Kratom

Beyond An Extract: What Exactly Is Kratom Resin?

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Is Kratom resin simply a powerful Kratom extract, or does this substance have a lot more mystery to it? Many people are curious when they hear about Kratom resin because it is not a commonly known or marketed variation of Kratom.

Most Kratom products differ in the strain or concentration, but this substance is unlike powders, crushed leaves, and liquid extracts. In fact, it looks more like tar than it looks like a plant!

What exactly is Kratom resin, and how is it used? Learn more about this unique substance today.

Kratom And Its Many Types

Kratom comes in many different forms, and each of those forms is used differently. From the whole plant to dried leaves to ground-up powders, there are a lot of delivery methods for this unique plant substance.

The most commonly seen types of Kratom on the market are Kratom powders and whole Kratom leaves. These are frequently used to make teas or taken via capsules in order to get a daily amount of Kratom.

Extracts are typically Kratom powders with a higher-concentration alkaloid content than regular Kratom. This allows a higher dose while taking smaller amounts of the substance. While extracts are usually powdered, they also come in liquid, pill, and now, resin form.

What exactly is Kratom resin, and where does it come from?

Where Does Kratom Resin Come From?

Kratom resin is a solid Kratom extract that is made by concentrating Kratom powder into a liquid-based substance and then allowing the liquid to evaporate fully. The hard, sticky solid left behind is sometimes called candy. Kratom resin is typically dark brown or black because of how heavily concentrated it is.

Kratom resin has a high concentration of alkaloids when compared to raw Kratom powders. This high concentration is due to the boiling of Kratom and removing everything that isn’t a highly potent alkaloid concentrate. Kratom resin can be as much as 15 times stronger than other Kratom products and extracts.

Making Your Own Resin

If you’re curious about how to make Kratom resin on your own, keep in mind that these instructions are not specific. They are a general process to give you an idea of what type of work would be involved. Making your own Kratom resin can be risky because the final alkaloid content is difficult to test, so make sure that you proceed with caution.

Generally speaking, these are the steps that must be followed to make Kratom resin:

  1. 1.) Boil Kratom leaves or Kratom powder in water and allow it to steep for a long time.
  2. 2.) Filter out any plant matter or whole leaves.
  3. 3.) Boil until the tea is very thick and has little liquid left.
  4. 4.) Spread the substance out and let it dry for a few days until it hardens completely.

The resin can then be broken up into smaller pieces, and this is how most Kratom resin is processed and consumed.

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How Kratom Resin Is Used

Kratom resin is a high concentration substance, so only a very small amount needs to be used for the same effects as other delivery methods. Resin is often faster to consume than other types since there is less legwork when using it.

Resin is broken into smaller pieces or crushed into a finer powder. This can then be dissolved into hot drinks, added to your normal Kratom powder, or even put into capsules for easy consumption. 

When adding Kratom resin to hot drinks, many people find that adding some type of sweetener to the beverage can help. The taste is slightly different from that of standard Kratom powder, but it is still strong and bitter for most people.

Limit The Amount

Remember, it is important to always start with less Kratom than you think that you will need to ensure that you do not take too big of a serving. This is especially true with Kratom resin because the concentration can be much higher than other products.

Choosing a resin serving size for the first time is difficult and should be handled with great caution. For this reason, we typically recommend that Kratom users stick to Kratom extracts over Kratom resin.

Warning: Kratom Resin Safety

Most experts recommend that Kratom resin be used sparsely, if at all. Why is this if it’s such a highly concentrated source of alkaloids?

That is exactly why it is also not the best type of Kratom to use regularly. Super concentrated resin is not for those that are new to Kratom, and even those experienced with Kratom varieties should explore resin with caution due to its intensity.

Kratom resin causes very strong effects because the alkaloid concentration will be higher. The concentration is high but not always exact, so it can be hard to know what is inside Kratom resin. This is a big part of why you don’t see a lot of reliable, vetted Kratom vendors selling resin: it’s too risky. The Kratom extracts at Phytoextractum are lab-crafted and standardized, which means we have a much more accurate idea of their alkaloid content.

