american kratom association

The Importance of Sustainable Kratom Sourcing & Production

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The U.S. Kratom industry is booming like never before, fueled by increasing consumer interest and quality-focused production processes. According to one estimate, the U.S. Kratom industry is a massive $1 billion powerhouse that attracts imports from several South-East Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, and so on. 

Kratom is extracted from Mitragyna speciosa, a wild plant belonging to the coffee family. As demand for Kratom surges, farmers in tropical Asia are turning to this “cash crop” for export-oriented opportunities. As the overseas demand for Kratom grows, it fuels deforestation, soil degradation, freshwater wastage, wild animal habitat loss, community dislocations, and countless other problems in this region. Entire ecologies are being endangered by unregulated farming. Not only the local population and communities are threatened, but the entire planet feels the effects of the ecological damage wreaked by unhinged Kratom supply chain practices. 

Sustainable farming is the need of the hour. Sustainable farming is not only essential to preserve the planet and all its inhabitants but also to protect the industry against potential prohibitions that may arise to combat its impact. 

How Sustainable Kratom Farming Protects Biodiversity

There are multiple dimensions to sustainable farming, each offering unique solutions to specific challenges arising from unfettered farming and deforestation. Here are the most common solutions employed by the sustainable farming industry:

  • Agroforestry

Large-scale Kratom farming often entails clearing out huge swathes of forests for cultivation. This destroys local ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity. It also contributes to soil erosion and climate change.

By integrating other trees into Kratom farms, soil erosion can be arrested, while allowing wildlife to thrive. In particular, indigenous plants and animal species are safeguarded and preserved, without being entirely driven away to an ever-smaller tract of land.

  • Organic Farming

Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides are known to wreak havoc on the delicate ecological balance. The residues often contaminate soil and inflict irreparable damage. Organic farming practices protect soil health while encouraging local biodiversity.

How Sustainable Kratom Processing Conserves Resources

The vast majority of Kratom farms in South-East Asian countries rely on outdated, decades-old agricultural methods to process the Kratom harvest. These methods are highly resource intensive and threaten the availability of resources to other food crops; not to mention their contribution to resource depletion. Innovative and eco-friendly processing methods can help address these problems in the following ways:

  • Energy-efficient Drying

Traditional Kratom drying processes are energy-intensive and produce huge amounts of greenhouse gases. Using solar drying and heat recovery systems can slash down energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during Kratom processing.

  • Waste Reduction and Recycling

Kratom processing generates huge quantities of organic waste. However, there are convenient, cheap, and even lucrative waste reduction and recycling options available. For instance, leftover plant material can be repurposed as compost or animal feed.

  • Water Conservation

Kratom processing can utilize large quantities of water and put undue pressure on local freshwater resources. Innovative solutions like rainwater catchment, drip irrigation, low-energy spray irrigation, and so on, can conserve tremendous quantities of freshwater.

How Green Packaging & Can Help Protect The Environment

While Kratom production is largely concentrated in a handful of closely-knit countries in South-East Asia, it is consumed worldwide. Packaging, shipping, and last-mile delivery of Kratom to users worldwide consume enormous amounts of fossil fuel, generate vast quantities of non-recyclable packaging waste, and contribute heavily to greenhouse emissions. Fortunately, several emerging solutions are already addressing these supply chain issues:

  • Eco-friendly Transportation

Electric and hybrid vehicles for transporting processed Kratom can drastically reduce greenhouse emissions, especially when the energy source is clean, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. Advanced algorithms are also being utilized to optimize shipping routes to reduce fuel consumption and thereby reduce greenhouse emissions.

  • Carbon Offsetting

Some aspects of logistics, such as container shipping, have a long way to go before it becomes energy-efficient. However, businesses can invest in carbon offset projects to bring down their carbon footprint.

  • Minimal and Biodegradable Packaging

An overwhelming majority of the plastic is never recycled. Some estimates put recycled plastics at just 10% of the plastic waste. Environmentally-conscious businesses are battling plastic pollution by using biodegradable packaging materials like paper, cardboard, and plant-based materials. Where it’s impossible to use biodegradable packaging, some businesses use minimal packaging to minimize their plastic waste.

