kratom

How To Start Making Your Own Kratom Tea: Step-by-Step Guide

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There are a lot of different ways to consume kratom. No one way is more right than the other ways, but it is important that you know what method you are using and how to do it properly if you want to have the best effects.

Kratom users frequently turn kratom into a tea to consume it. This method has a lot of benefits, and many find that it is one of the most efficient ways to enjoy kratom. When you’re first trying kratom, there’s a good chance that this is the preparation method people will recommend to you!

Today’s step-by-step guide about how to brew kratom tea will get you started on the process. Once you’ve learned the basics, you’ll be able to work in your own personalizations to suit your needs, tastes, and skills.

The Teapot Method

The first way that we will talk about making kratom tea is via the teapot method. Like other tea products, kratom tea is essentially made by mixing the powder or leaves with hot water. Kratom tea can thus be made with a teapot just like any other tea!

We recommend using this method whenever you want to use the tea immediately. If you want to make a large batch of tea to save for a few days, you will want to skip ahead to the batch method right away. Otherwise, stick around!

All that you need to make kratom via the teapot method is a teapot, water, kratom leaves or powder, and some type of strainer. You can use either tea bags or a mesh strainer; both work perfectly well.

The Process

Measure out your kratom serving. Serving size is going to depend on you and the variety, so pay attention to the recommended serving size and start there. Put the kratom into the mesh strainer or tea bags that you have prepared. Users making tea from powder will get better results from a tea bag while leaves work best in a strainer.

Now, start boiling your tea water in a teapot. Once it has boiled, take the teapot off the heat and let the water cool for a little while. 

Once the water has cooled, put your tea bag or strainer into a mug and add water. Depending on the particular strain of kratom that you are using, you will want to let it strain for between five and twenty minutes.

The Pot Method

If you’re more interested in making large batches of kratom or just don’t own a teapot at this time, don’t worry! The pot method of making kratom tea will also work very well, and you can store any extra product in the refrigerator for up to five days to enjoy at a later time. 

For this method, you’ll need a pot, water, kratom powder, and some type of strainer. We find that a small mesh strainer is great for kratom leaves while cheesecloth is the best option when you want to use kratom powder to brew your kratom tea.

The Process

First, add the desired amount of water to your pot and bring it to a boil. The amount of water used will depend on how much tea you are making, and you will need to calculate this based on your preferred serving size.

After the water comes to a boil, let it cool down for at least three minutes so that the water doesn’t deactivate the kratom. Then, add your kratom leaves or kratom powder to the water. Allow the water to keep simmering for up to 20 minutes to create your tea.

Once you are finished simmering, you can remove the tea leaves using a mesh strainer. If you used kratom powder, a cheesecloth is going to be much more effective than a mesh strainer. Alternatively, you can let the powder settle and then pour the liquid off the top to keep the powdery sludge out of your tea.

Drinking Your Tea

Once you’ve completed the steps of either of those tea brewing methods, you’ll have your kratom tea ready to go! You can add sweeteners like sugar or honey to your tea, and many kratom users like to add citrus notes like lemon or orange to help improve the flavor.

Regardless of what you add to your tea to make it taste good, it’s important that we note that kratom tea is unlikely to be enjoyed as a sipping tea. It’s the kind of tea drink that you chug for the benefits; don’t try to sip it!

If you want to try kratom tea as an iced variety, simply pour the tea over ice once it is done brewing. Alternatively, store the prepared tea in the refrigerator overnight so that you can enjoy it the next day.

Bonus Tips

As you start experimenting with brewing your own kratom tea, you’ll want to keep some of our favorite tips in mind. These tips will help you to move through the different options that kratom offers with ease and without ruining the botanical benefits.

Tip #1: Avoid Boiling Water

The first thing that you need to know is that the alkaloids in kratom are what makes it effective, and those alkaloids can be ruined by boiling water. Adding kratom powder or leaves to water that is at a rolling boil is going to make it much less effective.

Always let the hot water cool down for a minimum of two minutes before you add any kratom to it. This helps reduce any potential damage that the hot water causes.

Tip #2: Don’t Keep It Too Long

Kratom tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days without any significant quality loss, but you won’t want to try keeping kratom tea in there for eight, nine, or even 10 days and then expect it to still taste great. Plan for small, five-day batches.