If you are going to explore resin, make sure that you do so with as much caution as possible. Remember that resin should not be a daily Kratom substitution, and it’s best used sparingly to lower risk and prevent tolerance buildup from the high concentration.

Seeking Unique Experiences

Are you an experienced Kratom user that is ready to find something unique to try? While Kratom resin is certainly one-of-a-kind, there are a lot of potential risks and difficulties that put some people off of it.

Phytoextractum carries two products that might fit the bill for your needs. First, our recently released Ultra Enhanced Indo Kratom Softgels make it easy, effective, and convenient to enjoy Kratom. Another option to consider is a super-enhanced powder extract that you can enjoy any way that you normally prepare Kratom.

Looking for new and exciting Kratom products to try is fun for experienced Kratom lovers, but you should always be mindful to be informed about what you are trying. Sourcing your products from a reliable vendor is a great place to start.

Comparing Natural Products: Kratom & CBD Explained

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Natural substances derived from plant materials are all the rage these days, and that’s for a good reason. Many chemical compounds found in plants have potent effects on the body, and those effects can be safe and easy to bring about this way.

Two of the most commonly seen plant-derived products are Kratom and CBD products. Each of these offers an impressive array of potential effects, and there is a lot of research being done to see what people might use them for.

Are you curious about these natural remedies and how they might benefit you? Learn more about each of them today!

Understanding CBD: An In-Depth Look

Let’s start by talking about CBD.

CBD quickly became a mainstream substance over the last few years. As medical marijuana and CBD products became legalized in many areas of the country, seeing CBD products became more normal for people everywhere. But what exactly is CBD, and why is it so widely accepted?

What Is CBD Derived From?

Cannabis is a plant more commonly known as marijuana and hemp (both types of cannabis plants, distinguished primarily by the percentage of THC – hemp contains trace amounts, while marijuana can contain high percentages). The most commonly known properties of cannabis are the results of the cannabinoids, like THC, found in the plant matter.

CBD is another one of those cannabinoids. Extracted from the plant itself, CBD is a cannabinoid that has been extensively researched for its positive effects on the human body’s physical and mental conditions.

Studies show that CBD oil and other CBD products may have many benefits. Cannabinoids can be very powerful, and CBD is a great example of that. These uses are well-supported by science, but there’s still a lot to learn about CBD and how it can benefit us.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD has specific reactions in the body because of the way that it is shaped.

Like all cannabinoids, CBD is a specific chemical compound with a particular shape. When it enters the body, CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system. CBD binds with specific receptors and sets into motion a chain reaction within the body. That reaction eventually causes the effects that CBD is known to have. 

While other cannabinoids found in cannabis can make you high, CBD does not have any intoxicating effects. The primary cannabinoid found in marijuana is THC; THC binds with CB1 receptors to cause intoxicating effects. CBD actually prevents THC from binding with CB1 as effectively and can taper off the effects of THC in some strains of cannabis.

Is CBD Legal?

Safety rules and regulations about CBD vary from state to state, but most states have made it legal and protected to use CBD products. This is thanks to the impressive amount of research showing the CBD is a non-psychoactive botanical that has proven positive effects.

As with any product, however, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor if you have any health concerns about using it. Additionally, be sure to source your CBD products from a reliable and reputable vendor to reduce any potential risk.

Buy Kratom online at Phytoextractum

Understanding Kratom: Beyond The Basics

Kratom’s popularity snowballed in the last five years as well, but that popularity is nothing in comparison to CBD’s growing mainstream appeal. Still, there are many exciting things about Kratom getting noticed. We can expect Kratom to continue becoming a more common feature in botanical products.

What Is Kratom?

Mitragyna speciosa, also known as Kratom, is a tropical tree that grows in Thailand, Malaysia, and other Asian or South Pacific areas. Kratom trees grow in large forests in regions where the tropical climate combines with fertile soil for the perfect growing environment. There, these trees soar to great heights, and their leaves are harvested to create great Kratom products.

Kratom leaves are harvested and processed into Kratom products such as Kratom powder and Kratom. A wide variety of strains can be created by altering the harvesting, drying, or processing method. Enthusiasts worldwide have found Kratom to be a hugely beneficial substance that improves their lifestyle.

