Kratom enthusiasts will tell you: kratom leaves come in a variety of colors, each with unique properties. The reason you take kratom in the first place likely influences which strains of kratom you prefer.
But there’s a problem.
Some kratom suppliers want to sell you a strain that’s more expensive yet identical to the red vein kratom powders you’re already familiar with. We’re, of course, talking about red horn kratom, derived from the Borneo region. The red horn strain offers the same alkaloid content as other red vein kratom products. So why is it more expensive?
Horned vs. Hornless Kratom Leaves
Before we can examine one of the biggest potential scams in the kratom industry, we must first discuss where the horns in red horn kratom come from. In short, it’s biological. Kratom leaves grow in various regions throughout Southeast Asia:
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Papua New Guinea
It’s not uncommon for plants to have regional forms. Let’s take the oak tree for example: California is known for the black oak (leaves with pointed lobes) while Oregon, one state north, is known for the white oak (leaves with rounded lobes).
Scientists still don’t understand why some regional varieties possess pointed (horned) leaves. Different theories suggest that climate might have an effect, which could explain the difference between the Borneo region’s red horn strain. But should retailers sell red horn kratom at a higher price just because of a regional difference? We think not.
Do the “Horns” in Red Horn Kratom Make a Difference?
According to available data, no, the horns in the red horn strain do not make a difference. When ingesting kratom powder, the alkaloid content present within the powder is responsible for the effects you may experience.
All strains of kratom – whether derived from red, white, or green vein kratom leaves – contain a nearly identical alkaloid content. There is absolutely no reason to believe that red horn kratom possesses more powerful or expense-worthy alkaloids.
Some companies sell red horn strains of kratom alongside the idea that users get a more “powerful” or “extra-potent” experience. These companies use their marketing to justify a price increase, not available science or actual lab results.
Why Sell a Kratom Scam?
The kratom industry should aim at bettering the world. However, not everyone’s in it for the right reasons. Some manufacturers aim just to make money, and because kratom enthusiasts are so passionate about the plant’s beneficial effects, it might seem like an easy cash-grab scheme to promote a “specialized” or “extra-potent” product.
Look at it this way: kratom leaves, whether the horned variety from the Borneo region or the smooth variety from elsewhere, are indistinguishable once they’re processed into kratom powder. Even if you’re the biggest kratom enthusiast in the world, you could not tell the difference between horned-leaf kratom powder and smooth-leaf kratom powder.
We’re not saying it’s a scam to sell kratom products derived from the Borneo region. In fact, red horn kratom could be considered as effective as other strains of kratom. However, calling red horn kratom more effective, and subsequently charging more money for red horn products, is a scam.
Manufacturers and retailers promoting red horn strains are misleading kratom enthusiasts and users alike. Don’t spend more cash than you should on a red horn kratom powder that possesses an identical alkaloid content to other red vein products.
How to Sell a Kratom Scam
We conducted an independent analysis of kratom e-commerce sites that sell red horn kratom products. Let’s take a look at some of the language used to mislead consumers about horned kratom.
To start, we noticed a common marketing trend. These manufacturers promoted red horn strains of kratom as an “unpredictable strain,” something that offered a more prolonged and powerful effect. Other kratom products, notably red vein products, already provide a long and powerful experience. This marketing language is misleading because it reinforces that your experience with red horned kratom products will differ from your experience with red vein kratom.
Also, manufacturers tend to promote the Borneo kratom’s regional variety, as we previously mentioned. However, Thailand is known for Maeng Da kratom, considered a fan-favorite and only manufactured in Thailand. The difference? Maeng Da is not hailed as a super-strain, and the price differs minimally from other kratom products.
Unsavory kratom retailers are playing off the rarity of Borneo-grown kratom to make money, not promote a better kratom experience. If you want bang for your buck, stick to Maeng Da kratom.
Kratom Spot: Looking Out for You
At Kratom Spot, we believe in bettering the world through natural treatment options. We believe in the power of kratom and don’t wish to see our industry marred by those simply wanting to make money off the plant’s popularity.
We offer a variety of kratom products at fair, competitive prices. Red horn kratom goes against what we’re all about: making kratom available to everyone regardless of circumstance or economic background. Stay up-to-date on all kratom news, and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about the difference between red horn and red vein kratom.