, we’ll give you lots of information about online vendors and kratom strains.

Is Kratom Legal in McAllen?

Yes, kratom is legal in McAllen and throughout Texas.

Currently, Texas hasn’t passed any laws concerning kratom, so it’s possible to produce, distribute, sell and buy it without government restrictions. However, this also means that there are no official quality standards to keep kratom products safe and their users healthy.

Legislators are trying to change this, and in 2021, they filed bills TX HB1097 and TX SB821, intending to establish the state’s version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). Nevertheless, both bills failed soon after their introduction.

Currently, kratom has no laws regarding its production, distribution, or use at the federal level, but the FDA is pushing for a ban. That has been going on for several years now, and recently it asked the World Health Organization (WHO) to conduct a review.

Holding as much influence as it has, a negative conclusion would be enough for many countries to ban kratom without hesitation. Fortunately for all users around the world, this wasn’t the case.

In its 2021 kratom report, the WHO concluded there was little evidence to consider the herb a threat and dismissed conducting a critical review. The organization said that while it would keep tabs on kratom, countries should consider regulation instead of prohibition.

Will McAllen Ban Kratom?

Given Texas’s current state of affairs, we doubt that a ban will happen anytime soon. The state doesn’t consider kratom to be a substance of concern.

Since kratom’s rise to fame in recent years, Texas was one of few states where there were no attempts to restrict or ban its usage. Though they failed, the only two attempts at legislation tried to legalize the herb.

With the precedent of bills TX HB1097 and TX SB821, we expect the Texas KCPA to become a reality in the short term. Keep up with the local news and the American Kratom Association (AKA) to show your support when that time comes.

Why Do Some States/Cities Ban Kratom?

Generally, the cities and states that ban kratom do so due to misconceptions about psychoactive substances. Most people don’t know what they are and instantly think of synthetic drugs. However, kratom is organic and safe, just like coffee or tea.

In addition, there’s little information about kratom, and adding the harmful smear campaigns —like those done by the FDA— we end up with contradicting or biased conclusions. We have thousands of user findings but no studies to confirm them.

Luckily, the situation is changing. New studies come every year, giving more and more credence to these user reports, so it’s a matter of time until society accepts kratom for good.

Where Can I Buy Kratom in McAllen?

Much to our disappointment, we couldn’t find any specialized kratom shops in McAllen. Unfortunately, even if you do a thorough Google search, you’ll only find places with either mixed reviews or that simply don’t say whether they sell kratom or not.

However, if you happen to come across a business that does offer kratom, here are a few things to keep in mind.

First, look out for vendor reviews on Google and social media. Sites like Reddit have communities where you’ll find unbiased opinions about many vendors. In addition, check that the site’s staff stores the kratom products in good condition.

Furthermore, see how many strains and products are on sale. A low number of these indicates that kratom isn’t among the store’s top priorities, and perhaps it would be better to stay away. Also, the staff most likely won’t know much about the herb, so they won’t be able to help a lot.

Finally, look for AKA endorsement or any signs that the manufacturers lab test their products. That could make the difference between having a pleasant experience or a bad time.

Find Kratom Near You

You can check out these city guides to find reputable kratom vendors in Texas:

Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online

Many people may feel apprehension about relying on seemingly unknown brands over the internet and just rather trust traditional retail stores. However, internet purchases offer many benefits over buying in person.

The reality is that, in the kratom space, internet shopping isn’t just time-saving but is also safer and more reliable. In this section, you’ll learn why.

First, let’s start with the convenience. To buy online, you don’t need more than a few minutes and a couple of clicks or touches on a screen. On the other hand, paying a visit to the closest shop can be a significant hassle, especially if you live in a busy area.

In addition, there’s the money factor. Due to having to pay the overhead costs of a physical shop, the products can cost much more than the recommended prices. An online vendor doesn’t run a shop, so you don’t have to pay for that extra.

Furthermore, an online purchase also offers a higher quality product. As the products don’t pass through as many —or any— intermediaries, kratom remains fresh, and the likelihood of tampering is low. Buying from retail stores, it’s not impossible to end up with stale kratom.

On the safety front, to ensure the trustworthiness of their goods, vendors comply with strict standards —such as the AKA’s GMP program— or do rigorous lab testing. Another benefit of online shopping is that you can check out their number of customer reviews, which easily surpasses any local retail shop.

Finally, most physical shops are limited to selling a handful of strains, and even the most premium ones won’t sell more than a dozen. Meanwhile, some online vendors offer more than a hundred strains, always available for purchase.

Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?

Buying kratom in-store is generally safe, but doing so online is safer.

While we can’t say without a doubt that physical stores are safe, most of them have to and do compel with general health regulations. Besides, no store owner would risk compromising the health of their customers.

Nonetheless, online purchases provide significant advantages over physical stores. As they serve the whole country, their kratom has to follow every state regulation, which makes it safer for everyone.

Kratom Vendors That Ship to McAllen

We understand how difficult it can be to choose a kratom vendor. It requires plenty of research and lots of trial and error. Nevertheless, it is a worthy investment because it will improve your well-being and save you money.