How Does Kratom Work?

Many plants in the world contain chemical compounds known as alkaloids. Alkaloids have varying effects on the body. It just so happens that the effects caused by mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, both found in Kratom leaves, may have great benefits. 

When these compounds enter the body, they bind and react with various receptors in the body. There is no specific set of receptors that they work with; each alkaloid has its own priority system. Caffeine, for example, is an alkaloid that stimulates the body.

Kratom’s alkaloids need to be studied in more detail to understand better what effects they have. Still, early studies suggest very promising results.

Is Kratom Legal?

At this time, Kratom is neither fully legal nor illegal. In fact, Kratom’ status is dependent on what state and locale you are in. 

While the FDA continues to ignore studies that suggest Kratom could be beneficial, states around the country have taken a different approach.

Many states have passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act at the urging of the American Kratom Association and other advocates. These laws set up standards that vendors must follow and ensure consumers can legally buy and consume Kratom. We are working hard to help get this bill passed in our home state of Oregon.

Find It All At Phytoextractum

Whether you’ve found that CBD suits your needs or you are curious about Kratom powders, we carry it all here at Phytoextractum!

From CBD oils and blends to Kratom powders and capsules, you can check out a variety of safe, tested products. We pride ourselves on having a wide array of options for the enthusiast while ensuring that our customers can be safe.

It’s essential to ensure that the vendors you support are doing their part to ensure their products are safe. By having regular third-party testing and putting energy into advocacy as well, we do what we can to create a safe environment for everyone involved.

Understanding Kratom: Kratom Alkaloids Explained

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Natural substances like Kratom have an effect on the body because of their chemical composition. Kratom itself is made up of many chemical components. When those components are released in the body, they bind and interact with human physiology in different ways.

While only a few Kratom alkaloids are well known even among veteran consumers, Kratom is actually made up of more than 40 alkaloids – and counting! What are these Kratom alkaloids, and what types of effects are they being studied for?

Before you buy Kratom, it’s important to understand as much as you can about the plant. Learning more about these alkaloids can help you better understand the myriad of ways Kratom may be further developed and used. Let’s take a closer look!

What Are Kratom Alkaloids?

Alkaloids are a type of naturally-occurring compounds found in many plants. These compounds contain at least one nitrogen atom. These compounds bind readily with receptors in the human body; they cause physiological effects because of this binding. Common alkaloids include caffeine and morphine. The impacts of alkaloids vary widely.

Kratom is a natural plant, and Kratom leaves have a variety of alkaloids in them. In fact, more than forty different alkaloids have been found in Kratom. Many of these alkaloids have specific physiological effects on the body. Those alkaloids are being studied in more detail to find out what types of benefits might be found.

The specific alkaloid concentration in Kratom leaves can vary from tree to tree, strain to strain.  For that reason, additional research of the individual components is even more critical. Once the individual alkaloids are better understood, the potential effects of various alkaloid combinations can be studied in more detail as well.

Kratom Alkaloids Explained

Now that you know what alkaloids are, let’s cover Kratom’s alkaloids and alkaloid composition of this plant in more detail.

What We Know

The alkaloid content of Kratom leaves varies from plant to plant, tree to tree, and location to location. There is no guarantee of the exact breakdown of alkaloids in any Kratom leaf because many things affect the alkaloid composition:

  • Harvesting time and frequency
  • Weather patterns
  • Soil composition
  • When leaves are harvested
  • Dry season length
  • Strain
  • Geographic location
  • Age of leaves

As teams studied Kratom leaves in the 1970s and 1980s, they found that the alkaloid concentration varied in many ways. They began to compare samples and found that the above factors, as well as many others, changed what alkaloids were most prevalent in the leaves.

Despite the fact that more than 40 alkaloids have been identified in Kratom leaves, only two of those alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) are given credit for the effects of Kratom. That’s because they occur in the greatest concentrations. Mitragynine usually makes up around 60% of the alkaloid content of Kratom leaves on average.

As Kratom is studied in more detail in upcoming years, we can expect to find out more about the variances in alkaloids in terms of effects and growth patterns for the Kratom plants.

