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KRATOM NEAR ME 2020

kratom near me

KRATOM NEAR ME 2020

Mitragyna Speciosa — better known as Kratom — has a long history of use in traditional Southeast Asian medicine, namely Thailand and Malaysia. In America, this intriguing plant has been investigated for possible usefulness in a variety of different therapeutic applications. But, it’s also something of a controversial botanical, which can make finding high-quality and safe kratom more of a challenge. 

Where to Find Kratom?

Kratom isn’t something you’re likely to find at your local drugstore or health foods grocery, even if they do have a natural plant section with other botanicals available. 

Nor is there enough demand that you’ll likely find a kratom-specific retailer, even in places where it’s completely legal. While it’s theoretically possible for a dispensary-equivalent to exist for kratom, chances are you’ll have to resort to a head shop or smoke store if you want to buy from local vendors. But even then, you will be faced with the biggest issue of them all: Quality.

Your closest local source may seem like the best option, but it probably isn’t. That is why we have created this article to cover the best alternative: online stores.

Purchase Online:

This isn’t so much a way to find kratom near you as it is a way to have kratom delivered near you. Right now, at least in the United States, online retailers are the best and most consistent sources for kratom. 

That’s because their wider customer base makes it easier to rotate through their stock consistently. They also have a greater incentive to maintain a higher quality product for much the same reason. More people purchasing increases the likelihood that someone will know the difference between high and low-quality kratom, and will post a negative review if they get low-quality products. 

That combines to make the online marketplace significantly safer and more convenient than most in-store retailers. Not to mention that nothing is more convenient or nearby than a package delivered to your doorstep.

Purchasing from the best online kratom vendors also ensures you can get more when you need it. Smoke shops and other brick and mortar retailers are much more likely to run out and go days or weeks before getting a resupply. 

The last big advantage online retailers tend to have is that they can offer significantly more selection. Online vendors don’t have to worry about shelf space, and most online kratom shops understand that different types and cultivars of kratom are better for certain customers. 

Best Powder Supplier:OnlineKratom

The first website on our list proudly displays their lab-test credentials; OnlineKratom is a good option for individuals who are interested in exploring a wide variety of kratom powder. It’s also a reasonable source for retailers who are looking to add kratom products to their inventories. 

They offer a huge variety of red, white, and green varieties. This site also has the option of purchasing kratom in sample packs, which provides the opportunity to test different strains before committing to a larger order, only to realize it’s not a fit for you.

Powder is sold in 1 ounce to 250 gram weights. OnlineKratom boasts a massive product line of over 25 different strains, crushed leaf, soaps and even some specialty blends. 

This website is best for experienced kratom users who are looking to keep a supply around without having to constantly re-purchase. But they also offer a good quality product at similarly good prices. 

Learn more at onlinekratom.com/

Largest Variety: OnlineKratom

OnlineKratom is a good resource for Kratom products. Interestingly, despite their site being divided between two different types of botanical, OnlineKratom  is also the best option for variety. 

If you haven’t quite found the right strain of Kratom for you, or want to try several different types of strains, this is a good resource.

All of their products are tested, so you know that you’re getting a high quality and safe final product.  

This retailer is also a good option if you’re looking for a range of different effects from your kratom. Because they have all three types in a variety of strains, you can get particular about which version is right for you. They also carry kratom capsules for those of you who do not enjoy the taste. And trust us, that is a huge portion of consumers.

This retailer also has the option of ordering in teabags, which can be a good choice for individuals who don’t want to make their own and don’t want to deal with the issues that come from making tea with powder.  

Learn more at onlinekratom.com/

Highest Quality: Kratom Fusions

Kratom Fusions is one of the most consistent and helpful sources for kratom in the online marketplace. They have high lab testing standards and carefully ensure that all of their products are carefully selected and maintained while in storage. 

That means that this supplier is the most likely to send you fresh, leafy, high-quality kratom. 

The higher quality assurance doesn’t come with a particularly higher price point either. The kratom from this supplier is still affordable, and prices are in line with other retailers for the same amount of product. 

They also sell red, white, and green varieties, and you can purchase kratom though you are largely limited to purchasing the kratom in powder form. They do also offer live-plant shipping, but the plants sell out fairly often. 

This is a good site to order from if the quality is your highest concern, you want to try a variety of different strains and types, or you’re looking for a smallish package to try before buying in quantity.  

