Understanding the Shinholser Report on Kratom

When people talk about kratom, they’re talking about the leaves of the mitragyna speciosa tree. The difference between this and many other plants is that kratom has become a hot topic and a politicized issue here in the United States. As a result, there is a lot of misinformation going around when it comes to this plant. Even the legal status of kratom has been called into question at times. To help people understand this plant more completely, here are ten common questions you should be able to answer about kratom.

1 – Where Does Kratom Come From?

95% of all of the kratom powder in the United States comes from Borneo, specifically the South Kalimantarian region. That can be confusing to some people who are used to seeing strains of kratom named after various places. As the kratom industry evolved, some of the best kratom strains were transported to Borneo to grow there. For the most part, though, all of the kratom powder in our online store was harvested in the same general region.

2 – What Are the Different Types of Kratom?

You can find all kinds of different kratom blends in our online store. Some companies even market their kratom under various names and claim that there’s a big difference between the strains. Don’t fall for this. While there are extremely subtle differences between kratom powder, most people can’t notice any difference between one type of red kratom compared to another. On the other hand, the differences are easier to notice between red vein kratom, white vein kratom, green vein kratom, and gold kratom blends.

3 – What Are Kratom Alkaloids?

The number one reason people buy kratom is because of the alkaloids in this plant. Alkaloids are natural, nitrogen-based organic compounds that produce a physiological effect on human beings or other animals. Researchers published by The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association have said that kratom alkaloids can interact with opioid receptors in the human body.

The interaction between these alkaloids in the brain has been compared to how anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs interact. Examples of those drugs include ibuprofen, oxycodone, fentanyl, tramadol, and anesthesia drugs. The two main alkaloids in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Researchers have said that 7-hydroxymitragynine is especially important, with a “13- and 46-fold higher potency than morphine and mitragynine.”

4 – Why Is Kratom Sold in Powdered Form?

If kratom is the leaf of the mitragyna speciosa tree, why does it look like a powder? Sure, sometimes the powder is sold in capsules or even extracts, but few people in the United States have held a whole kratom leaf. The most straightforward answer for this is that kratom comes to us from so far away that it would be inefficient to transport it like leaves.

Buying and enjoying kratom is a lot more convenient when the leaves have been dried and crushed into a powder. As long as you buy from a reputable vendor that uses good processes and distribution channels, it should still be pure. That’s why it’s so important to be careful about where you buy kratom powder online.

5 – Is Kratom Legal?

In 2016, the DEA announced its intent to ban kratom after being pressured by the FDA. This announcement inspired a massive outpouring of support for kratom. Normal citizens, doctors, lawyers, and even law enforcement officers have spoken out on behalf of this plant. The support was enough to get the DEA to reverse its decision.

Still, the FDA has consistently taken stands against this plant. They have ignored an invitation to a meeting with the American Kratom Association and invitations to follow the science. Some local jurisdictions have made laws against kratom, though, so check to make sure you can have it shipped to you legally.

6 – Why Does the FDA Have a Problem With Kratom?

We’re not entirely sure why the FDA has used misleading data to paint an inaccurate picture of this plant. One of the best things the FDA has done regarding kratom is to go after unethical vendors who make unsubstantiated medical claims about the benefits of kratom. With that in mind, it’s baffling that they’d rely on debunked kratom myths themselves. Some people even suspect that the FDA is trying to prop up the pharmaceutical industry by protecting prescription opioids. There’s no definite proof of that, but we hope to see a more progressive and informed stance.

7 – How Long Does Kratom Stay Good?

We’ve heard reports from some people who say they’ve kept kratom powder for years with no noticeable decline in quality. Of course, this depends on a variety of factors:

• Has the kratom been adequately dried and processed?
• Was the kratom kept in an airtight container?
• Was the kratom kept away from light and heat?

8 – What Are the Best Kratom Strains?

The answer to this question boils down to personal preference. As mentioned above, most people can’t even notice any differences between various kratom strains with the same stem color. That said, some people eventually do find a favorite strain. Many of our customers like to start their search by buying kratom sampler packs. This makes it easier to understand the differences between green kratom, red kratom, white kratom, and gold kratom blends.

For the most part, though, you can find premium kratom whenever you identify a trustworthy vendor. You’re not especially likely to find the best kratom strains at a gas station. Instead, most experts like to buy kratom powder and related products from online stores with excellent reputations.

9 – How Can I Become a Kratom Advocate?

Since the FDA seems intent on waging war against kratom, there’s some risk that it could be made illegal in the United States. Organizations like the American Kratom Association are fighting to keep kratom legal, and the support of individuals goes a long way. The best thing you can do is spread accurate information about this plant. That may mean politely correcting false statements on social media or contacting your political representatives. If you can afford it, you may choose to donate to the American Kratom Association, Botanical Education Alliance, or a similar organization.

10 – Is Kratom Regulated?

Since many politicians don’t recognize any benefits of kratom, they haven’t been in a big hurry to pass meaningful legislation to keep the industry regulated. As a result, some companies have been able to get away with selling substandard kratom to make a quick dollar. We recommend against buying kratom from any business that doesn’t get their products tested by an independent lab.

Buy Kratom Powder Online

Here at Laughing Lion Herbs, we take great pride in selling pure kratom that has been tested to confirm its quality. You can find all kinds of different powders and blends in our online kratom store, which makes it a lot easier to hone in on your favorite type. Shop our selection today, and we’ll ship your order straight to your door!