How Ethical Business Practices Are Making The Kratom Industry More Sustainable

Sustainable business practices not only focus on ecological footprint but also on local communities. Ethical business practices address the social responsibility of businesses that utilize the resources and hard work of the communities involved in their supply chain. Here are some ways the Kratom industry can engage in ethical business practices:

  • Fair Wages and Humane Working Conditions

Overseas sourcing often gets mired in controversies involving child labor, slave labor, inhumane working conditions, and so on. By enforcing international labor standards throughout the supply chain and insisting suppliers or producers adhere to them, Kratom businesses can ensure that local communities are paid fair, competitive wages, and are not exploited.

  • Support to Local Communities

The local populace, such as small-scale farmers, do not have the resources necessary to market and attract foreign Kratom importers. Therefore, they cannot capitalize on the economic opportunities available to large-scale producers. By sourcing from such small players, Kratom businesses can contribute to their economic prosperity.

Additionally, Kratom businesses can also invest in local community development projects, like healthcare, schools, and transportation. This can inspire loyalty and guarantee a reliable supply of Kratom too.

  • Education and Training

Kratom businesses can educate the local producers on sustainable farming practices and give them access to learning resources to help them learn about innovative farming techniques. The transition will not only help save the environment but also contribute to the social and economic development of local communities.

Bottomline

In conclusion, at Phytoextractum, we believe that sustainable and responsible Kratom practices are of paramount importance. Our commitment is more than just a catchphrase; it’s a core pillar of our mission. We understand the environmental and social implications of Kratom production, which is why we source exclusively from farmers committed to fair trade practices, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable farming techniques. This means each product you purchase from us not only supports your well-being but also contributes towards the betterment of the communities involved in its production and the conservation of the environment. We are proud to be part of the solution, contributing to a sustainable future for both the Kratom industry and our planet.

Kratom & Social Media: The Limits Of Discussion

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Did you know that kratom companies have to be incredibly careful about what we say about kratom? From our packaging to our blog, many topics are off limits due to the current stance of the FDA regarding our product.

One place where kratom businesses are currently most restricted is on social media platforms. Social media companies, whether private or publicly traded, have to carry out their business in line with the laws of the countries they operate in. Although kratom is not and never has been federally illegal in the United States, this leads to some opposition to kratom advertising and posting.

The effects of those restrictions can be seen throughout the industry. Let’s look at the policies around what can and cannot be discussed on social media about kratom.

Why is Kratom Talk Limited?

To understand why there are limits on what can and cannot be said about kratom online, it’s essential to understand that kratom is in a bit of a regulatory gray area. The FDA has made no secret of its dislike of this product, but it has not been successful at its attempt to ban kratom. 

So companies selling kratom are very limited in how they advertise, what they claim, what is written on the packages, and much more. As there isn’t an evaluation that determines exactly what can and cannot be said, the companies are instead limited to avoiding specific topics altogether.

What Cannot Be Said About Kratom

The FDA has been particularly vigilant in enforcing this policy when it comes to kratom. In particular, companies have received warning letters for talking about the following topics on their packaging, marketing posts, and even on their informational blogs:

  • Serving size
  • Different strain effects
  • Customer testimonials and anecdotes
  • How to use kratom
  • How kratom interacts with the body or brain

As you can see, this covers a lot of what kratom consumers may want to know about kratom. This makes it hard for suppliers to talk with their customers about their products and, in some cases, can be very confusing for everyone involved.

Still, companies must respect these rules if they want to stay in business. Instead, they are careful about how they communicate. Even on this blog, we are careful about how we discuss kratom. While it is essential for information going to consumers to be factual, it is also vital that the flow of information isn’t halted altogether.

Kratom on Social Media

How does this limitation on what can be said about kratom online extend to social media?

Before

When kratom first became popular for use in the US in the early 2010s, many social media sites began banning discussion of the substance. This was due to the questionable legal status of the botanical. Social platforms didn’t want to be responsible for any legal trouble and instead avoided talking about kratom.

For many years, this was the norm. Some kratom companies made social media profiles, but their use was limited due to the limitations on what can be said about kratom and the rules of advertising supplement products. Posts can be interpreted as marketing in some cases, and that makes social media companies nervous.