Tip #3: Citrus Juice Boost

Studies are still being done to confirm why this happens, but many kratom users report that mixing citrus juice to kratom tea helps to boost the efficiency of the kratom alkaloids because it prevents them from breaking down during the brewing process. Try adding lemon slices to your tea while it is brewing.

Tip #4: Brew Time

If you find the taste of your kratom tea to be too powerful, try brewing for a shorter amount of time. If you find that you need the flavor to be stronger, up the brew time instead. By making these small adjustments, you’ll be able to find the perfect brew time for your body.

Kratom Capsules: Is This Less Common Method Worth It?

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There are a lot of unique things about kratom, and we love being able to take some time to share these things with you. For instance, did you know that there are dozens of different chemicals that make up kratom leaves, similar to the way that there are dozens of cannabinoids that make up marijuana leaves?

Pretty cool, right?

Another thing that we find awesome about kratom is the consumption methods are very versatile. While many people prefer to make kratom tea and drink it, this is far from the only way that you can consume it. In fact, there are easier ways.

Today we’ll be talking about the arguably easiest way to take kratom: kratom capsules. Are kratom capsules better? That’ll be up to you to decide, but we’ll share what we know about this unique delivery method.

What Are Kratom Capsules?

Kratom capsules are small pills that are filled with kratom powder. These pills can be taken in lieu of a direct serving of kratom or a glass of kratom tea, and many people like them because they’re generally easier to get and use.

How Are Kratom Capsules Made?

Kratom capsules aren’t harvested off of trees; they need to be made! When you decide to try kratom capsules, you’ll have to decide how you want to go about getting them.

Premade Capsules

The first way that you can try them is to buy premade capsules. Many kratom vendors like us sell capsule versions of some of our most popular or most requested strains. These capsules make it easier for consumers that are busy to simply have them.

Make-Your-Own Capsules

If you want to save a little money or make your own kratom blends when you prepare capsules, you can actually make your own kratom capsules at home instead of buying them premade. It is very easy to buy empty capsules in bulk, and they can be bought in different sizes.

At home, you just need to fill them up! You can do this by hand, or you can buy a capsule maker tool. This tool holds the side of the capsule so that you can easily fill it up before closing the capsules off using the tool.

When filling the capsules, you can put in any combination of kratom strains and serving size that you prefer. This personalization option is one of the reasons that a lot of people choose to make their own capsules rather than buy premade ones.

The Pros and Cons of Kratom Capsules

Now that you know a bit more about how kratom capsules are and can be made, let’s talk about what is good and what is not so good about using them. As with every consumption method, there are pros and cons to using kratom capsules. To determine if these are a good choice for you, take a closer look at all of the pros and cons.

Pros

There are quite a few reasons why we think that you might love using kratom capsules. Of course, we know that they aren’t for everyone. Still, we think it is worth considering changing up your kratom routine to include these.

Better Taste

For some people, using kratom capsules is key because it prevents them from having to actually taste the kratom! Kratom tea is great, but it’s undeniable that the flavor can be hard to stomach at times. If you find the taste of kratom off-putting, trying kratom capsules may be a good idea.

Convenient

Another benefit of trying kratom capsules is that you’ll get to experience how convenient they are to use. You can easily take one of these capsules when you’re on the go without any issues. When you only take kratom tea, you need to have that prepared in advance or have the space to prepare it in order to take your serving.

Customized Serving Size & Blends

Kratom capsules allow for a lot of flexibility in your consumption. Not only can you choose exactly how much kratom to add to each capsule if you make them yourself, but you can also mix up the blends that you use.

For example, you can mix up a green Malay strain with a white strain while you are making your capsules so that you can get the perfect balance of the strains that work best for you whenever you take your capsule each day.

May Save Money

Finally, it’s good to know that you might be able to save some money with capsules. While premade capsules can be pricey, making them yourself can save you a lot of money if you buy them in bulk when they’re empty.

Cons

Of course, there are also some potential negatives to trying out kratom capsules. Some people find that taking kratom through a pill is harder on their stomach, causing symptoms like nausea or vomiting. This side effect is likely to be more difficult if you take a large daily serving.

Other people find that making their own capsules is too tedious, and buying them premade is too expensive. If you’ve already figured out a system that works for your time and your budget, don’t feel like you need to change it just to try kratom capsules!

Will Capsules Work For You?