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Meet The Alkaloids

Though more research still needs to be done about these substances, there are some alkaloids that have been studied after being found in Kratom.

Mitragynine

The most prevalent alkaloid in most Kratom leaves, mitragynine, is partially responsible for many of Kratom’s active effects. It has been studied for many common uses, which can be fairly easily researched. As the primary Kratom alkaloid, it is one of the two alkaloids that has its content percentage detailed on Kratom packaging. 

7-hydroxymitragynine

The other Kratom alkaloid that is typically acknowledged by Kratom vendors is 7-hydroxymitragynine. While the amount of this alkaloid is substantially smaller than that of mitragynine, it is also a significant player in Kratom’s active effects. It has been studied for its unique effects and receptor binding in particular.

The Phyllines

The naming of alkaloids is typically based on the original plant family that those alkaloids come from. A number of alkaloids found in Kratom are named with the -phylline base. Mitraphylline, isomitraphylline, speciophylline, rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, and ciliaphylline are all found in Kratom.

These alkaloids are likely to be studied for their potential beneficial actions, and we hope to learn more soon about how they interact with functions of the human body.

Paynantheine and Speciogynine

After mitragynine, paynantheine and speciogynine make up for the largest percentage of alkaloids in Kratom leaves. These two alkaloids have been compared to similar alkaloids with and it may be assumed that their qualities are similar. It is possible that these alkaloids contribute to some benefits of Kratom, but more research is needed.

Corynoxine A and B

Found in other natural plant products as well, these alkaloids interact with important receptors in the human body. This means that they may affect the binding of body chemicals in some way. These alkaloids, like many others, are found in concentrations of far less than 1% in most leaves.

Why Is It Important To Know About These Alkaloids?

Simply put: we need to put more resources into studying them!

Kratom research has been progressing at a very slow pace for the last few years. Among other reasons, that is because of the complicated laws surrounding the possession, use, and classification of Kratom. Funding Kratom research is difficult whenever there are no laws clearly protecting its status.

As laws become clearer and Kratom earns a more protected status in the US, we can expect to see more research about Kratom and how it can affect the body. In particular, a lot of that research is likely to focus on the individual alkaloids found in Kratom and their effects.

Scientists, in particular, are very interested in Kratom’s potential effects. However, more research needs to be done on Kratom’s alkaloids.

The Future Of Kratom

Kratom as a whole plant and food product will continue to be studied, but we can also expect to see more and more branch-off studies of individual components. Often, it is easier to understand the effects of the broad plant if we studied individual chemical components first.

Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are being studied more than other alkaloids at this time, but that is going to change as Kratom becomes more heavily researched. We’re excited to find out what is discovered about this amazing plant.

The Kratom Industry & Fair Trade Practices: What We Are Doing

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Nearly everything that we do in the world impacts other people, things, and businesses. When it comes to buying a product like Kratom that is grown in one part of the world and then marketed in another, that impact can take on another level.

Goods that are traded worldwide are often subject to fair trade practices. These practices, used commonly in the chocolate, coffee, and clothing industries, can help ensure life and environment sustaining practices take over as the industry’s norm.

Has this happened in the Kratom industry? Are fair trade practices a regular part of the industry, or are there still improvements to be made?

Today, we’ll talk in more detail about fair trade as it applies to the Kratom industry. It’s time to find out if the products you support help make a positive difference in the world!

Why Does Fair Trade Matter?

Fair trade products are becoming a more and more common sight when shopping. Why is it that so many people have taken to the idea of supporting the fair trade movement in a huge variety of businesses?

As knowledge becomes more pervasive worldwide, people are becoming more aware of the unethical practices used in many industries. Even though it is expected for some level of difference to exist in wages worldwide, seeing the farmers growing our coffee or cocoa beans making low wages that they cannot survive on is not good.

Fair trade practices seek to ensure that the marginalized people working in various industries are being treated properly. From solidifying their workplaces’ safety and hygiene to providing some type of economic stability through their wages, the goal is to create sustainable working conditions.

Environmental and economic stability is essential in today’s world. Fair trade practices help ensure that workers and businesses worldwide are supporting both of these things.