The Present

However, we’re starting to see more and more companies and kratom advocacy organizations appear online. Brands have been more open about their presence as the kratom consumer market has grown and as states have enacted reasonable kratom regulations through the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

Unfortunately, social media platforms use their community agreements and terms of service to shut down the accounts of kratom companies. Similarly to cannabis companies, kratom brands can’t count on keeping their profiles and pages. They also face “shadow bans” – accounts and posts may not be removed, but they are shown to an extremely limited (if any) audience.

We are still optimistic that positive change is coming. Misinformation about kratom is hard to combat, and it is often spread online in locations where knowledgeable individuals are restricted. This means that there is no clear pipeline to clear up misunderstandings and brands often have no chance to appeal decisions that social media platforms make.

Only time will tell if the shift will continue in this direction or if social media will once again restrict all talk about kratom. For that reason, it’s essential not to rely on social media to get your information about kratom and other topics.

Where to Get Information about Kratom

If you cannot expect to always find information about kratom on your usual social media websites, where should you go to find information? Many kratom users are eager to learn more about the substance, its origin, and its science. However, that information isn’t always easy to find for the reasons we outlined today.

Thankfully, there are several places where you can regularly find interesting and informative posts about kratom, kratom news, and the general kratom community. Some shops have informational blogs, and many advocacy groups periodically share kratom’s latest science and political information.

Here at Phytoextractum, we keep our blog updated with posts inspired by the latest happenings in the community and questions our customers ask us. While there are limits on what we can and cannot say about kratom, we do our best to communicate clearly whenever the topic cannot be covered in-depth due to legal limitations.

If you are looking for updated information with fewer restrictions, visiting sites of advocacy groups such as the American Kratom Association is a great way to do so. They have a page specifically for the latest science being done on kratom, and this is just one of the many dedicated corners they cultivate for curious minds like yours.

Finally, consider reaching out to your local kratom shop. They will be able to talk with you about the products they stock, the information they have, and even connect you with local advocates. This local source of information is powerful, and you can also get involved in grassroots organizations to help legalize and protect kratom in America.

KCPA in Oregon: The Latest News on This Active Bill

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Phytoextractum has been thrilled to be part of changing the landscape of the Kratom industry across the US for the last few years. Recently, we’ve been working with Kratom advocacy organizations to help pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in Oregon.

If you’re familiar with Kratom news, you might remember that the Oregon state legislature previously passed a KCPA bill during the 2021 session only to have it vetoed at the Governor’s desk. This time, however, we’ll be able to see Oregon’s first official KCPA bill come to fruition.

Today, learn more about the KCPA bill in Oregon, what happened to the first iteration of the bill, and what’s going on with the current bill.

What is KCPA?

Are you unfamiliar with KCPA bills? Let’s do a quick review.

Known formally as Kratom Consumer Protection Acts, KCPA bills are bills created at the state level to provide guidance, regulation, and protections to everyone involved in the Kratom industry. From rules that protect consumers’ right to take Kratom to guidelines for Kratom processors to follow, KCPA ensures that Kratom is a safe, protected product.

KCPA bills also include a variety of testing rules for vendors and processors to ensure that consumers have safe access to Kratom. The combination of all of these rules is known simply as KCPA, and Kratom advocacy organizations are working across the country to help get these bills passed.

Without any of these protections in place, consumers cannot verify that the Kratom they purchase is safe and adequately tested. Additionally, processors and vendors have a hard time knowing exactly what they need to do to keep up with the latest best practices in the industry. Across the board, there is room for error in the entire industry without KCPA.

Why a Prior KCPA Bill in Oregon Didn’t Become Law

As mentioned above, the Oregon state legislature previously passed a version of a KCPA bill, but it ultimately did not become law. The state’s governor, Kate Brown, decided to veto the bill last year due to some areas that she felt were weak and had potential for issues for the state.

Specifically, Governor Brown was worried about which organization would be in charge of setting up the guidelines, regulations, and more for the Kratom industry. The original bill suggested that the Department of Agriculture would be responsible for this, just as they are for marijuana. However, the Governor disagreed with this choice.

This caused her to veto the bill. While we were unhappy with this development, we didn’t give up. We went back to work on adapting the bill to adjust for the Governor’s concerns. After working through her concerns with the Governor’s Office, the Oregon KCPA bill was redrafted and introduced in the House.

