While most people that walk through the doors of Smoke Tokz Head and Smoke Shop are wowed by our selection of heady glass and tons of other 420 smoking supplies, one of our most popular items is kratom. Used as a medicinal plant for hundreds of years, kratom has seen a massive surge in popularity since the early 2000s in the United States. While somewhat controversial and often the target of regulatory oversight by the FDA, cities, and states, kratom products are necessary for some of our customers for various ailments and conditions. In this week’s blog, we’ll examine what kratom is, where it originated, and what it is used to treat.
Kratom and Smoke Shop in Kansas City, MO
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have been used in traditional medicine for centuries in Thailand and Malaysia. Kratom was relatively unknown in the United States until the early 21st century, and its history in the US is essentially a story of shifting legal and regulatory status and a growing public interest.
Here’s a brief timeline of kratom’s history in the US:
Early 2000s – Introduction and Rising Popularity
Kratom was introduced to the United States in the early 2000s, primarily through online vendors. It started gaining popularity for its psychoactive properties and was often marketed as a legal alternative to controlled substances. Some users started consuming it as a recreational drug, while others used it as a self-treatment for pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal.
2009-2016 – Concerns and Attempts at Regulation
In 2009, the first concerns about kratom’s safety began to emerge. There were reports of seizures and other serious side effects associated with its use. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) started paying more attention to the substance.
In 2016, the DEA announced its intent to classify kratom as a Schedule I drug, a category for substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This announcement faced significant backlash from the kratom-using community and some members of Congress, leading the DEA to withdraw its intent later that same year, which we witnessed directly at Smoke Tokz.
2017-Present – Continued Controversy
Kratom continues to be popular among a segment of the population, including many of our customers here in Kansas City. Advocacy groups like the American Kratom Association emerged, arguing for the benefits of kratom and the need for more research rather than outright bans. We encourage our kratom customers to follow organizations like the AKA for updated information and advocacy.
Common Use For Kratom
However, people who use kratom often cite the following perceived benefits:
- Pain relief: Kratom contains alkaloids which are believed to have analgesic properties. Users often report that it helps alleviate chronic pain.
- Energy boost: Certain kratom strains are said to increase energy levels and enhance productivity.
- Mood elevation: Some users report feeling a sense of euphoria or increased well-being after consuming kratom.
- Help with opioid withdrawal: Some people use kratom to help manage withdrawal symptoms from opioids. The plant’s effects are sometimes compared to opioids, though it is not an opioid itself.
- Anxiety and depression management: Anecdotal reports suggest that kratom might help to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, though this use is not backed by clinical research.
- Improved focus: Some users report increased focus and concentration after consuming kratom.
Different Kratom Strains Produce Different Effects
- Bali Kratom: This is one of the most common strains known for its potent analgesic (pain relief) properties. It comes in white, red, and green strains.
- Maeng Da Kratom: Originating from Thailand, this strain is known for being potent and long-lasting. It comes in white, red, and green strains.
- Thai Kratom: This strain comes directly from Thailand and is often used for stimulating effects. It also comes in red, white, and green strains.
- Green Malay Kratom: Known for its balanced effects, this strain from Malaysia is often used for its reported cognitive boosting and mood-enhancing effects.
- White Vein Kratom: This strain is known for its stimulating effects and is often used by those seeking an energy boost.
- Red Vein Kratom: Known for its calming and soothing effects, this strain is often used by those dealing with insomnia or seeking relaxation.
- Borneo Kratom: Originating from Borneo, this strain is known for its powerful sedative effects and is available in white, red, and green strains.
- Indo Kratom: This strain comes from Indonesia and is often used to relieve pain or induce a sense of calm.
- Gold Vein Kratom: This strain is often considered a blend or a more mature version of other strains, known for its long-lasting effects.
- Yellow Vein Kratom: This unique strain is said to undergo a specialized curing process. It is reported to have a balanced effect between white and green strains.
- Horned Kratom: Named after the ‘horned’ edges of its leaves, this strain is available in red, white, and green variants.
Whatever you use kratom products for, Smoke Tokz Smoke and Head Shop in Kansas City’s knowledgeable staff can help you pick the right strain for your needs and save you money because no one beats our kratom prices. Stop by our store at 103rd and State Line Road for all your kratom and smoking needs today!
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