Learn more at Kratom Fusions

Google Maps: https://g.page/buykratom?gm

Google Maps is one of the best resources for finding local stores that sell kratom. The app will quickly pull up any stores that advertise kratom in their stocks. Chances are, especially if you live in a metro area, you’ll get a selection of head shops and smoke stores. 

You may also get the occasional new age store or another resource, but smoke stores are by far the most common. (we’ll talk about the other options in detail, don’t worry.)

The biggest problem with Google Maps is that it’s hard to get reviews specifically related to kratom selection and quality. 

Headshops / Vape Shops / Gas Stations:

These retailers are generally the most common local source for kratom. These kratom stores are widely available, generally offer reasonable prices, and sell the other supplies you’ll want if you intend to smoke kratom. Admittedly though, smoking is one of the least popular and least controlled ways to ingest kratom. 

There are other problems with smoke stores, however, especially if you don’t already patronize these stores for other products. 

The biggest issue when it comes to local kratom is quality. All too often, smoke stores order a large bulk supply of kratom without a good sense of market demand or how much kratom they can reasonably sell quickly. 

With some other products, anything that is truly shelf-stable, ordering that way poses no problem. But kratom is best fresh, and quality can quickly decline if it’s kept in packaging and on shelves for too long. 

That doesn’t necessarily impact sales though, so kratom sellers have few incentives to keep a high-quality rotating stock instead of simply making another bulk order when they run out. 

The other quality issue is that smoke shops have an incentive to look for good deals when they order from kratom suppliers. That means that they might opt for a lower quality product, to begin with, making it even more likely you’ll receive less effective kratom if you purchase from a smoke store. 

It’s also hard to evaluate the quality of the product. Shiny packaging and other marketing tricks can make it difficult to see powdered kratom, the most commonly available variety, and prevents you from evaluating the product. You won’t be able to see the common signs of age or tell whether the powder is mostly leaves (good) or contains a high percentage of stems (bad). 

If you want to find kratom near you, and you want to buy from a brick and mortar store, see if you know anyone who uses kratom. Ask which store they use. The best recommendations come from experienced kratom users who’ve patronized the same store for 3-6 months or longer. 

You should also check the store website and see if they have lap testing numbers posted. Retailers are required to have their product tested, so the visibility of their test results can be an important indicator of quality. Kratom benefits list

Apothecaries and Herb Supplier Stores and Specialty Retailers:

The last place you can often find kratom is new age stores and apothecaries/herb suppliers. These stores are a fairly natural place to find kratom since it’s both a naturally occurring botanical and has been considered a plant-teacher for seeking greater enlightenment. 

While these stores can have a high-quality product, they can also have the same weaknesses and product problems as smoke shops. But, they might be a little more forthright if you ask how long their kratom has been in stock or in storage. 

Still, kratom purchased from this kind of store is a great way to get higher quality and fresh kratom and be able to speak to an expert. Kratom specialty Store

Different Varieties of Kratom:

We’ve mentioned that there are different varieties of kratom a few times now, but if you haven’t tried kratom before you might not know that there are different types of the plant in addition to different strains of kratom. 

The different types are based on the coloration of the veins in the leaves. While they are largely the same plant, the different minerals and plant compounds can change the effect of the plants. 

Red Veined:

Red-veined kratom is the most popular version of kratom. It grows widely throughout Southeast Asian, making it one of the more plentiful varieties rich in alkaloids, and also generally the type that is recommended for new kratom users since it’s generally calming. 

Like other kratom strains, it can produce stimulating effects at low doses and acts more like a sedative at higher doses. Throughout, though, red-veined kratom is considered calming with mild euphoria in addition to analgesic, or painkilling, properties. If you think this is the type for you consider a Borneo strain.

Green Veined:

Green-veined is often described as the middle ground between red and white varieties of kratom. It’s relatively mild, has the same pain-relieving effects, and can be stimulating or a sedative depending on the dose. 

Interestingly, people who prefer green kratom often note that the plant helps them feel more focused, motivated, and energized, at least in smaller quantities. A great option to consider would be Bali.

White Veined: 

White kratom is generally thought to be the most stimulant of the three, though it’s also calming, and some users report that it helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety as well as acting as a painkiller. Like green kratom, white kratom is thought to help with concentration and focus. A popular white strain is Maeng Da.

