Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a relative of the coffee plant that grows naturally in Southeast Asia. Although it has been traditionally used there for centuries, it is only now surging in popularity in the United States.
Fortunately, kratom is legal in most parts of the country, including Norfolk, Virginia, so you can find stores near you.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the legal status of the herb in the city. In addition, we’ll give you a brief guide to finding the strain that best suits your needs.
Is Kratom Legal in Norfolk?
Yes, kratom is legal throughout Virginia.
However, while the herb is unregulated here, anti-kratom legislators currently seek to ban it, and there have been attempts to forbid it in the past.
For example, in 2020, lawmakers introduced bill VA HJR39, which sought to have the Virginia Board of Pharmacy study the herb and reevaluate its status as a controlled substance. Fortunately, the bill failed to garner sufficient support and died that same year.
Furthermore, authorities such as the FDA and the DEA seek to influence legislators across the country to ban the herb, as they consider it a threat to public health. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently reviewed kratom and concluded it is not dangerous — a landmark decision that could affect future legislation worldwide. For now, only a handful of states have banned it.
Will Norfolk Ban Kratom?
No, we believe that kratom will remain legal in Norfolk.
Although a sector is pushing to ban the herb, we believe they will fail for many reasons. For starters, many people use the herb to treat different diseases and disorders, and kratom’s growing popularity only further protects its legal status.
Also, as mentioned above, the WHO recently declared that it poses no threat when used responsibly. In fact, it advised states to regulate it to protect users from adulterated products or of dubious origin.
Why Do Some States & Cities Ban Kratom?
Authorities generally ban kratom due to uncertainty about its effects.
Some states and cities ban kratom simply because of the powerful influence of organizations such as the FDA and DEA. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to defend this position as many people are discovering and using it safely.
Still, most states that banned kratom do so out of fear or prejudice against any new substance. Kratom’s similarity to opioids has also smeared its public image, even though the herb is safe when used in moderation.
Top 5 Kratom Shops in Norfolk
Since kratom is unregulated in Norfolk, it is easy to come across poor quality or even adulterated products. To avoid them, we made a top-five list of the best physical stores in the area.
1. Pitbull Tobacco & More
Pitbull is one of the best stores to buy kratom in Norfolk because of its wide variety of strains, available in capsules, powder, and liquid. In addition, their products are from recognized brands such as Remarkable Herbs, so quality is more than guaranteed.
In addition, they offer excellent CBD, delta 8/10 THC, and many other smoking-related products. Pitbull is located at 2200 Colonial Ave #5 and is open daily. For more information, visit their website, or contact them at (757) 340-0053.
2. Area 51 Tobacco & Novelties
Area 51 is another excellent smokehouse set in a fun space-style theme with lots of bright colors and neon signs to catch the attention of passersby. All of their products are of excellent quality and are priced reasonably.
Moreover, their variety of kratom strains is acceptable, and you will find all kinds of red, white, and green-veined varieties.
Area 51 is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, so you will have plenty of time to visit. On their Facebook page, you will find all the necessary information, although you can also call them for any inquiry at (757) 963-2004.
3. Papa Joe’s Smoke Shop
Papa Joe’s may soon become your favorite smoke shop, as it carries one of the largest varieties of products in the city. Here, you will find vapes, CBD, cigars, hookahs, e-liquids, and kratom, among many other things.
This store also offers a considerable variety of strains, all of excellent quality, as they are 100% natural.
Papa Joe’s has lots of branches throughout the state. In Norfolk, you can find two: 6602 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, and 3848 E. Little Creek Rd. For more information, visit their website.
4. Smoke Shack 12
Smoke Shack 12 is another complete smoke shop offering hookah, shisha, CBD, vapes, e-juice, cigarettes, incense, cigar, and cigarette accessories. In addition, their collection of strains is reasonable and is available in both capsule and powder form.
Smoke Shack 12 is at 3038 Ballentine Blvd and is open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, except Sundays from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. If you want to know more about them, visit their Facebook page or call them at (757) 965-7359.
5. Mellow Smoke Shop
Mellow Smoke Shop is excellent for beginners, as the staff is very knowledgeable about their products and will be happy to introduce you to the different strains. Also, their prices are very competitive, so it won’t hurt your pocket.
Furthermore, here you will also find numerous smoking-related products of excellent quality, such as e-juice, vapes, and tobacco, among other things.
If you want to visit this store, go to 201 E. Berkley Ave, which is open every day. Unfortunately, Mellow does not have a website or Facebook page where they share more information, but you can call them at (757) 543-7444.
Find Kratom Near You
Discover more about buying kratom in Virginia with these city guides:
Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online
Although there are good physical stores in Norfolk, online vendors are even better. In this section, you will learn all the benefits that make online stores the best way to get quality kratom.
The main advantage of buying online is security, as locating pure and tested kratom is easier through online retailers than in physical stores. In addition, the owners of these stores are usually enthusiasts, so they know all the rules of care that the herb requires.