Fair Trade Labeling: Not All Is As It Seems

When shopping for fair trade products, it may seem to be as simple as checking for a label and then moving on with your purchase.

Unfortunately, things are not always as simple as they seem. Fair trade labeling is a common practice, but not all labels are created equally! Companies that want to be involved with the positive marketing of fair trade labels find ways to get involved that aren’t as supportive of the movement as it may seem at first glance.

Fair trade labels come in many varieties, and the organization that oversees these labels is actually split into distinct classifications. The classifications are given out by different non-profit and membership organizations, and each specific label has different guarantees.

For example, some labels are given only if the business meets a strict set of fair trade and ethical business practices. Other labels are given out if a certain number of ingredients fits those practices, even if the other ingredients do not.

The best way to be sure that you are buying fair trade products that genuinely make a difference is to research the products and the company. Find out if they care about ethical production and business standards, and then make your decision about whether to shop there or not. 

Companies that are truly dedicated to the communities where their products come from will be ready to show you just what they are doing to make a difference!

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Labeling In The Kratom Industry

The Kratom industry does not have any specific fair trade classifications or non-profit organizations working to ensure fair trade practices are followed at this time, though we are excited to say this is changing. And, regardless of that, Kratom companies can still apply the principles of fair trade practices to their supply chain.

Kratom companies rely on a healthy production cycle to be able to keep doing business for years to come. By making sure that their suppliers and harvesters are working in good conditions and in a way that is sustainable for the Kratom forests, Kratom companies can ensure that their business will have a steady supply chain.

The supply for a single Kratom manufacturer often comes from dozens of harvesters, if not more, so getting strict accreditation of fair trade principles from each harvester can be very difficult.

Still, many of these harvesters are solo workers that are being paid fairly to work in an industry that is much more sustainable than other common farming industries in their home regions.

The Future Of Fair Trade In Kratom’s Future

Compared to other industries that have flourishing fair trade labeling and organizations, Kratom is a very young industry. While it has been used worldwide for a long time, the consistent import and sale of kratom have only been going on for a few decades.

As the Kratom industry grows more and the practices around Kratom sales in the United States become regulated, we can expect to see more organizations incorporating Kratom fair trade principles into their labeling guidelines. Bulk products like tea and coffee are often included in these organizations, so it makes sense that Kratom teas will be added at some time as well.

Until then, continue to seek out Kratom companies that do their best to be transparent about their supply chain and the safety checks that they have in place to ensure that you are receiving a safe, ethical supply of Kratom in every shipment.

Phytoextractum & Our Supply Chain

Here at Phytoextractum, we are committed to making sure that our customers can get their supply of safe, high-quality Kratom products from our store.

To make this happen, we are connected with our suppliers and supply chain at many points in the process. We ensure that our products are being handled properly, and that means that we also have to check up on the standards used at these facilities and for harvesters. You can be sure that the Kratom for sale here at Phytoextractum doesn’t come from a factory farm with no commitment to sustainability.

From start to finish, we want to play a part in bringing a fair, ethically-created product to those that rely on it. We hope that we can continue to do just that and encourage others in our position to do the same! Let us know if there is anything else that you’d like to see us do as we continue to grow with you and with the industry. \

All About The Environmental Impact of Kratom

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On our blog here at Phytoextractum, we talk a lot about where kratom comes from and how it is being sold in America. While these are important topics, there are a few other areas that we haven’t covered yet.

One area that we’ve been thinking a lot about recently is the environmental impact of kratom. The shift from excess plastic to more eco-friendly options has been a huge shift in modern-day American culture, but we know that there is a lot more work to be done in the realms of sustainability and monitoring the environmental impacts of business. 

We started thinking: is kratom sustainable? Does it have a net neutral impact on the environment, or is it causing damages to the areas where it is farmed? These questions aren’t easily answered, but they are important.

Take some time today to learn about sustainability, kratom, and how those two worlds are currently intersecting! We are interested in what effect kratom is having on this aspect of the world and are excited to share our findings with you!