White kratom is also a mood booster, although you should be careful not to take it too close to bedtime because it’s more of a stimulant and can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep. 

Multiple Kratom Preparations:

This one is less a requirement than a perk. But, just like a wide variety of kratom itself can be an indication of a high-quality source, so can a wide variety of preparations of the plant. Powdered is most common, but you can also buy kratom extract, tablets, capsules, and leaves, depending on your source. 

While you might not need multiple preparations of kratom, a selection is still an indication that the retailer knows what they are doing. 

Signs of a Good Retailer:

Of course, even when it comes to online retailers, there are good and bad options. We’ve found three of the best online retailers, and we’ll address each of them. But first, here are some ways you can tell a good kratom resource from a bad one. 

Lab Test Seals and Results are Posted:

A good retailer will make their lab result available whether they are primarily selling the product online or in stores. Online, each retailer should have some kind of lab certification displayed. 

Since cutting kratom with other, cheaper, and more dangerous, substitutes have become a problem in some areas, that certification is more important than ever. 

Wide Selection:

Online marketplaces are defined by their wide selection, but in this case, it’s also a sign of a quality retailer. Selection makes it possible to keep a stock on hand, even when the harvests are sparse or high demand for a particular cultivar strains supplies. 

When it comes to kratom, there are also wide differences between different varieties of the plant, making it even more important to offer a selection so people can choose the option best for them. 

Shows Pictures of the Actual Product:

One of the biggest problems with buying from in-person retailers is that they often don’t give customers a way to look at the actual product. Even if the kratom is sold in transparent packaging, shiny packaging, or a thick layer of plastic between you and the powder can mask color issues and other imperfections. 

While you can’t personally inspect the product from an online retailer, they do generally post photos of their product that give you a better idea of what to expect. Since those pictures are supposed to help generate business, they show a high-quality product. 

That transparency makes it easier to tell when the product you’ve received is the quality you were expecting. 

Good Customer Reviews + Customer Support Lines:

Everyone knows that customer support isn’t always the most fun thing to contact, but the existence of a customer support line does show that your kratom retailer stands behind their product and cares about their customers. And we would consider them to be the best kratom vendors. Otherwise, there isn’t much reason to allow people to complain about bad product quality or attempt to get a refund or replacement. 

Good customer reviews are another good way to measure an online retailer. A good retailer should not only have a lot of good reviews, but they should also have their customer reviews up somewhere visible and accessible to new customers. 

Look for reviews that talk about the quality of the product, ease of ordering, and other indications of good service. Comparative reviews that mention other companies are also a good thing since they tend to mean that the customer writing the review is more experienced and knows what they should be getting. Another great resource for reviews is I Love Kratom Forum and a new player in the industry — AlkaloidFinder is making some noise.

Lastly, look for responsiveness. Companies must reach out to their customers and say something when things go wrong. With modern shipping and a huge inventory, occasional problems are almost inevitable. Companies that take ownership and work to make a mistake right with their customers are the kind of companies you want to work with and source your kratom from. 

Legality of Kratom:

Several countries in Southeast Asia and Europe have restricted the use of the plant. Kratom is currently federally legal in the United States, but several states and local municipalities across the country have passed and enforced tighter restrictions. As of May 2020, purchasing kratom is prohibited in the following locations: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin. Sarasota County, Union County, Denver, San Diego.

The DEA and FDA have also talked about the possibility of regulating kratom on a federal level, which means that the legal future of the plant is still uncertain. Always make sure you know the legal status of kratom in your jurisdiction before you attempt to buy it. 

Chances are, kratom will only be locally available while it’s legal, but some retailers may not be informed of changes. So, even if you choose to buy from a local head shop or smoke store, product availability does not necessarily equate to legality.

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Kratom Strains and Names

Kratom Strains

Kratom Strains and Names

The Kratom Strains and Names clearly explained.

Kratom Strains can be hard to decipher. There are 3 types of strains which are White Vein, Red Vein and Green Vein. Although green and white may seem similar, they are not the types of kratom.

kratom leaves


You can, clearly, see the differences in the
leaf’s vein color. You’ve probably noticed numerous names referring to the same types, which can be entirely too confusing. Unfortunately, many vendors tend to confuse the customers by re-branding traditional strains with interesting new names.

thai kratom

The traditional names for this plant come from the regions in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, where they grow naturally. This is seen by the naming conventions such as Sumatra, Borneo, Riau, Bali and so forth. Below is chart for how these names are connected.