Thus, we compiled a list of the top eight online kratom vendors that ship to McAllen to save you some time and narrow your options. These either have AKA certifications or do lab tests, so they are completely safe and trustworthy.

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 the best option because of its fantastic prices, attention to quality, and exceptional customer service. It features one of the broadest strain selections, all originating from Southeast Asia and without artificial additives.

By choosing this seller, you’ll receive a 30-day return guarantee and free delivery on orders over $29.99. Furthermore, you can ensure your purchase comes from a fresh batch, as the company labels those clearly.

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

Star Kratom is still relatively new on the market, yet it has earned a fine reputation thanks to its impressive shipping times. Their shipping hubs are everywhere, so they can send their sales as soon as they are ready, often shipping the same day of purchase.

Their selection may fall short of other vendors, but they counter that with stringent quality control and fair prices. Their customer service is superb, and if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can send it back for a refund, even after opening the product.

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

VIP Kratom is well-known in the online kratom community for the quality of its products, which is the highest there is. It has strict tolerances for its kratom, and as a result, it has returned entire shipments for failing to pass their testing.

As a downside, this rigorous testing has a cost, and it shows in the higher than average prices. However, keep in mind that, in exchange, you receive some of the safest and most potent kratom products on the market.

VIP Kratom’s top picks:

  • Red Sumatra
  • White Maeng Da
  • Green Hulu

4. Super Speciosa

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $9.99 — $59.99
Verified Vendor

Super Speciosa

4.5 / 5
Ranked 15 out of 190 vendors

Super Speciosa’s selection is limited, but they’re all third-party tested and AKA-approved. In case you can’t decide, split kilo and sample packs are available. They do sell kratom tea bags, a product that can be hard to find.

There are some discontented customers who felt the kratom was ineffective, but many others love it. Ultimately, it might come down to personal preference or inconsistencies with the batches. There’s a money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy.

Super Speciosa’s top picks:

  • Green Malay
  • Red Bali
  • Maeng Da tea bags

5. 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 has been in the business for many years, and its products are sold all over the country. If you go to any retail kratom store, you’ll likely find one of their goods, always of consistent quality and at a low price.

There’s one nitpick, though: they only sell their products through third-party stores and distributors. However, their large strain selection and the ease with which anyone can find their products make this vendor a safe bet.

Remarkable Herbs’ top picks:

  • Green Thai
  • Green Malay
  • Kava

6. New Dawn Kratom

Aka GMP Certified yes
Pricing $19.00 — $79.00
Verified Vendor

New Dawn Kratom

4.85 / 5
Ranked 3 out of 190 vendors

New Dawn Kratom carries a great selection of strains, including some rarer types, such as Red and White Horn and a number of yellows. Bulk and split kilo options are available.

They only carry capsules and powder, so you’re out of luck if you prefer tinctures.

You’ll find competitive pricing, a money-back guarantee, AKA certification, lab results, and plenty of positive reviews.

New Dawn’s top picks:

  • Trainwreck
  • Red Dragon
  • Green Thai

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 a fine choice for people wishing to buy all kinds of medicinal herbs, from kratom to CBD oil, valerian root, moringa, and turmeric. Being one of the oldest companies in the business, it has excellent customer service.

The higher prices may be off-putting at first, but beyond them, you’ll find many rare strains unavailable anywhere else. Besides, you’ll be paying for quality kratom, and they have thousands of reviews attesting to their safety.

Kat’s Botanicals’ top picks:

  • Green Maeng Da
  • Digital Buddha
  • White Maeng Da

8. Chief Kratom

Aka GMP Certified no
Pricing $11.99 — $

Chief Kratom

4.0 / 5
Ranked 48 out of 190 vendors

Chief Kratom takes pride in its unique water-soluble kratom tinctures, which allow you to mix it with virtually any beverage. These are low-cost and high-quality, created using sustainable and safe practices. As such, they are part of the AKA’s GMP program.

There’s one drawback to this vendor: it doesn’t sell directly to customers, only through distributors. Luckily, its products aren’t hard to find, which means you’ll find them at most retail shops throughout the country.

Chief Kratom only sells one product and doesn’t report which strain it is.

Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?

When talking about kratom strains, we refer to the dozens of types of Mitragyna speciosa that grow worldwide. We can tell them apart by the color of the veins on their leaves.

As you may be aware, the effects of kratom vary greatly depending on the strain, so choosing the right one is essential to fulfilling your needs. This section will go through some of the most popular kratom strains available to see which one suits you best.

Green Vein Kratom Powder

Green vein kratom powder is the most popular because it is the middle-ground between the energetic white-veined and the sedative red-veined strains. As a result, they are cheap and accessible to everyone while also offering all the benefits of kratom.

The top-rated green-vein kratom strains are:

Green Borneo

Due to its overwhelming popularity, Green Borneo is perhaps the most easily found strain globally. Its effects are mildly calming and stimulating, so this is an excellent strain for novices. Its main strength, however, is as an anxiolytic.

Green Bali

As it is one of the most stimulating green strains, many people feel Green Bali has the same effects as its white-veined relatives. Since it lasts much longer, many individuals believe it outperforms the benefits of coffee.