You’ll have to be the one to decide if kratom capsules make sense for your lifestyle. The best way to make this decision is to think about when you like to take kratom, how much kratom you usually take, and if it would be more convenient to use capsules.

Another thing to consider is the time investment. Some people find that making kratom tea is quick and easy while filling capsules is tiring; others feel the opposite of that. Only you can decide how you feel about kratom capsules.

We think kratom capsules are a super unique and efficient way to take your kratom, but you don’t have to use it if you don’t like it! Take some time to test out kratom capsules, and then you can decide what is going to be best for you.

A Brief History of Kratom in Malaysia

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Malaysia is one of the first countries that people think of when they think about kratom exporting countries. After all, how many different types of kratom are there that are known as Malay strains? From Green Malay to other popular strains, there seems to be quite a lot of kratom coming from Malaysia.

Is that assumption made by most consumers, however, a true one?

What is the actual history of kratom in Malaysia, and what is its current status in that country today? With this brief history and guide, you’ll be able to learn more about just that. Let’s get started!

Growing Conditions For Kratom in Malaysia

The climate and land type in Malaysia make it a great place for kratom to grow, and that is why this deciduous, tropical tree has thrived there for a very long time. Some believe that it’s possible kratom has been growing in the land that would become Malaysia for more than a thousand years.

Kratom grows best in regions with rich, fertile soil. It does even better if that soil is nearly always wet, and those are the kind of conditions that can be found in Malaysia due to the long rainy season and high humidity. Because the climate and conditions are so good for kratom, the trees in that region can grow to be more than 60 feet tall and very wide. 

Of course, the kratom grown for export is not typically as tall because the industry is newer, but there are some kratom farms that have incorporated older trees as well.

History of Kratom Use & Legality In Malaysia

Kratom has been used by workers and people in Malaysia for more than one hundred years. First, it was used to relax and make the long, hard working days easier by chewing it or brewing a tea.

There were few official laws that acknowledged this use until 1952 when the Poisons Act of 1952 was passed in Malaysia. This act was the first time that a government in power in Malaysia attempted to control the use of this botanical. Included provisions fined people for possessing or processing kratom leaves.

Chief Usage

Kratom is mainly used in the northern regions of Malaysia that border with Thailand. In these areas, workers have used kratom for a long time to improve time at work and make a long day of labor easier to get through. 

Many kratom users in Malaysia use kratom at least three times a week.

Current Legal Status In Malaysia

Technically speaking, it is illegal to use kratom in Malaysia at this time. But why, then, is there such a high reported usage of it?

The simple fact of the matter is that the use of kratom is not highly regulated or monitored despite there being laws in place that could lead to such regulation. 

How, then, do kratom farms in Malaysia sell kratom?

Due to the way the laws are set up, kratom leaves can currently be exported from Malaysia as long as they are unprocessed. This means that leaves cannot be changed from their natural state. They must simply be harvested and exported, and there can be no domestic sales because kratom is illegal for personal use in Malaysia.

Additionally, the government does have some laws that allow farmers to get a license to grow kratom. To be able to export, you must have this license. Still, you still consume or sell within Malaysia itself.

For a brief period in 2015, there was serious debate within the Malaysian government about whether or not kratom should be banned completely and be criminalized more severely. Ultimately, this was not seen as necessary and the current law from 1952 remains in effect today.

The Future of Kratom in Malaysia

At this time, it is hard to predict what the future will bring in terms of laws about kratom in Malaysia. While there are some movements to further decriminalize its usage, the laws currently in place don’t seem to have a lot of influence. After all, many people in Malaysia do not see kratom as a negative thing, but they also don’t see the need to make it completely legal.

Most of the people who use kratom regularly in Malaysia are located in the northern regions where kratom grows, and they are the people most familiar with its effects. But these people are not being actively discouraged from continuing to use kratom in the traditional ways of their region, so they don’t have a reason to advocate for a change in the laws at this time.

It’s safe to say that the issue of legality of kratom in Malaysia may have affected its legality in other countries. If the demand for kratom in areas where it is legal to use continues to rise, it is possible that the Malaysia government will restructure how it handles the regulations of kratom exportation in order to make better profits.

Kratom: A Confusing Predicament

As you can see, there is a lot of confusion surrounding kratom, its history, and even its legal status in the countries where it is chiefly grown and exported. Though the history is complicated, it is still very interesting to find out more about Malaysian kratom and how it has come to the point it is at today.