What’s Changed Since Then

Since then, we and other advocates of the KCPA bill in Oregon have considered the Governor’s input and worked on updating the guidelines to match her recommendations. The new version of OR HB4010 sets the Department of Revenue up as the regulatory agency, and previous critics have publicly supported this change.

Phytoextractum has been a critical backer of this bill for several legislative sessions, and we’re happy to be supporting other advocacy groups in getting these protections in place. Our public testimony on the importance of these regulations in the industry has played a significant role in getting KCPA moving in Oregon.

In fact, we’ve been working with these groups for more than five years in Oregon and other states to ensure that similar protections happen across the country. We want to see both Kratom processors and consumers be able to safely exist in the Kratom industry, and we believe that we’re on the right path to see that change.

Is KCPA in Oregon Now Law?

OR HB4010, also known as Oregon’s KCPA, was passed unanimously by the Oregon State Senate on March 2nd, after also passing unanimously in the House. Thankfully, Governor Brown was pleased with the changes made to the bill. She signed it into law on March 23rd, and this is a huge step for the Kratom community in Oregon.

Now, vendors and processors will be required to keep up with the latest rules and regulations set by the Department of Revenue, and a system to ensure the protection of products and consumers will be set into place in the coming months. These changes will be essential for the long-term preservation and success of the industry. We’re thrilled to see these things taking root.

The Kratom industry will reduce unregistered processors and untested products within the marketplace. Additionally, consumers will be able to purchase Kratom legally and confidently, which is a huge win for the Kratom industry in Oregon.

Ready to Advocate For Kratom?

Do you want to see similar protections in other states? Many states have not yet adopted any of these KCPA protections, and we are working every day to try to see these changes enacted nationwide. We’re fighting to prevent anti-Kratom laws from being enacted in some states. No matter where you are in the country, there is somewhere for you to get involved.

Ask around your local Kratom shop or visit the American Kratom Associations website today to find out how you can get involved. Join us on our mission to ensure that safe, legal Kratom remains legal across the US. Your testimony could make a huge difference in seeing KCPA protections spread across the country.

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Kratom Consumer Protection Act: Various State Updates

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Over the last few years, we’ve provided our customers with updates about Kratom’s legal status and any related laws to keep you informed. Today, we’re back with another update about developments on Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) proposals in various states.

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act, also known as KCPA, are passed in some states to create structure and protections for consumers. These bills aim to ensure that Kratom is safe for consumers while being protected as a legal botanical.

Laws on Kratom change from year to year, but these are some of the latest developments as of January 2022. For the latest updates in your state, check your local news and state laws to determine if any changes have been made.

What KCPA Is (And Why We Need It)

Before we get into state-specific changes, let’s touch on what is generally included in KCPA legislation and why those things are essential. Every state will have its specific language, but some common points tend to be recommended by advocates in every state.

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act is a bill that sets up specific guidelines for a Kratom marketplace, including safety guidelines for how the product should be labeled and sold. Since the FDA does not regulate Kratom or want to do so, KCPA laws ensure that the industry is operating safely and effectively so that consumers can have a reliable experience with these products.

KCPA bills are important so that Kratom lovers aren’t left to buy their products in an unregulated industry. Though reliable sellers like our team here at Phytoextractum do our best to ensure our products are adequately tested, packaged, and sold, not all vendors hold themselves to the same standard. KCPA rules set up those requirements.

KCPA Updates: States Where Kratom Rules Are Changing

Original States With Established KCPA Rules

Through the work of advocacy organizations such as the American Kratom Association, KCPA bills have been passed in the following four states:

  • • Georgia
  • • Utah
  • • Nevada
  • • Arizona

The process of implementing the standards in the KCPA has been particularly interesting in Utah as this is one of the states where the process has been most clearly documented from start to finish. The Utah Department of Agriculture is partnering with the American Kratom Association to establish this process.

New Addition: Oklahoma

In May of 2021, Oklahoma became the fifth US state to officially pass KCPA legislation. The bill, known as HB2846, ensures that vendors must disclose specific information when packaging and selling Kratom. Additionally, the bill provides protections for Kratom consumers in the state.