Indo kratom

Indonesia: Also known as Indo and comes in White, Green and Red Vein.

  • Sumatra (a region in Indonesia)
  • Riau (a region in Indonesia)
  • Kalimantan (a region in Indonesia)
  • Borneo (a region in Indonesia)
  • Bali (a combination of Sumatra and Borneo. Supposedly Bali was named this because it was in Bali where the combination was first created.)

Thai Kratom

Thailand: Also known as Thai and comes in Red and Green Vein.

  • Maeng Da (not a region, but an enhanced version of Thai)

Malay Kratom

Malaysia: Also known as Malay and comes in White, Red and Green Vein.

white strain

For an example, when you hear the term, “White Vein Sumatra”, you’ll now know that this is referring to a white veined Kratom leaf found in the Sumatra region of Western Indonesia and simply put, “White Vein Indo”.

stimulating effects

These names can sometimes be justified due to the different environments in which the trees are grown. Some regions have different soil compositions which can clearly have an effect on the alkaloids found in the leaf.

high quality

We are aware that these names can be confusing and there are not many concise descriptions available regarding this subject which is why we felt compelled to provide this information to our customers.

bali kratom

Indonesia: Also known as Indo and comes in White, Green and Red Vein.

  • Sumatra (a region in Indonesia)
  • Riau (a region in Indonesia)
  • Kalimantan (a region in Indonesia)
  • Borneo (a region in Indonesia)
  • Bali (a combination of Sumatra and Borneo. Supposedly Bali was named this because it was in Bali where the combination was first created.)

red bali

ThailandAlso known as Thai and comes in Red and Green Vein.

maeng da kratom

  • Maeng Da (not a region, but an enhanced version of Thai)

Malaysia: Also known as Malay and comes in White, Red and Green Vein.

For an example, when you hear the term, “White Vein Sumatra”, you’ll now know that this is referring to a white veined Kratom leaf found in the Sumatra region of Western Indonesia and simply put, “White Vein Indo”.

boost of energy

These names can sometimes be justified due to the different environments in which the trees are grown. Some regions have different soil compositions which can clearly have an effect on the alkaloids found in the leaf.

mild energy

We are aware that these names can be confusing and there are not many concise descriptions available regarding this subject which is why we felt compelled to provide this information to our customers.

types of kratom and different types of kratom

Why Are There Different Kratom Varieties?


Those new to kratom might be wondering how it is that one plant can come in different varieties when it reaches the market. The difference lies in the growth and methodology, not so much in the plant itself.

When kratom leaves are harvested, they then need to be dried, blended, and then packaged as they will be sold. Depending on where the tree grew and how the conditions were, the exact makeup of the plant will differ.

Then, the drying method will change the final chemical composition of the leaves. The final product depends completely on what type of process the leaf went through when it was grown to when it was dried after harvesting. All of the differences of kratom varieties come about during these parts of the process!

How Kratom Colors Are Classified


When you browse kratom varieties, you’ll likely see that kratom is usually divided by Red, Green, and White varieties. There are a few specialty colors that might pop up from time to time like Gold or Yellow, but most will be Red, Green, or White.

Over the years, there has been some dissent within the kratom community about what the meaning of these colors truly is in the industry. Is it a marketing effort? Is it based on the color of the leaves? Or is it something else?

In our opinion, it’s a bit of all of them! Certain leaves have colored veins, which lead them to be a specific variety, and the marketing component can’t be overlooked either.

Drying Matters Most!
Ultimately, however, the color of kratom often has a lot to do with the way that it was dried! Green leaves are usually dried indoors for 80% of their drying time while whites are dried inside in the dark. Red leaves are given more sun exposure via outdoor drying or UV lighting, depending on the variety. kratom leaves.

Often, the variation between red and white kratom will be more simply explained as red being more “mature” and white being “younger.” In terms of overall light and sun exposure, this is true, but the terminology can be quite confusing.

The only way to be absolutely sure about what the color terminology means in regards to your kratom is to ask the supplier or vendor that you are purchasing from. They will be able to give you the most accurate information about what you should expect from the kratom.

