Although the kratom industry has boomed in the U.S. over the last decade or so, kratom has been used in natural medicines for hundreds of years in Thailand, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Kratom has been a staple part of many indigenous cultures for centuries.
Since the 2010s, the kratom industry has blown up among Americans drawn to herbal supplements and natural products. Like other holistic products, however, kratom is not currently regulated at the federal level. While kratom has a lot to offer, there are still unscrupulous sellers out there who do not quality control their products. Especially if you buy kratom online, it’s important to do your research and make sure you pick only the best kratom vendors.
There are a few items on the checklist for vetting potential kratom vendors to make sure you’re getting the freshest, purest, safest products. The best kratom vendors provide the best kratom products.
What is Kratom?
Kratom, a.k.a. Mitragyna speciosa, is an evergreen plant that grows mainly in Southeast Asia. The leaves of the kratom plant have been used as a natural supplement for a variety of purposes, although in the U.S., the FDA hasn’t yet approved kratom or its active ingredients for any medicinal use. Many people use kratom leaves, powders, extracts, or capsules as part of their wellness routine, with users reporting enhanced vitality, focus, and well-being.
Kratom’s Legal Status
Kratom is legal across most of the United States (44 out of 50 states, as of now). In fact, it’s mostly unregulated. There are no real laws or rules specific to the kratom industry at the federal level, and in most states where it’s legal, there are no kratom regulations. A handful of states have enacted some version of a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which lays out rules for kratom manufacturing, labeling, and sales (for example, age limits), but most states just treat kratom like any other herbal supplement.
The fact that kratom is mainly unregulated is why it’s so important for kratom users to do their research. Where kratom is legal, you can find it in nutrition shops, head shops, and smoke shops. You can also buy kratom online. There are helpful steps to take to make sure you buy only from the best kratom vendors.
Lab Testing Kratom and Quality Assurance
One of the most important parts of the kratom manufacturing process is lab testing. From farm to table, there’s a lot of time for a kratom product to be contaminated. Some less-than-stellar companies even add chemicals to their products meant to extend the shelf-life or artificially enhance the experience. Lab testing ensures quality, purity, and potency.
Labs test for a handful of potential issues with kratom products. They look for harmful contaminants like bacteria and heavy metals, check the alkaloid content to ensure the kratom is potent and effective, and weed out additives and other impurities. High-quality kratom products are natural and free from unnecessary additives or preservatives.
When you’re shopping for kratom online, check out the vendor’s website and product labels to make sure they do proper third-party lab testing. It’s important that the testing is done by third parties, by the way, instead of relying on the company to certify its own products.
The best kratom vendors test their products thoroughly and effectively so that you’re only getting fresh, potent, safe kratom delivered to your doorstep.
The American Kratom Association’s Good Manufacturing Standards
The American Kratom Association is the leading kratom advocacy organization in the U.S. The AKA is dedicated to educating the government and the people about kratom and to promoting access to safe kratom products nationwide. They’re actually pushing the government to do more kratom regulation because their goal isn’t just to make sure people can get kratom; they want to make sure people get only the best, safest kratom products.
One of the AKA’s biggest efforts is its Good Manufacturing Practices Standards Program. The GMP program establishes manufacturing and labeling standards that kratom vendors should follow in order to make sure their products are safe and effective. Kratom companies that meet those standards get to use the AKA’s Qualified Vendor stamp of approval.
Look out for the AKA’s GMP stamp and for other certifications of good standards when you’re shopping for your kratom products.
Clear Labeling
It’s no mystery why the GMP standards and the consumer protection laws in place all emphasize proper product labeling. Good companies label their products clearly, so that you know the strain, the source, the dosage, and other key facts. Products with vague descriptions or missing information might not have a well-vetted manufacturing process, or they might contain synthetic additives and other harmful chemicals.
Make sure you get your kratom from suppliers that are transparent about their sourcing, processing, and testing practices.
User Reviews and Testimonials
On top of making sure your online kratom vendor conducts third-party lab testing and that it follows good manufacturing standards, you can vet your kratom supplier by checking out online reviews. If a company has consistently negative reviews, it’s best to consider other options.
Look up the company on Yelp, Google, and even the Better Business Bureau to see what people are saying about their products. See if there’s been any press about the company or if they have real customer testimonials. If people are saying good things about the vendor (and, more importantly, if people aren’t saying negative things), that’s a good sign.
Get Lab-Tested, High-Quality Kratom at Kratom Gecko
If you’re looking for premium-quality kratom without any harmful additives or contaminants, Kratom Gecko has your back. Our kratom team prides itself on offering only the freshest, purest, and safest kratom products. You deserve the best in kratom, and with Kratom Gecko, that’s what you get.
Check out the Kratom Gecko online shop for powders and capsules made from all the best kratom strains, lab-tested and kratom fan-approved.
Checklist for Choosing the Best Kratom Vendor:
- Third-Party Lab Testing
Ensure the vendor provides third-party lab testing for their products to verify purity, potency, and safety. - Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certification
Check if the vendor follows the American Kratom Association’s GMP Standards, ensuring high-quality manufacturing practices. - Clear Product Labeling
Look for transparent product labels that include details about the strain, source, dosage, and key product information. - Positive Customer Reviews
Research online reviews and testimonials to gauge the vendor’s reputation. Avoid vendors with consistent negative feedback. - No Additives or Preservatives
Make sure the vendor offers kratom that is free from unnecessary preservatives, additives, or harmful chemicals. - Transparency About Sourcing
Confirm that the vendor is open about where they source their kratom and how it is processed. - AKA Vendor Qualification
Look for the American Kratom Association’s Qualified Vendor stamp of approval to ensure the vendor meets established industry standards.
