Guide to Buying Kratom Legally and Safely Online

Kratom is a powerful plant supplement used by many people to enhance wellness and their day-to-day lives. Also known by its scientific name, Mitragyna speciosa, kratom is made from the leaves of a tree that grows in Southeast Asia. This means that most kratom in the United States is imported, so many users turn online for convenient ordering. But is buying kratom online safe?

The short answer is yes — but only if you’re buying kratom online from a trustworthy vendor. Currently, kratom is not federally regulated in the United States. Groups like the American Kratom Association are working to establish industry-wide safety standards and protections for kratom consumers, but not all vendors follow their best practices. 

The supplement’s unique legal status also hinders consumer protections for kratom. Although kratom is not an illegal drug at the federal level, some states and localities have voted to ban or restrict its use. Many people aren’t sure whether ordering kratom from the internet is legal where they live.

Due to these complexities, some consumers are nervous about buying kratom online. That’s why we’re stepping in to help! In this kratom buying guide, we’ll help you understand everything you need to know to order kratom online legally and safely. 

Know Your Local Laws

First, take some time to research the laws about kratom where you live. In most states, kratom is currently unregulated. However, even in these states, some cities or counties may have imposed their own laws against kratom. For example, kratom is legal in California, but the city of San Diego has banned it.

In other regions, it may be legal to possess kratom but not buy it or sell it. Many states also have age restrictions for kratom. Additionally, consumers who use a USPS post office box or other third-party mail services may also face unique restrictions. Be sure to review your mailbox provider’s terms and conditions and privacy policy before ordering kratom online.

If kratom is illegal where you live, trustworthy kratom websites simply won’t sell to you. Although you may feel frustrated by this, don’t attempt to circumvent the laws. Instead, consider taking action and joining a kratom advocacy group in your region.

Before you shop for kratom online, visit the American Kratom Association’s State Legality map to know your consumer rights. 

Research the Vendor

The next step in our kratom buying guide is to research the vendor. What is the company’s history and reputation? Do they disclose their policies and offer educational resources on their website? 

Trustworthy online vendors won’t just sell kratom; they’ll go the extra mile to help consumers understand the product and how to use it. They will also provide a mission statement or “about us” page to show their dedication to their customers. 

Also, make sure there’s a way to contact the seller. If they don’t have a customer service email or contact page, that’s a red flag.

Look for Lab Testing, COAs & AKA-GMP Seals

As you browse kratom websites, you’ll also want to look for lab testing, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and American Kratom Association Good Manufacturing Practices (AKA-GMP) Seals. These credentials mean that the vendor cares about their consumers and takes great care to ensure the quality of their products.

Lab testing checks the kratom for impurities, potency, correct strain identification, and freshness. This method results in a document called a Certificate of Analysis, or COA. Any online kratom vendor that sends their products for testing will receive a COA to confirm the quality of their kratom. COAs are long, complex documents, so not all websites display them. However, you can always contact the company before purchasing and receive a copy of the COA to review yourself.

Finally, a GMP Seal means that the website’s kratom meets the quality and safety standards set by the American Kratom Association.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews shouldn’t be overlooked as part of a kratom buying guide. Reading reviews from other customers will help you make a more informed decision before you buy kratom from a website. Reviews can provide valuable insight into the product’s quality, freshness, and overall value, as well as shipping times, packaging, and other important aspects of the shopping experience.

If the website doesn’t include reviews, turn to social media and online forums. Sites like Reddit and Quora are valuable resources for kratom users to ask questions and get advice about buying kratom online. Often, users may share more honest reviews on these third-party sites.

Consider Paying with a Credit Card or Prepaid Card

For safe kratom transactions online, consider paying with a credit card or prepaid card. These types of cards offer unique protections for consumers. For example, credit card transactions are protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). If you are hit with unauthorized, fraudulent charges, the FCBA gives you the right to dispute these charges within 60 days and limits your personal liability to $50.

Prepaid cards are another great option to protect yourself from potential risks. In the event that you are defrauded, the company can only access the balance on the card — not your entire checking account. Depending on the terms and conditions of the prepaid card, you may also be able to dispute the transaction outright.

By including these forms of payment in our kratom buying guide, you can safeguard your online shopping experience. After all, there’s nothing worse than paying for a product and not receiving it — or being overcharged!