All About Kratom Strains


In addition to seeing a lot of different color words used when marketing kratom, you are likely to have also seen a lot of different strain names such as Maeng Da Thai or Red Bali. What are these strain names, and how are they decided?

Today, we’ll attempt to unravel some of the confusion that exists about strain names and their origins.

Strain Names: What Do They Mean?


There are a lot of specific strain names that are well-used and well-known:

• Red Bali
• Maeng Da
• Borneo
• Super Green Malaysian
• … and more!
All of these names seem to have specific meanings, but do the kratom varieties truly align with their names?

Yes and no.

Originally, kratom sellers would create the names for their kratom based on where it came from or what experience it would give you. Bali kratom, for example, may have originally been grown solely in Bali, but now the name may refer to the strain’s lineage (where the seeds came from), or even to different strains that have comparable alkaloid profiles.

Many of the origins of kratom strain names have similar stories. Some names, like Borneo kratom, were originally given to the strain because the kratom was grown there. Now, however, the name doesn’t always indicate where the particular leaves were harvested.

Instead, the name indicates the specific style, content, and processing method that the kratom was created with.

What To Expect From Specific Strains


As mentioned above, kratom strain names might not always match up with the location that the kratom originates from, but the stain names do consistently describe specific attributes of the kratom itself.

Red Bali kratom, for example, is known for its high alkaloid content, but it tends to be grown in Sumatra because of the more consistent growing conditions.

Thus, the strain names are assigned to kratom based on:

• The conditions the trees were grown in
• The alkaloid content
• The drying method
• The processing
These four factors are what makes up a specific strain of kratom, and you can expect different effects from the kratom supplement depending on how exactly it falls into these four categories.

Are New And Unique Strains Trustworthy?


Now that you know more about how the strains are named and what the colors mean, you might be wondering if you can trust a strain like a Platinum Maeng Da Thai or Gold Malaysian blend. Do these blends fit the pattern, and what would they be like?

Our belief is that as long as you make your purchase from reputable vendors, you can give any strain a chance! Reliable vendors will explain the strain and its attributes in their product descriptions, so use that info to get an idea of what to expect when you try something new.

Improving Kratom’s Future


As you can see, understanding what to expect from kratom when the names are so confusing and seemingly randomly assigned can be overwhelming. We support organizations such as the American Kratom Association that are pushing for more clarity in the kratom industry because it would better inform and protect consumers like you.

Among other things, we believe that GMP compliant processing, testing, and marketing is going to be a requirement in the future. Until then, we will do our best to ensure that you can get a clear understanding of our products! As always, feel free to contact us with any questions that you might have.

As a botanical substance, kratom is a product of variety and differentiation. Cultivation and harvesting techniques play pivotal roles in determining the characteristics and traits of kratom products, and as a result, no two kratom strains are exactly alike.

While the plant’s sheer diversity creates a wider breadth of choice, it can also make choosing a kratom strain difficult amidst so many options. So, to help provide some clarification, we’re going to explore the different strains of kratom by examining their roots, characteristics, and discovering what ultimately sets them apart.

Red, White, and Green: Kratom Colors & What They Mean


Although dozens of kratom strains exist, most kratom strains can be classified as red, white, or green vein. However, kratom coloration isn’t merely cosmetic, nor is it the product of deceptive marketing. Instead, the three primary kratom colors are indicators of a kratom strain’s vein coloration, and more specifically, general aroma.

Due to variations during the cultivation and harvesting phases, the stems or main veins of different strains of kratom often become tinted, appearing as red, green, or white/yellow. Farmers often use the vein coloration of kratom leaves as an indicator of maturity and a predictor of strain characteristics.

Red vein kratom strains are made from the most mature leaves and are commonly associated with relaxing
Green vein kratom strains are made from middle-aged leaves and are generally considered to produce balanced, soothing
White vein kratom strains are made from youthful, burgeoning leaves and are often associated with stimulating
Aside from kratom vein color, coloration differences between different strains of kratom can also be observed after kratom leaves are ground into ultra-fine powders. As a result, some customers are often alarmed when they notice that their powdered kratom products are darker or lighter in appearance. For example, red vein kratom powders tend to have a dark brown-red appearance, while white vein kratom is often pale or yellow by comparison.

Ultimately, the coloration of kratom strains will always be subject to variability. Depending on the conditions in which the tree grew and variables during harvest, even two batches of the same strain can look different. Don’t let these inconsistencies bother you, though – if anything, they’re healthy reminders that kratom is an organic product of nature, not artificiality.