Furthermore, you can easily find a specific strain — including rare ones — and unique products through the Internet. You’re no longer limited to whatever stock your local physical stores currently carry.
On top of that, online stores offer better value for money, as they don’t have to maintain a store, nor so many salaries. You’ll usually receive a better quality product, as most online stores don’t have to deal with as many intermediaries that may contaminate it.
The last great advantage of buying online is convenience. With a couple of clicks, you can receive your order in days. In addition, many stores offer free shipping with larger purchases, so you don’t have to pay extra for your order.
Is Buying Kratom In-Store Safe?
Buying kratom in-store is generally safe, though we recommend getting it online.
Your experience when buying kratom through physical stores will always depend on the vendor. As kratom is unregulated in Norfolk, you may encounter vendors who don’t take proper care of the herb and will sell whatever they get their hands on.
This isn’t usually the case when buying kratom online. Some of these vendors deal with thousands of buyers throughout the country daily. As a result, they know how to keep their products fresh and safe from contaminants.
In conclusion, while you probably won’t have a bad experience in a brick-and-mortar store, we believe you’ll be more satisfied by buying from a reputable online vendor.
Kratom Vendors That Ship to Norfolk
Choosing a reliable online kratom vendor can be a challenge, even more so if you are a beginner. Also, although you will find hundreds of brands and sellers on the Internet, not all of them are trustworthy.
We list the best kratom suppliers that ship to Norfolk to save you the hassle. Most of them are approved by the American Kratom Association (AKA).
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom is a favorite brand of many enthusiasts, as it offers a reasonable price-quality ratio and an incredible variety of strains. In addition, their products are 100% pure and come directly from Indonesia, Thailand, Borneo, and Vietnam.
This vendor has its products tested by third-party laboratories, guaranteeing their quality. If you are still not convinced, they offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all their products.
Moreover, Kona Kratom offers sample packs to help you locate the perfect strain, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Their logistic services are also one of the best, as it is fast and efficient, and orders over $29.99 are delivered for free.
Kona Kratom’s top picks:
- Green Malay
- Red Maeng Da
- Red Dragon
Star Kratom
Star Kratom
Star Kratom is growing by leaps and bounds, becoming a powerful competitor among online kratom retailers. This brand offers the best value for money in the current market, as a kilo of kratom sells for only $99.99 and is of premium quality.
Star Kratom doesn’t take the number one spot because of its limited variety of strains. In their catalog, you will only find the most common varieties.
Star Kratom’s top picks:
- Red Bali
- Green Maeng Da
- Green Malay
VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom seeks to take kratom to another level, offering the best quality. Because of its strict quality controls, its prices are slightly higher than those of its competitors, costing $179.99 per kilo. Still, you’ll get your money’s worth.
We suggest you try their Green Hulu, one of their best-selling varieties for good reasons. Keep in mind that their products are more potent than you would probably expect, so we recommend starting with small doses.
VIP Kratom’s top picks:
- Red Sumatra
- White Maeng Da
- Green Hulu
Golden Monk
Golden Monk Kratom
Golden Monk excels at being discreet and fast with its deliveries. Also, this vendor is a loyal member of the AKA, so you can expect quality merchandise. Still, they do not show third-party lab test results on their website, which takes away a lot of transparency.
Moreover, they offer numerous discounts that will keep you interested for the long term. Plus, they sell a kilo of kratom for only $89.99, so Golden Monk is the way to go if you’re a little short on cash but don’t want to compromise your purchase’s quality.
Golden Monk’s top picks:
- Red Bali
- Green Maeng Da
- Green Malay
New Dawn Kratom
New Dawn Kratom
The website tells us nothing about New Dawn Kratom — who’s behind it, what they stand for, why they do what they do — but they might be worth your time if you’re looking for a good selection and reasonable prices.
They offer a sample pack that contains 250 g each of Red Bali, Green Malay, and White Borneo. You can also buy in bulk if you know what you want.
New Dawn’s top picks:
- Trainwreck
- White Thai
- Red Horn
Remarkable Herbs
Remarkable Herbs Kratom
Remarkable Herbs work with not only kratom but also other herbs such as kava and catclaw.
All their products are of excellent quality and purity, as they come from Southeast Asia, Polynesia, other islands in the Pacific Ocean, and the Amazon rainforest. For this reason, they maintain excellent freshness from the factory to their buyers’ hands.
Unfortunately, Remarkable Herbs only sells wholesale. However, their products are available in over 15,000 stores nationwide — in Norfolk, you’ll find their products in Pitbull Tobacco & More.
Remarkable Herbs’ top picks:
- Green Thai
- Green Malay
- Red Bali
Kats Botanicals
Kats Botanicals
Kats Botanicals is the favorite store for strain hunters, as it has one of the largest catalogs on the market. In addition, they sell their kratom mainly in capsule form, which is ideal to avoid the characteristic bitter taste of the herb.
Their products are of excellent quality and are approved by both the AKA and third-party laboratories.