Risky Industries In The Region

Palm oil plantations and the timber industry are huge threats to rainforests and ecosystems where kratom grows naturally. Both of these industries tend to deforest huge areas of the rainforests to get more material or more space for their own production purposes, and that can cause huge problems.

The palm industry, in particular, is known for being incredibly rehabilitating to the ecosystem. It’s even been shown to be one of the causes of increased climate change problems in recent years.

Still, both of these industries are the lifeblood of some regions in Southeast Asia. Due to the limited work options, many farmers and laborers rely on these industries to keep their families afloat. There are few options, so they take part in a system that is slowly killing the world around them.

A Better Option: Kratom

As the kratom industry has come back to life in the past decade, many farmers and laborers have returned to this traditional farming practice. The industry gives them another option outside of the palm oil industry and the timber industry. And for many farmers, that is a huge relief.

That’s not to say that every single palm oil plantation is going to close in favor of kratom farming, but there is a considerable effect that has been had by giving these people another profitable option.

Important Sustainable Points for Kratom

In addition to being a great alternative to more harmful options in native kratom regions, there are many ways that the kratom industry can continue to be a positive force in the world of sustainability.

For the most part, kratom farms are doing things the right way, but there is always the risk that will change in the future as kratom becomes more and more popular. Hopefully, that will never become a huge concern. The key points that kratom farms need to stick to include the following.

Continue The Traditions

Traditionally, kratom has been harvested in very sustainable and environmentally friendly ways. Kratom farming was harvested in small villages throughout the forests, and this is a better alternative than cutting down forests in order to grow kratom trees.

The traditional farming method used for kratom is very different from most industrial agriculture practices, and sticking to the existing traditions is much kinder to the planet.

Avoiding Centralized Cultivation

As mentioned, kratom farms were typically spread through the forests of the countries where kratom is naturally found.

Centralized cultivation of kratom would require wide-spread cutting of the forests and rainforests in these regions; this is something that often happens in other primary industries in the region.

Kratom does not, and does not need to, rely on that type of huge plantation. Kratom farming can be successful by harvesting and cultivating wild trees as well as setting up small farms in the backyards of people and laborers in each village. Having just a few trees in each year is enough to harvest kratom while also continuing the biodiversity of the region.

Stick To Sustainability

As demand continues to grow for kratom around the world, there is a risk of sustainable practices being abandoned in favor of “faster” production. It’s important that the future generations of kratom farmers continue to follow in the footsteps of sustainable kratom farmers by:

  • Only harvesting leaves that are ready and needed
  • Leaving the trees with enough leaves to be healthy between harvests
  • Avoiding harsh chemicals and pesticides
  • Not allowing any chemical processing required to get into local groundwater
  • Avoiding any damage to the local ecosystem

Sticking to both wild and backyard farming is a great way to avoid the dangers that can happen with these issues.

Long-Term Growth Is Best

Another important facet of the kratom industry is that more mature kratom trees are actually better options for a high-quality extract and leaf. Trees need to mature for at least three years before they are harvested, and the best leaves often come from trees that are more than 20 years old.

The longer that kratom trees are allowed to thrive, the better the final product will be. This means that there is a lot of value in helping the forests to thrive, and that can be a great thing for these kratom-adjacent ecosystems.

Additionally, it is possible that kratom trees grow best when they are underneath a larger forest canopy. This is why wild harvesting of wild-grown kratom trees is so popular, and it is likely that that practice will continue. This practice encourages forest growth and sustainability, and that is amazing.

We Care About The Future

Here at Phytoextractum, we are always thinking about our sourcing and supply line. We want to make sure that we are only sourcing the highest-quality kratom, and we do a variety of testing to ensure that this remains true.

As we move forward in the industry, we also want to be sure that we pay attention to sustainability and how the farmers that we work with are affecting the environment around them. Hopefully, other kratom vendors will continue to do the same!

Advocating For Kratom In Pandemic Times: How You Can Help

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Phytoextractum has long prioritized the treatment of kratom on the political and social level in America. Using kratom legally and easily in America has been a problem for decades as the policies surrounding its use are constantly evolving. We feel it is important to continue to be involved in pro-kratom advocacy efforts to ensure that our customers can continue to safely access kratom.