This marks a significant accomplishment for Kratom advocates across the country. It takes a long time to get an act like KCPA through the state legislature, any necessary revisions, and then finally, voted on. The bill was passed in March 2020 but was just signed into law in early 2021 by the state governor. Now, it will need to be implemented across the state. 

States With Bills In Progress

In addition to states where KCPA bills have been completely passed through the state legislature, there are also several states where bills have been proposed and are being moved through the legislative process.

Each of these states has a different ongoing situation, and whether or not the bills will ultimately be passed cannot be predicted. However, advocates in each of these states feel confident that they will be able to see KCPA bills passed in the near future.

Oregon: Trying Again After Governor’s Veto

HB4013 was passed through our state’s House and Senate in 2021, unanimously in the former chamber and nearly unanimously in the latter. Oregon’s governor was expected to sign the bill but had a differing idea of which agency would regulate the Kratom program. After working with the governor and legislators to develop a satisfactory draft bill, advocates – including us! – are optimistic that the bill will be passed and signed during the 2022 session.

Missouri: Pending Senate Action

Proposed KCPA measures in Missouri passed through the state’s House legislature in 2020 but died in the Senate. It is being reintroduced this session, and if passed, we can expect to see KCPA measures signed into law in late 2022 by the Missouri governor.

Kansas: Pending State Action

While a KCPA bill passed through one committee unanimously in early 2020, there has yet to be any movement on advancing the bill further. Advocates in the state are working with politicians to see when and how the bill may proceed.

Defeated Bans

Another interesting category to take a closer look at is the defeated bans category. In many states, there have been attempts to ban Kratom at the state level. These bans are often contested by advocates, and in some states, the bans are completely defeated. States where this reversal has occurred include:

  • • Florida
  • • Maine
  • • New York
  • • Ohio
  • • Kentucky
  • • Virginia
  • • ….. and many more!

Even in states where some type of ban exists, advocates are working closely with legislatures to replace those bans with KCPA bills with great success. As these bills are drawn up and the general public becomes more educated about what it takes for Kratom to exist on the marketplace safely, we can expect to see more bans reversed or removed entirely.

Will We Ever See A Federal KCPA?

Many invested in the future of the Kratom industry wonder if we will ever see something like a federal Kratom Consumer Protect Act implemented. Even though there have been some attempts to implement this type of legislation, the history of substance-related laws in the U.S. makes it a complicated issue.

Even substances that are legal to use at the federal level, such as alcohol, are regulated at the state level. That is why different states have varying laws about where and when liquor can be purchased. If a federal Kratom law is implemented to make it legal on a national scale, bills to set up the specific rules, guidelines, and labeling practices would still be likely to fall to the states to set up.

That is why it is helpful for advocacy organizations to work towards setting up these KCPA bills in as many states as possible, even if the ultimate goal for many is to see Kratom nationally legalized. The standards established will still benefit the community as a whole.

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Why The GMP Program Is (Seriously) Awesome

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In the Kratom industry, there are a lot of different ways that we could choose to operate our business. With little direction at the federal level, operating in a way that fits with our business goals best would be easy to do with few repercussions.

In fact, there are many Kratom vendors that operate just like that, with little but profit in mind.

Phytoextractum, however, believes that there is a better way for us to do business. That is why we comply with the guidelines laid out in the American Kratom Association’s Good Manufacturing Practices program (and why we think more vendors should do the same!)

The GMP program might not be common knowledge among all consumers, but it is worth the investment all the same. Let’s learn about why this program is so great and why we take our membership in the program so seriously!

AKA & GMP

When you’re new to the behind-the-scenes world of Kratom, you might be confused by the acronyms AKA and GMP being used so regularly. So let’s address what these two stand for and why they are so frequently used throughout the industry.

The American Kratom Association (AKA)

The American Kratom Association is a nonprofit organization that is focused on ensuring that Kratom continues to be safe and legal for consumers to buy and take in America. Through work on legislation, manufacturing practices, grassroots movements, and more, AKA works to ensure that the industry remains safe and in operation.

Kratom has not been regulated or addressed on a national scale, so the rules are different in each state. Much of what the AKA works on is ensuring that each state passes the necessary consumer protection acts to ensure that Kratom lovers can buy high-quality Kratom and safely use it.