Even if the rules in Malaysia change in the next few years, you can expect that kratom will not soon be forgotten by the Malaysians who will keep it in their cultural and historical beliefs!

The Curiosity of Kratom Skin Care Products: Are They Worth It?

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There are a lot of herbal products well-known for the power they can infuse into skincare products. Kratom, however, is not typically listed on these lists. Most people have probably never considered that something as out-of-this-world and specific as kratom skincare products even exists! 

Kratom skincare products are limited in number, but there are a few interesting categories that are worth learning more about. The problem with these products so far is that not very many people use them, so it is hard to know exactly what they are like and how well they work when used long-term.

So you end up being left with questions: Do these products work, and can they work for you? Let’s do a deep dive into the products to find out more.

Kratom Soap

One type of product that you might come across when shopping for kratom products is a kratom soap. Users of this type of product have had a few positive things to say about their experiences:

  • • Fewer dry skin patches
  • • Fewer itchy skin patches
  • • More even skin tone

Of course, all of these experiences are anecdotal and could be related to the soap makeup and not the kratom itself. Regardless, a good product is a good product! Handmade soaps and those made by smaller companies tend to use fewer chemicals and gentler products.

It is thought that kratom might help to relieve itchy, patchy skin areas because of some specific sugars that are found in the powder. The sugar is known as rhamnose. On its own, rhamnose has been shown to help our body fight signs of aging, so it is possible that kratom may be able to fight signs of aging as well.

There are a few effects that people using kratom soap noticed that are more likely to be related to kratom than to the other soap ingredients. In particular, people mentioned that their muscle aches caused by fatigue decreased in frequency.

Other Kratom Skincare Products

Soap is not the only product that can be made with kratom. In fact, there’s a fairly wide range of products that you can find at different shops right now. Some of the most popular options include:

  • • Sugar scrub
  • • Lip balms
  • • Lotions
  • • Toners
  • • Face wash

If there’s a type of skincare product that you want to try with kratom in it, go ahead and search for it. You’ll be surprised at how many different things that you are able to find already on the market!

Make Your Own Kratom Beauty Products

Another way that you can give kratom beauty products a try without investing much more money is to make your own! Kratom can easily be infused into nearly any type of product as long as you know to properly combine the ingredients.

For instance, you can make soap by simply taking any soap recipe and then adding ⅓ cup of kratom powder to the recipe. Then, experiment until you get the perfect combination! Sugar scrubs are another great option to try to make yourself as the slight grittiness of the kratom powder will act as an additional exfoliant.

In most cases, the best way to mix kratom into your favorite skincare products would be to turn it into an oil infusion or a tincture before mixing it in. Kratom molecules are too big to penetrate the skin, so creating an infused liquid that takes on kratom’s alkaloid properties is like making a batch of kratom tea for your skin. Your body can absorb it better this way.

The Science of Skincare

While there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that kratom skincare is powerful and effective, there isn’t a lot of science out there to support that just yet. We know that kratom has specific effects on the body whenever it is ingested via a powder, tea, or another form. This is because the alkaloids interact with specific parts of your body.

Skincare products, on the other hand, would never be digested. Even if they are absorbed through the skin, the products won’t make it into your body the same way that kratom you drink or eat does.

That isn’t to say that there is absolutely no evidence that kratom might have positive topical effects. In fact, there’s a number of interesting research studies on that very topic:

  • • This study suggests that kratom might have topical benefits.
  • • This article has shown that kratom has been traditionally used as a skincare agent in Malay people. There is evidence that traditional Thai medicine also teaches a number of topical uses for kratom.

What’s still not fully known today is how kratom interacts with the body when applied to it. More research needs to be done to confirm the anecdotal. For now, however, we’re satisfied to believe that kratom skincare can make a difference whenever you choose the right product!

What We Think Is Happening

It is not yet known if the major chemical alkaloids found in kratom can penetrate the skin or cause any type of positive skin effect. The benefits seen could be caused by mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine, or they could be caused by any of the other smaller compounds and alkaloids that are unique to kratom.

Ultimately, we think that the terpenes, alkaloids, and flavonoids found in kratom are definitely able to create some skincare benefits. The exact benefits, however, are something that you will have to wait a bit longer to find out!

