Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant with a variety of useful medicinal benefits. From analgesic effects to nootropic stimulation, kratom covers a wide range of purposes.
Its legality is a controversial topic, as it’s prohibited in some states and regulated in others. However, in most states, the legality of kratom is the same as in Washington: unregulated.
Below, we’ll tell you what this means for those living in Washington, along with kratom’s possible uses, the different strains that exist, and how to make sure you’re buying and using it safely.
Is Kratom Legal in Washington?
Kratom is legal in Washington, and anyone can buy and consume it.
In fact, authorities have never challenged the legality of kratom in Washington.
However, the fact that kratom is unregulated is also a disadvantage to consumers: anyone can produce and sell it, and no government agency ensures the quality, purity, or safety of kratom products in Washington.
Learn more about kratom laws in the United States.
Where to Buy Kratom in Washington
Just as in any other legal state, you have two ways to buy kratom in Washington.
The first option is to purchase it from a reliable online vendor, which provides you with several benefits compared to the second option — buying in-store.
In states where kratom isn’t regulated, safety is up to the consumer. Even in states where kratom is regulated, don’t assume anything. Check the vendor out before buying anything. Buying kratom online is one precaution to avoid unwanted surprises, and we’ll explain why.
Buying Kratom Online
Online is the best way to buy kratom. This method provides you certain guarantees that in-store options have a hard time matching.
Discretion & Ease
One benefit we can’t fail to mention is how easy and discreet it is to order online. No question that ordering from home and getting kratom delivered to your door is more straightforward than tracking down a local shop near you.
If shipping time is a concern, order from Star Kratom. Not only do they sell high-quality kratom, but their shipping times are probably the fastest on the market.
Higher Quality
In-store vendors often purchase kratom through intermediaries, which drives up costs and lowers quality. Therefore, it’s almost always better to buy kratom from a company specializing in its production and sale.
Local stores usually sell other products along with kratom. Not only can these products sit on shelves for a long time, but the staff is generally unknowledgeable about kratom and how to use it.
Kona Kratom is a clear example of top-quality kratom at an affordable price. And if you’re not on a budget, you won’t regret investing in VIP Kratom products. While not cheap, the quality is unparalleled.
Better Variety
Besides finding superior products at a lower price, you’ll find a wider variety of kratom strains that an in-store vendor can’t offer. This is important because the strain of kratom you choose determines the effects you’ll get.
You should always prioritize vendors with a wide selection, as this allows you to find kratom that meets your needs.
Better Prices
Fewer middlemen mean lower prices. Not only are fewer people expecting a cut of the profits, but physical stores have high overhead costs, whereas online stores don’t. As a result, you’ll save money and find higher quality when buying online.
Related: What’s the Cheapest Kratom?
Buying Kratom In-Store
There’s only one benefit to in-store purchases, and that’s time. Just google “kratom near me” to find a list of kratom suppliers in your area, and you can have it in your hands in no time.
If you decide to buy kratom in-store, here are five kratom suppliers in Washington:
- Anarchy Smoke Shop (Burien)
- Seattle Organics Kratom Shop (Seattle)
- Everett Tobacco Company (Everett)
- Cloud House Vaporz (Woodland)
- Sedated Smoke Shop Valley (Spokane Valley)
Find Kratom Near You
Discover where to buy kratom in Washington with the following detailed city guides:
What To Look For When Buying Kratom
When buying kratom, there are a few factors to consider to make a good purchase.
Here are some guidelines to help you choose from the kratom vendors available.
AKA Certification
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a private, non-profit company in operation since 2015. Its goal is to provide education and resources about kratom and ensure safe kratom on the market.
The AKA doesn’t decide who can sell kratom and who can’t. Instead, the association simply offers quality control programs based on annual audits.
Third-party laboratories perform these tests, and if the product doesn’t meet AKA standards, the association withdraws its endorsement of the supplier.
AKA certification is one of the biggest things to look for when choosing a vendor.
Company Reputation
Before purchasing kratom from any vendor, you should take the time to look for a buyer and third-party reviews. In these reports, users comment on the quality, credibility, and ethics of the companies selling kratom.