Green Sumatra

Due to its remarkable consistency among batches and vendors, Green Sumatra is one of the most popular strains in the market. Its main feature is providing a balance of energy, focus, and reduced anxiety.

Red Vein Kratom Powder

Red vein kratom powder is popular among individuals who want better sleep, less anxiety, or to treat their pain. However, depending on the strain and dose, its effects range from energetic to euphoric.

The top-rated red-vein kratom strains are:

Red Thai

While your body and mind rest, Red Thai will present you with a delightful sense of serenity and well-being with yourself and the people around you. However, high doses can be euphoric, so we recommend starting with tiny amounts, especially if you are a novice.

Red Horn

Thanks to its potency, users take Red Horn to treat chronic pain and insomnia at the expense of a higher price. This strain isn’t unfriendly for beginners, but the high cost —and some marketing confusion— may turn potential users away.

Red Borneo

Although Red Borneo is an effective pain reliever and sedative, people choose it for its outstanding anxiolytic properties. This strain is fantastic for beginners because it is gentler than the others and hence less prone to cause adverse effects.

White Vein Kratom Powder

White vein kratom powder can boost your energy and enhance your cognition, properties that are most needed during long study sessions or hard workdays. Furthermore, several white strains help relieve pain and anxiety.

The top-rated white-vein kratom strains are:

White Borneo

Because of its superb consistency and overall effects, White Borneo is likely the most popular white strain. Its energetic and mood-enhancing benefits make it excellent for many students and workers.

White Bali

Besides being a potent stimulant and analgesic, White Bali can also improve your mood and quiet your anxiety. Its affordability and light side effects make it appropriate for beginners and experienced users alike.

White Sumatra

Due to its high mitragynine content, White Sumatra is perhaps one of the most potent energetic strains. Users frequently compare it to coffee, and many use it every day to replace it. It’s also helpful in relieving muscular tension and anxiety.

What Is the American Kratom Association?

The AKA is a non-profit organization created to protect kratom and its users across the United States. It has fought against disinformation and smearing campaigns since its founding, thanks to the support of donors nationwide.

The AKA has five main goals:

  1. To support anybody who uses kratom for medical or recreational purposes
  2. To educate all Americans about the different benefits of kratom usage
  3. To ensure all kratom users around the world have a voice
  4. To give reliable information and dispel misconceptions about the herb
  5. To safeguard natural resources and encourage sustainable manufacturing practices

The AKA has various projects to change or overturn laws restricting kratom usage on the legal front. In this line, it developed the KCPA to protect kratom users and enforce common safety standards. Several states have adopted it in recent years.

As an additional step to ensure kratom safety and legitimacy, the AKA established its own set of standards, called the Good Manufacturing Practice Standards Program (GMP). Any vendor can apply for review, after which they receive a certification stating their kratom is safe.

With the GMP, users now are sure that their purchases are legit and compliant with the most rigorous production standards in the country. As only a handful of states regulate kratom products, this is a welcomed endeavor.

How Long Does Kratom Take To Work?

Generally speaking, kratom takes less than an hour to work —you will start noticing its effects around 20 to 30 minutes after its ingestion. This time can vary depending on several factors, but it doesn’t stray far.

Once the effects start, they’ll rise until they reach maximum intensity about one to two hours after ingestion. After this point, the effects will fall to milder levels. The entire event will last between two to eight hours.

Please keep in mind that some external factors may change these estimates, including:

  • The dose, as the effects vary depending on the quantity
  • The strain, as some have longer-lasting effects than others
  • Your digestive system, as kratom hits faster on an empty stomach than on a full one
  • The format, as kratom powder is quickest to act, followed by tinctures and capsules

Furthermore, there are ways to make the experience last longer. You can use potentiators —such as freezing your kratom— or even take a break altogether.

How to Store Kratom?

Kratom usually remains fresh for up to three months, but there are ways to make it last up to a year. Of course, there are several factors to keep in mind when storing kratom, but they aren’t overly complicated.

Here are some recommendations to make the most out of your purchases:

  • Keep your kratom dry and away from moisture
  • Use airtight containers to store it, and don’t let it interact with air unless necessary
  • Store your kratom in a cool place with constant temperatures
  • Keep it away from sunlight as UV rays might harm it
  • Avoid storing your kratom close to strong scents, or it may absorb them
  • For regular use, store it in vacuum seal bags, as they prevent oxidation
  • To store kratom tea, brew it and move it to an ice cube tray or plastic container after it cools down. Don’t use glass containers.
  • There is no data about storing kratom powder in the freezer, so be careful if you want to experiment.

As a final piece of advice, always buy from reputable vendors. These sell fresh kratom and offer refunds, so you can always return stale or unsatisfying products.

Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in McAllen

Kratom is legal in McAllen and Texas, but there are no quality or safety standards here as it has no regulation. Legislators have been attempting to change this, so we expect the herb to become lawfully protected in the coming years.

McAllen has no dedicated kratom shops that we could find, so we advise you to resort to online vendors. Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom are the top vendors on the market, and we’re sure their products will meet your needs.