Where to Buy Kratom Skincare Products

As with any kratom-based product, it is important that you take the time to make sure that you are buying from a reputable seller. Kratom is a safe product when harvested, packaged, and processed properly, but not every vendor is going to follow the rules as they should.

Do some basic research before you buy anything from kratom vendors:

By finding out more about how each vendor imports and sells their kratom, you’ll be able to get a better picture of whether or not they are a good choice for you.

Kratom Update: Removed From “Narcotics List” In Thailand

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It’s both very cool and very scary that the laws about kratom in this country and around the world are changing rapidly. On the one hand, bans are being enacted in some areas where negative propaganda has outweighed kratom support. On the other hand, positive changes are also happening almost every day.

In late December, representatives of Thailand’s government made it known that kratom will be formally removed from the narcotics list in Thailand in the near future.

If you know anything about where kratom comes from or the history of kratom laws in Thailand, you know that’s a pretty big deal. Let’s talk about why this matters, what exactly is changing, and how we can expect those changes to effect kratom use in the USA.

The Big Changes

A few major things have happened in Thailand:

  1. 1. Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly has voted (166 – 0) to legalize medical marijuana.
  2. 2. They also agreed to change the way that the National Narcotics Control Committee is set up.
  3. 3. Thailand’s Health and Justice Ministers wrote a memorandum advocating for the removal of both kratom and cannabis from the National Narcotics List and set them up for medical usage.

Each of these three changes has to go through the government before they are fully enacted, but change is on the horizon.

Let’s talk about each of these changes briefly, and then we’ll go into more detail about the kratom changes.

#1: Legalize Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana was passed through the National Assembly with overwhelming support. It will take some time for the logistics of how medical marijuana will be managed, so it is not expected for this law to change on paper for a few more months.

In Thailand, laws are not usually considered active until they are published in the national gazette.

At this time, it is also not clear if the current punishments for possession or use of marijuana outside of medical usage. Currently, the punishment in Thailand for this type of possession is very severe, so it will be interesting to see if that changes.

#2: Narcotics Control Committee

The Narcotics Control Committee is the organization in Thailand that controls the punishments, laws, and scheduled narcotics list in Thailand. This organization has faced some scrutinization over time, so the structure of it will be changing.

#3: Memorandum For Kratom Removal

Thailand’s government has started the process of removing kratom and marijuana from the national narcotics list. The memorandum states that these substances should be moved into a controlled and regulated industry as they will have a lot of benefits for Thai people as well as the economy.

Now that the memorandum is in action, the next step will be for the National Legislative Assembly to vote on this change. The minister has suggested that the bill will be voted on by that group in March. If it passes, it will take a few more months for it to go into effect.

 When it is passed, companies will be able to start researching kratom, those with medical permission will be able to take kratom, and doctors will be able to use it to help patients as well.

Medical Changes First

It’s important to point out that these changes are aimed at only medical uses for both marijuana and kratom at this time. It is not expected for Thailand to completely legalize the use of either substance any time soon.

Think about the process that has been going on in the United States to legalize cannabis. First, limited medical usage was approved. Then, that usage was expanded in some states to be for recreational use as well. Now, it seems that the entire country is on the path for full legalization.

Should Thailand decide to fully decriminalize and legalize either of these substances, the process will likely go through a similar, gradual transition.

Thailand’s government has not yet set up the process for medical usage of either substance. However, some hospitals are already able to provide them for patient use.

A Changing Worldview

In the past, substances like marijuana and kratom were placed on the narcotics list for a variety of reasons. Still, the main reason was heavy opioid usage and the desire to cut down on any potential drug problems in the country.

These days, more research has been done about substances such as marijuana and kratom. The Thai government believes the research suggests beneficial effects. The government is seeing that changing the laws might be appropriate to reflect the science.

Another huge factor that is moving this idea along in Thailand is the idea that it could be great for the economy. Kratom production is severely regulated around the world, and the supply stream is dwindling. In Indonesia, for example, all kratom farms are being required to close in the next five years.

If Thailand were to start producing kratom and allow its sale internationally, it could secure a large boost for its economy. While nothing has yet been decided about whether or not kratom farming and processing will be permitted, it’s likely something that the government will consider.

Will This Affect Kratom In The US?

Most people that are using kratom and living in the US are going to be most curious about how these changes might affect them.