Along with the AKA certification, this is the only reliable information you’ll find.
These vendor reviews can help you get started.
Strain Selection
Kratom has many alkaloids, but the main two are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids vary in concentration, causing a variety of effects.
Because of this, kratom is available in different strains. Kratom strains are categorized by the color of their leaf vein, though it’s not noticeable once the kratom is processed. There are three distinct categories: red, white, and green vein kratom, and all three have different purposes.
Red Vein Kratom
This type of kratom is the most calming of the three. Red vein kratom acts as an analgesic and reduces anxiety. It has a high concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine, an alkaloid that interacts with opioid receptors. This interaction makes it similar to opioids but without risks.
White Vein Kratom
White kratom strains are the most stimulating and perfect for increasing your focus or elevating your mood.
This kind of kratom has high amounts of mitragynine. In addition to binding to opioid receptors, this alkaloid interacts with the receptors responsible for creativity and concentration.
Green Vein Kratom
Green vein kratom is the most balanced. Some of these strains are more stimulating, and others are more sedative.
In general, green vein kratom treats the same conditions that red or white kratom helps with. The difference is that green kratom produces more subtle effects, and you’re less likely to feel overstimulated or lethargic, as you might if you overdo it with the other two types of kratom.
What Are People Using Kratom For?
There are various reasons to use kratom, and while there is no right or wrong, there are common patterns.
This section reviews the most popular uses for kratom.
Energy & Focus
Kratom provides increased energy and focus. White vein strains are the most nootropic and stimulating — ideal for creative work or any task that requires lateral thinking. It triggers an energy boost comparable to a cup of coffee.
Low to moderate doses are best for this.
Anxiety & Depression
Kratom is very effective in alleviating depression and anxiety. These psychological disorders are among the most common and affect about 25% of the U.S. population.
Kratom isn’t a cure, but it can help.
You’ll need to be careful with what strain and dose you take. In the case of depression, we recommend white kratom. These strains give a mental boost.
On the other hand, if you suffer from anxiety, we recommend red kratom. It helps reduce excess brain activity and puts you in a calmer headspace. However, red kratom can cause lethargy if you take too much.
Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal is a living hell, devastating both physically and psychologically. From involuntary movements to rampant anxiety, opioid addicts suffer nightmarish effects upon cessation of use.
One of the most popular reasons to use kratom is to ease opiate withdrawal symptoms. It reacts to opioid receptors much like opioids do, causing the user to feel an opioid-like euphoria and sedation, especially in high doses.
Pain Relief
If you’re looking to treat chronic pain, red vein kratom is the most effective. Its analgesic effects are long-lasting and significantly reduce pain.
Green vein kratom can also be effective, although its potency is usually lower.
Is Kratom Safe?
Kratom is safer than most drugs you buy over the counter or at a pharmacy. However, this doesn’t mean you should consume enormous amounts of kratom.
However, the only thing you should do to avoid the negative consequences of consuming kratom is to stick to a responsible consumption protocol.
It’s a good idea to limit yourself to using kratom five days a week at most and with doses less than five grams, which is a high dose if you’re new to it.
Related: How Long Should I Wait Between Kratom Doses?
Side Effects of Kratom
If you use it responsibly, you shouldn’t suffer from most of the side effects. However, if you’re just starting, don’t be surprised if you have an upset stomach the first few times.
Some of the most common adverse effects of kratom are:
- Anxiety or jitteriness
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
You can rest easy if you start with a low dose and with a reasonable frequency. The chances are you won’t suffer any negative consequences from kratom.
Please remember not to take kratom on any terms if you are pregnant or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What’s The Future of Kratom in Washington?
So far, the Washington government has not indicated that it intends to ban kratom. However, the AKA encourages all states to implement the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, and we believe Washington is a possible candidate.
More and more parts of the country are taking a consumer protection stance, and the belief that kratom is a recreational drug is rapidly disappearing.
While we can’t see into the future, we are optimistic about kratom’s future in Washington.
However, as long as kratom remains unregulated, you can turn to trusted vendors like Kona Kratom, VIP Kratom, and Star Kratom to ensure a quality product.