Kats Botanicals’ top picks:
- Green Maeng Da
- Digital Buddha
- White Maeng Da
SLO Kratom
Slo Kratom
SLO Kratom might be relatively new, but they’re not slow to determine what customers want. With over 75 lab-tested strains — all with at least 1.4% mitragynine — and a money-back guarantee, users are certain to find something they want. Competitive prices and same-day shipping sweeten the deal.
SLO Kratom’s top picks:
- Red Medan
- Green Riau
- Yellow Sumatra
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
Unfortunately, finding the kratom strain that best suits your needs can be difficult and tedious. Below, you will find a brief guide to help you quickly identify your ideal variety.
However, we’ll only review some of the most common varieties. Remember that there are over 50 strains on the market, so we recommend you investigate further.
Green Vein Kratom Powder
Green vein kratom powder is milder and easier to handle than other varieties, so we recommend it mainly to beginners. In addition, with the correct dosage, you can achieve both stimulating and sedative effects.
The top-rated green-veined kratom strains are:
Green Borneo
Green Borneo is excellent for treating mainly anxiety and muscle pain. Depending on the dosage, you can achieve energizing and sedative effects, ideal for remaining active throughout the day or falling asleep as night sets in.
Green Thai
If you are looking for a strain covering all of kratom’s effects, go for Green Thai. Still, most users take it because it acts as an excellent social lubricant that will replace alcohol.
Green Sumatra
If you are looking for mild but long-lasting effects, we recommend trying Green Sumatra. Taken in small doses, you will feel your energy increase and your mood improve.
Red Vein Kratom Powder
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or pain, we suggest giving red vein kratom powder a try. The more potent red-veined strains can even help you fight insomnia, as long as you dose correctly.
The top-rated red-veined kratom strains are:
Red Bali
Many enthusiasts claim that Red Bali is the best analgesic strain of all. Although used primarily for relaxation, it can produce energizing effects in low doses.
Red Thai
Red Thai has effects very similar to those of its green vein counterpart, although much more potent. For this reason, we recommend you take it slowly and avoid it if you are a beginner.
Red Horn
Red Horn is excellent for treating muscle pain and insomnia. However, some of its batches can produce opposite effects, so we suggest buying this strain only from reputable sellers.
White Vein Kratom Powder
White vein kratom powder has potent nootropic effects and is a fast-acting analgesic, which will help you cope with long days of work or study. On the other hand, some strains can promote sedative effects in high doses.
The top-rated white-veined kratom strains are:
White Borneo
White Borneo has excellent stimulating effects. In addition, you can improve your attention and mood with this strain, so it can help you cope with a tedious workday.
White Sumatra
White Sumatra will provide you with energy quickly and efficiently, as it is one of the most potent white-veined varieties. For this reason, we recommend you calculate your doses with precision.
White Indo
White Indo has balanced euphoric effects, so it is helpful to lift your spirits if you are having a low self-esteem day. However, it can also be excellent for improving relaxation in high doses, making it a complete strain.
Can You Overdose on Kratom?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on kratom, although it is unlikely.
Although it is possible to overdose on kratom, it is difficult to take the amount needed for it to occur. In larger doses, kratom can produce unpleasant side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, so you will probably vomit the excess.
The few cases of kratom overdose reported are due to mixing it with other substances. Therefore, besides calculating the dosage, we recommend not to mix it with any other drug, including pharmaceuticals.
Is Kratom Safe for Older Adults?
Yes, kratom is mostly safe for older adults.
Many older adults suffer from chronic pain caused by arthritis or other ailments that appear at older ages, and kratom is an excellent natural alternative to treat them. However, because of a great deal of misinformation, many older adults are hesitant to use it.
Kratom can be equal to or even safer than many prescription drugs, especially pain relievers. However, interactions with medications that an older person usually takes can be dangerous, so we recommend consulting with a physician first.
Can You Become Addicted to Kratom?
Yes, kratom abuse can lead to addiction.
Like any herb or substance that produces strong pharmacological effects, kratom can be addictive.
However, unlike opioids, kratom usually requires months of constant use to develop the same level of addiction. In addition, its effects are milder, so it is much easier to stop taking it.
To avoid becoming addicted, we recommend limiting the amount and leaving a considerable space between doses.
General kratom dosage guidelines:
- For energy: 1-3 grams
- To increase stimulation: 3-5 grams
- For pain relief and mild euphoria: 4-6 grams
- For sedating & euphoric effects: 6-8 grams
Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Norfolk
Although you can access kratom freely in Virginia, it is still unregulated here, and its legal future is uncertain. The best thing you can do to help keep kratom legal is to use it responsibly. Also, share your experience online when possible.
In the meantime, you can easily buy the herb through the various stores in Norfolk shown above. Even so, we recommend you to shop online for a better experience.
Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom have been leading the market for a long time, so they are likely to become your favorite brands. Besides being AKA-approved, third-party laboratories test their products and guarantee their purity.