The funds raised by AKA are used to work on lobbying for Kratom consumer protections in each state, and they are also used to support research into Kratom to help prove its uses on the scientific side of things.

Additionally, they work to educate both vendors and consumers on what types of practices need to be followed for safe Kratom. In particular, they put time and effort into setting up the GMP program so that vendors could be held to a higher standard.

The Good Manufacturing Practices Program (GMP)

Every industry, from yarn to lumber to fish farms, has their own set of standard best practices. These practices are legally regulated and monitored to some degree; they are self-sustaining within the industry through certification programs as well.

In the Kratom industry, little-to-no regulation was happening in the legal world before AKA started their work. Within the industry, many vendors were doing all that they could to use best practices. Still, there was no clear standard for what was appropriate.

Enter the GMP. The GMP Program is also known as the Good Manufacturing Practices Program, and it is a standards program that was set up by the American Kratom Association.

What Does The GMP Do?

The program seeks to ensure that the industry follows a clear and comprehensive set of practices to ensure that all Kratom sold to consumers is safe and that the supply chain is properly recorded.

With the GMP program certification in place, consumers can be sure that the Kratom they buy is reputably sourced, fully-tested, and properly packaged. Since the companies are doing regular batch testing, consumers are more likely to get a high-quality product.

The GMP guidelines are regularly updated by AKA to ensure they reflect the latest research, and vendors in the program must comply with guideline updates. Even the most informed vendors might have a hard time keeping up with the best practices as they are changing so frequently, so having a program like the GMP to provide guidance is key.

On the whole, what the GMP Program does is simple: they keep the industry in line. Sure, not every vendor out there is part of the program, but many have seen the importance of this type of regulation and are happy to join in. As time goes on, the overall standards of the industry will rise to match the high standards held by the GMP participants.

Why We Take GMP Seriously

We take the GMP guidelines seriously because we believe that it is our responsibility to only sell high-quality products to our consumers. Consumers trust vendors to sell them the best products; vendors need to uphold that trust by doing all that they can to follow appropriate sourcing, testing, and packaging procedures.

Additionally, we want the overall industry to be held to a higher standard so that it can continue to exist in America. Without some regulations that prevent negligent vendors from selling untested or low-quality Kratom in America, the industry will suffer.

That is why we are proud members of the GMP program, and we will continue to take it seriously. 

Frequent and complete testing of our products is the only way that we can be truly sure that everything we sell is as safe as possible. As much as we trust our supply chain, there are too many unknowns for a Kratom vendor like us to neglect testing. With the guidelines supplied by the GMP program, we can set up our testing process.

Go Shopping For GMP-Compliant Kratom

Are you interested in buying Kratom from GMP-compliant companies?

Thankfully, the American Kratom Association makes this very easy to do! Check out the list of vendors that are part of the GMP program on their website, and then do your shopping. If you want to shop locally, you can also take this list with you and see what is in stock at your local establishment.

Buying GMP-compliant Kratom is a good way to show your support for this program. By supporting the companies that ensure they are doing all they can to protect the kratom industry, you are also helping to protect the kratom industry from cheap, low-quality kratom.

Here at Phytoextractum, we’re happy that we are one of the accredited members of this program. All Kratom products found on our site have been tested, processed, and handled in accordance with those standards, so you can shop our collection with peace of mind!

All About GMP (And How It Protects Kratom Consumers Like You)

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Every industry has manufacturing practices that companies in the industry are expected to follow. These practices are in place not only to keep the workers in each company safe but also to ensure that consumers are always receiving a safe and reliable product.

Without standards, there would be no way for consumers to feel confident that they are buying a safe, well-tested product.

Before the GMP program was established by the American Kratom Association, these standards were practically nonexistent across the industry. While individual vendors like us here at Phytoextractum had their own rules about testing and standards, they were not consistent between vendors.

Let’s find out what the GMP program consists of, why it is so important, and how we can continue to ensure that these practices continue to protect consumers and companies in the Kratom industry for decades to come.

What Is The GMP Program?

The GMP Program is a Kratom-specific program that was established by the American Kratom Association as an attempt to coordinate and normalize safe manufacturing practices among various Kratom vendors.