The Significance of Kratom Strain Names


Even though kratom strains tend to fall into three major color categories, dissimilarities can be observed between different strains of kratom of the same color. This phenomenon has lead to the popularization of kratom strain names, which serve to further differentiate kratom strains from one another.

Most commonly, kratom strain names refer to a strain’s region of cultivation. As an example, Green Vietnam kratom refers to the strain’s purported origins within the country of Vietnam. However, the etymology of other strain families is often more cryptic in nature. For instance, “Maeng Da” is a family of kratom strains named after their potency and quality rather than a specific region.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular different strains of kratom and the origins of their names:

Malay kratom strains are sourced from Kapuas Hulu near the Malaysian border
Maeng Da kratom strains are globally renowned for their robust aromas
Bali kratom strains are generally considered to possess soothing and relaxing aromas
Thai kratom strains were once sourced from the jungles of Thailand
Indo kratom strains are grown and harvested in Indonesia
Borneo kratom strains are wild-harvested from the Borneo Rainforests
Kali kratom strains are sourced from the Kalimantan region of Borneo
Horned kratom strains are harvested within central Kalimantan and known for their horned leaves
Sumatra kratom strains are cultivated in the jungles of Sumatra
Harvesting: the Importance of Leaf Maturity
As previously mentioned, much of the disparity between the different strains of kratom can be explained by the time-sensitive nature of the kratom harvesting process.

That’s because, unlike other plants, only one species of mitragyna speciosa (the kratom plant) exists. If a kratom farmer wants to grow a different kratom strains, the process doesn’t begin with Maeng Da seeds or Borneo cuttings. Instead, kratom strains as we know them are loose monikers that kratom farmers use to collectively distinguish between their various kratom harvests.

When kratom leaves have reached an ideal maturity, kratom farmers pick and collect them. Over its lifespan, a kratom leaf will typically change in coloration from red to green, to yellow, and finally, brown. This phenomenon of “color cycling” allows kratom farmers to essentially choose the coloration of their harvest dynamically and produce red, white, and green kratom simultaneously, even though all of the plants are technically the same species.

The Different Strains of Kratom & How They’re Processed


Aside from techniques employed during the harvesting phase, some kratom strains are actually byproducts of post-harvest processing methods.

For all kratom strains, the post-harvest process begins with a thorough cleaning in running water to cleanse the freshly-picked leaves of any dust, dirt, debris, or other contaminants. This step is essential in producing high-quality kratom, as these same leaves will later be crushed and ground into a fine powder, making imperfections and contaminants difficult to spot without the use of lab testing.

After the kratom leaves have been rigorously washed, they’re hung or placed on large racks to dry inside or in the sun. This drying or “curing” phase is yet another factor in the development of different strains of kratom, as kratom farmers can either limit or extend drying times to further alter the natural traits of the leaves.

Once a batch of kratom leaves is sufficiently dried and cured, kratom farmers use industrial grinders to grind the leaves into a fine-grain powder. At this point, the majority of kratom strains are ready to be packaged and shipped. However, some strains undergo secondary processes that further alter their characteristics and alkaloid compositions.

Bentuangie kratom, for example, is created through a secondary fermentation process that results in the strain’s signature robust, earthy aroma. On the other hand, enhanced and “super enhanced” kratom strains are produced by fortifying kratom powders with additional alkaloids for improved potency.

The Advantages of Different Strains of Kratom


For centuries, various indigenous populations within Southeast Asia have grown and harvested kratom. Now, as the plant’s global popularity continues to soar, kratom farmers have diversified their harvests with the introduction of new techniques and processing methods.

Even though different kratom strains technically originate from the same mitragyna speciosa plant, each serves to broaden the landscape of customer choice further and cater to the unique, individual preferences of thousands of people from around the world.

For those who struggle with feelings of restlessness, the relaxing aromas of red vein kratom strains can be conducive to winding down after a long, exhausting day. On the other hand, the strong, stimulating aromas of white vein kratom strains can prove to be an invigorating jump-start to otherwise listless mornings. Meanwhile, most green vein kratom strains serve as a balanced middle-ground between red and white strains, producing an aroma that’s soothing but simultaneously energizing.