However, many of the traditional routes for advocacy in America have been changing in recent months due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As the spread has affected how groups can meet with politicians and other important advocacy resources, the fight for kratom protections is forever changed.

What can you still do to ensure that kratom advocacy can continue with gusto despite the pandemic? Let’s find out together.

Goals of Kratom Advocacy in 2020

Though the world has changed a lot, the ultimate goals for kratom advocacy by large groups like the American Kratom Association continue to be the same today as they were before:

  • Pass KCPA laws in states where no kratom protections exist
  • Continue to enroll vendors in the GMP compliance program
  • Ensure vendors are testing their products properly
  • Set up more third-party independent testing
  • Educating consumers about how to buy kratom safely

COVID-19 & Advocacy

How exactly has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way that kratom advocacy works in 2020?

Fewer Political Meetings and Legislative Sessions

The thing that has probably had the biggest effect on kratom advocacy is the simple fact that most politicians, legislators, and local leaders are not meeting as frequently with advocacy groups. This is due to the strict social distancing requirements needed to slow the pandemic spread, but it is causing a variety of side effects.

Earlier this year, AKA expected to move forward with KCPA proposals in more than 20 states, but many of those states have had to push back the review of such proposals until next year. While this is understandable, it presents a big roadblock for kratom advocacy.

Other Issues Take Priority

Once sessions do resume, it is to be expected that other issues such as health and budgets will take priority before any outside proposals, such as KCPA protections, are able to be brought up, discussed, and voted on. To keep these proposals relevant, advocacy groups like AKA are going to have to work overtime to ensure that they do not get passed over in the confusion that is 2020.

Misinformation

Another problem at this time is misinformation that is being spread by counter-kratom organizations in some regions, particularly in local jurisdictions. Typically, advocacy groups would fan out to try to address this misinformation in real-time, but that is not always possible due to the pandemic, so it has fallen to local citizens to argue for their right to use kratom safely and legally.

How Kratom Lovers Can Help

Are you worried about the future of kratom? Do you want to make sure that it is still both safe and legal to keep using kratom for years to come? If so, it is time to see what you can do to get involved in kratom advocacy efforts. Getting involved in 2020 might look a little different than it did in 2019, but there are still a lot of ways that you can make a difference.

Support the American Kratom Association

We’ve supported the efforts of the American Kratom Association (AKA) for years, and we plan to continue to do so for years to come. It’s not just organizations or businesses like us like that can get involved; you can also get directly involved in their efforts to make things better.

If you visit the AKA website, you can find more about many ways to get involved:

  • Join the AKA forums to discuss and interact with ongoing issues
  • Read the latest updates about kratom legislative actions
  • Find out if any initiatives are ongoing in your state
  • Join the Kratom Advocacy Council to be a more direct helper
  • Donate to support their efforts

Even if you just use AKA to become better informed about the issues that are affecting the kratom community at large, you will be making a difference in the way that kratom is perceived and received in society.

Contact Your Legislators

While AKA and similar advocacy groups can do a lot by working with legislators and local leaders to change the way that kratom is treated, their efforts only mean so much if there aren’t also local residents sharing their views on kratom as well. Legislators are far more likely to support a movement if they know that their constituents are in support of the movement, so using your voice in favor of Kratom in your community can make a huge difference.

Contact your local, state, and national representatives to share your opinion as much as possible. Pay attention to what issues they are voting on and how they are voting. Send letters and emails to explain your support or dissent with various opinions. Doing these things does not take a lot of time, but it does make a huge difference.

Get Educated

Finally, one of the most important things that you can do is to get educated about kratom and current kratom science. Not only does having this information benefit you, but it also makes it possible to refute misinformation publicly whenever you come across it. Having knowledge is power, and that is why we have a complete resources blog to help share what we know with our customers!

Phytoextractum

We want to protect kratom and kratom lovers now and for many years to come, and that is why we have always prioritized ensuring that our standards and processes are held to the highest degree of safety rules. We want to see that become the standard across the entire kratom industry, and that is why we support the work that kratom advocacy groups are doing.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, advocacy has taken on new forms, but it is still just as important as it ever was.