GMP, which stands for Good Manufacturing Practices, is a program that sets up a certain standard, and Kratom vendors have to prove that they are meeting these standards in order to be certified. Then, they must continue to prove that they follow the program’s guidelines each year if they want to continue to be certified by the GMP program for safety compliance.

GMP Program Requirements

The complete guidelines of the program can be found on the American Kratom Association’s website, but these are some of the most important general requirements:

  • ➡ Specific labeling guidelines which may not include certain claims
  • ➡ Safe operating procedures in regards to sick workers
  • ➡ Written procedures in place for all shipping reception and processing
  • ➡ Batch testing and record-keeping
  • ➡ Complete supply chain record-keeping
  • ➡ Restrictions on marketing practices

With guidelines like these, the program helps to support vendors to be as safe as possible when working with Kratom processing, sales, and marketing. It’s part of the responsibility of vendors to upkeep a level of safety for consumers, and this program helps do just that.

Why Is The GMP Program Necessary?

As you may or may not know, Kratom has a somewhat confusing legal status in America. Like most substances, the final call about the legality of Kratom exists at the state-by-state level. While this type of decision making is common, the differences between regulations in each state mean that negligent vendors can sell untested Kratom.

Untested Kratom could be very dangerous for consumers, and consumers getting sick from their Kratom is not OK! Additionally, cases of bad Kratom batches making it to the market weaken the case for Kratom as a safe substance to use. Some in the federal government have already made their skepticism of Kratom known, and problematic cases due to messy testing will only make that worse.

The GMP program accomplishes a few major fixes within the industry:

  • ➡ Sets up testing protocol
  • ➡ Sets up guidelines that are specific to the Kratom industry
  • ➡ Sets up a standard that can be checked and improved as needed
  • ➡ Gives consumers peace of mind when choosing their vendor
  • ➡ Protects consumers from untested product
  • ➡ Educates manufacturers, vendors, and consumers about safe Kratom

All successful industries have a type of manufacturing standards that are expected to be followed, and the GMP program creates those standards for the Kratom industry. Vendors that choose to participate are helping to improve the overall industry.

How GMP Protects Consumers

Before the GMP program existed, some vendors were doing their best to make sure that Kratom was tested properly. Limited knowledge and the lack of a clear procedure path, however, led even well-meaning Kratom vendors to sell questionable products.

Consumers, however, had no way of knowing if the Kratom that they were purchasing could be trusted or not. There was no impartial way to judge the different vendors when shopping around, and that led to stress and safety issues.

With the GMP program in place, it is possible for consumers to look at the list of GMP participants and then decide where they would like to shop.

Additionally, the GMP program helps all Kratom vendors become educated about the best practices for Kratom. Even if consumers know nothing about the program, they are still being protected as vendors work to make sure their products are as safe as possible.

Phytoextractum’s Commitment To GMP

Here at Phytoextractum, we are very committed to the GMP program!

Without it, we feel that the overall Kratom industry would not be nearly as safe as it is today. The structure, direction, and guidelines that it provides to vendors of all sizes make it possible to identify risk factors and eliminate them.

We know that there are dangers associated with untested and low-quality Kratom, and we can see how the GMP program reduces the risks those have for all Kratom consumers. 

That is why we are proud to be compliant, certified members of the GMP program and plan to continue endorsing this program for the foreseeable future.

How To Shop For GMP Compliant Kratom

Are you interested in making sure that you shop for GMP-compliant Kratom in the future? That’s great; we’re glad that you see the importance of putting quality before price.

We’re happy to offer a great variety of well-priced (and well-tested) Kratom here in our shop, but we also know that we might not have everything that you are looking for.

Here is what we recommend doing to ensure that you are shopping from GMP-compliant vendors:

  • ➡ Bookmark this list on the AKA website of GMP certified vendors
  • ➡ Shop around to find a few vendors that you are interested in buying from
  • ➡ Check to see if the vendor is on the list
  • ➡ If they are, shop away!

If you plan to shop locally, you can save this list to your phone and then check the products that are available in-store to choose your next batch of Kratom. Chances are pretty good that your local vendor already vets what they stock, but you can never be too careful.

By taking this simple extra step, you can protect yourself and the Kratom industry. And for that, we thank you!