Most kratom vendors carry dozens of different kratom strains, providing a sizeable variety that tends to excite repeat buyers. However, the same diversity of choice often manages to perplex and overwhelm new customers who aren’t already familiar with terms like Maeng Da and Bali.

Ultimately, amidst so many options, finding the ideal kratom strain for you can be a lengthy process that requires patience, time, and plenty of experimentation. As a result, many veteran kratom customers recommend starting with classic strains like Bali and Borneo before exploring the more exotic offerings such as Bentuangie or enhanced variants.

That said, your journey with kratom is entirely your own, so don’t be afraid to travel off the beaten path!

The Kratom Strain Controversy

With an endless variety of strains offered by an endless variety of vendors, someone new to Kratom either feels excited to have so many options or overwhelmed and confused by the endless array of hard-to-remember names and benefit claims (which one should I choose!?).

Regardless of how you respond to the ever-growing list of strains available on the market, the fact that there is an ever-growing list of strains definitely begs a question: Are the differences between Kratom strains actually valid?

Kratom Colors

The Ongoing Debate

Some people claim it’s all marketing tactics formulated by farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and vendors. Others claim that the differences are very real, and you only need to experiment yourself to find out.

Well one of them must be right… right? Wrong. As the great axiom goes, there are two sides to every story, and, then, there is the truth.

So, what is the truth about Kratom strains? Well, before we jump into this pressing question, we must acknowledge that the knowledge we currently possess will almost definitely go through a serious refining process over the upcoming years, because Kratom’s widespread popularity is a young phenomenon – the science is young, the historical records we have are limited, and there are plenty of conflicting ‘truths’ within the global Kratom community.

Now, having acknowledged the real limitations of our times, lets jump into it.

Until there is a clear consensus on Kratom strains, it’s only right that we give a fair voice to the two main conflicting groups in this ongoing debate. Once we’ve accomplished that, we will share our compatibilist sort-of view that we’ve arrived at after studying the literature, experimenting with Kratom ourselves, and hearing from many novice and experienced Kratom enthusiasts.

Kratom Strain Believers

First, let’s give voice to those who claim that all the different strains are real and examine the truths that lead them to believe that. small dose vs large dose. sedative effects vs stimulating effects.

There are three primary truths that underly this view. The first is that there are obvious observable differences between Kratom plants. The second is that Kratom powder comes in a variety of colors. The third, and most powerful truth, is that many Kratom users report different effects depending on the strain they use.

If we walked onto a Kratom farm or a patch of Kratom trees in the wild, its highly probable that we would almost immediately notice the different colored veins running through the leaves and, if we looked closer at the leaves, we’d even notice that some have ‘horned’, or serrated, edges while most had a clean, smooth edge. Those observations, combined with the knowledge that Kratom trees grow in different regions with different climates, lead to the logical conclusion that different Kratom plants (varying in features and environments) equal different Kratom strains.

Kratom Harvesting


Besides the differences found between live Kratom plants, there are many obvious and subtle differences in the color of Kratom powders. The different colors, coupled with the various strain names, makes many Kratom consumers never even question the validity of strain differences, even if they don’t really feel the differences themselves.

On the other hand, those who do feel the differences between strains are impossible to convince otherwise – and for good reason. After all, if you’ve experienced the differences yourself, why would you listen to someone -even if they are a scientist- who tells you that the differences, that you’ve experienced firsthand, aren’t real. These Kratom users make up the best defense against the opposition who claim that Kratom is Kratom and the strain differences are, in fact, just name differences created merely for marketing purposes.

The Opposition!

Kratom Controversy


So, why are so many seemingly qualified people starting to question or outright deny the validity of Kratom strains?

Again, we’ll break it down into three main truths that form the basis for their position. The first reason is that people in the Kratom industry have created ‘new strains’ merely for marketing purposes. The second is that scientists have found little to no substantial differences in live Kratom plants. The third reason is that, despite many Kratom users swearing that they feel a difference between strains, there are still some people who report feeling little to no differences at all between the various strains.

The first reason -people creating new Kratom ‘strains’ merely for marketing purposes- is the only one where there is someone to blame: the purely money-driven people and businesses in the Kratom industry.

If your only concern is making fast money, this is a reasonable marketing strategy (and, sadly, one that is used in many industries). The reasoning is that if you have new strains that the Kratom consumer hasn’t tried yet or have more strains available for the Kratom consumer to choose from, you’ll increase sales. The problem is that what’s good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander, and, in this case, the gander is the Kratom community.

While it may be a good short-term business strategy, in our opinion, it’s a terrible long-term strategy. It’s also responsible for Kratom consumers feeling confused, perplexed, disappointed, and a lack of confidence in Kratom vendors. When you put money before the customers, you both end up losing. The crack will eventually break.

While the arbitrary nature of creating new strains merely for marketing purposes is the most reprehensible contributing factor to people casting doubt on the substantiality of differences between Kratom strains, it’s not the only one. Kratom scientists have also been giving us reasons to question the validity of strain categorization as well.

Leading kratom scientists found that red veined plants grow side-by-side with green and white-veined plants, which led them to believe there is a possibility that red-veined plants could produce white and green-veined plants, and vice-versa. They also observed that white and green-veined Kratom plants are actually the same plant, simply exhibiting a different color vein at different times of the year.

Furthermore, while they did find clear variations in the features and regions of the Kratom plants, they found little to no difference in the key alkaloid levels and ratios. More studies must be done, but, so far, their findings are quite compelling.

Kratom Alkaloids

Now, the final blow to the belief in different kratom strains: some users report feeling little to no difference when using different strains. That’s right. In complete opposition to those who do feel differences, this group of people report feeling little to no differences between the various strains (in this article we don’t even attempt to reconcile these two groups). However, it is interesting to note that most of them, while claiming they don’t feel differences, will still have their go-to strain.

The Final Analysis

Ok. Both sides seem convincing, right? That’s because they are. See, both sides of the debate are compelling, because they both have truths to back up their claims, but the underlying problem isn’t one of truths: it is a lack of consensus on what we mean by strains.

Investigating Kratom

See, when scientists look at live plants to distinguish strains, they are concerned with alkaloid content and ratios, physical characteristics, and so on(in fact, scientists did find differences in alkaloid content and ratios when testing powdered Kratom, but didn’t consider that evidence of different strains, but evidence of different drying and refining processes). Likewise, when farmers, harvesters, and suppliers distinguish between strains, they are usually concerned with the color and region. And, as previously mentioned, there are those who distinguish strains merely for marketing purposes.

boost of energy or mild energy from high quality kratom.

The problem is that everyone is looking at it from a different angle. So, the question becomes, what’s the best angle to take on strains?

At Online Kratom we believe that the best angle to take is that of a kratom consumer. And, ultimately, from the kratom consumers’ perspective, excluding a small fraction of users, and, with some scientific evidence backing them up, categorizing different kratom strains is valid.

Most kratom users are less concerned with the color, taste, region grown, etc. than they are with how the kratom affects them. That’s right, kratom users care most about the benefits they receive, not the name on the package. Therefore, we think the industry should categorize strains with that as the primary value.

Unfortunately, we can’t get the whole kratom industry on board with us, and, therefore, can only make sure that we use the best and most ethical practices. At Online Kratom, we don’t arbitrarily choose or, for marketing reasons, create strains to add to our Kratom inventory. Instead, we go through a thorough vetting process.

First, we verify the source and consistency of the Kratom strain we’re interested in. After that, we test the strain for quality and distinctiveness. Once, it has passed through each of those phases, we turn it over to our customers to make the final decision. If you guys and gals like it, we keep it; if not, we let it go. That’s our simple, but practical, process for choosing strains and we recommend it to everyone in the industry.

In Conclusion

There is an ongoing debate about whether Kratom strains are valid or not, and both sides of the debate have valid arguments. However, at the core of this debate is a lack of consensus on how we define the word strain, which is just another word for type.

Because of the lack of consensus on how we should categorize different types of Kratom, we believe in a consumer-centered approach. And, for the majority of kratom users, distinguishing between kratom strains is valid. However, we don’t support those in the industry who take advantage of this by arbitrarily adding and creating strains to bolster sales.

At Online Kratom, we put our fellow Kratom users first by mindfully vetting each strain. After a strain passes through our checks and tests, we turn it over to you guys to do the voting. Only the best are kept. This allows us to offer you the best Kratom strains available on the market, without overloading you with unnecessary options.

Finally, I’ll end this lengthy article with the succinct answer I was given(in broken English) early on in my kratom journey when asking a kratom harvester whether or not there were actually different kratom strains: all strains are different, but not too far away.