Ultimately, there are a few different ways that these changes could affect us here in the states. At this point, all of this is speculation, so keep that in mind. It will take a few months to know if any direct or waterfall effects occur here after these laws are made official.

First, it is possible that this change in Thailand’s laws will make it even more difficult for the FDA to push through an outright ban on kratom. Currently, the FDA often cites the fact that kratom is considered a narcotic in Thailand, where it grows wild. Once kratom is treated differently in Thailand, kratom might stand a better chance here, too.

Second, the change in laws about kratom in Thailand may make it easier for researchers to access and study kratom as it grows in the wild as well as in controlled settings.

Frequently, kratom is written off because people don’t believe that enough research about it has been done. While the research done about kratom is actually fairly extensive, more research is always beneficial when trying to prove the safety and usefulness of a botanical like kratom.

Kratom’s Evolving Legal Status

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Please note: The information provided in this post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; rather, all information and content referenced in this post are for general informational purposes only.  This post may not contain the most up-to-date legal or other information. We encourage you to do your own thorough research to verify information and to check your local laws and regulations if you have questions about kratom’s legality in your area.

Local, federal, and international laws pertaining to kratom are constantly evolving. Here in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put forth a great deal of misinformation in an effort to ban the plant, while organizations like the American Kratom Association (AKA), along with consumers, scientists, and other advocates work hard to ensure safe and legal access to this important botanical.

Laws change regularly, but we’ve gathered the most recent information about kratom’s legal status so you can educate yourself and advocate for kratom.

Kratom in the U.S.: Is It Legal in My State?

As of 2019, six states have banned kratom by listing it as a controlled substance. Kratom cannot be consumed, sold, or grown in these states. A few localities – cities and counties – have also made kratom illegal. Because new laws are enacted each year, it’s helpful to use the AKA’s resources to keep track of kratom’s legal status in your state.

States with Kratom Bans:

Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin

Localities with Kratom Bans:

Jerseyville, Illinois; San Diego, California; Sarasota County, Florida; Union County, Mississippi; Denver, Colorado (not illegal, but “not for human consumption”)

States with the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA):

Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Utah

States with Age Restrictions:

New Hampshire: 18 and older; Tennessee: 21 and older; all states with KCPA

The American Kratom Association is currently working in over a dozen states to further enact the KCPA. This legislation would ensure both consumer safety and the legality of the kratom industry in states where it passes. Phyto wholeheartedly supports these efforts and is proud to work with the AKA to keep kratom legal.

Kratom Around the World: Is It Legal in My Country?

It is sometimes difficult to figure out kratom’s legal status in other countries because laws change on a regular basis. We try to stay current on international law, but we do not ship kratom internationally because of uncertainty around its status in some areas.

It’s always a good idea to do your own research before traveling abroad; look into local laws where you’re going, or check Reddit for answers to your international kratom questions.

Africa:
It’s not easy to find information about kratom’s legal status in Africa. We have learned that it is legal in South Africa but not widely used or even known.

Americas:
Canada’s laws are similar to Denver’s (above), where kratom is “not for human consumption.” You may find kratom described as plant matter, incense, or other vague terms. Kratom is legal in North and Central Latin America, as well as in South America. It’s not illegal in these places, but it’s also not very popular or easy to find.

Asia:
Kratom is banned in Israel, Japan, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam. It is legal in Hong Kong, but information kratom in China is limited.

In Thailand, kratom had been illegal since 1943, but this has recently changed. This month, the Thai government removed both kratom and cannabis from the country’s list of controlled substances, stating that these botanicals did not meet the World Health Organization’s criteria for narcotics.

Indonesia, where much of the kratom in the west is grown, is currently considering a ban on kratom exports. The American Kratom Association is working to educate the Indonesian government in an effort to impact this potential ban.

Europe:
Kratom is illegal across the board in Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia and Sweden. Due to changing laws, you should check local legislation for information about Ireland, Italy, and United Kingdom.

Oceania: Australia & New Zealand
Kratom is completely banned in Australia. It is a Schedule 1 substance in New Zealand, so it’s basically illegal. In some localities it may be prescribed by a doctor.

How You Can Help

We’ve seen some exciting developments internationally, and we are eager to continue the kratom conversation on a world-wide scale. While there is some concern that Indonesia may implement a ban on kratom exports, there’s also great news in Thailand removing kratom from its list of banned substances.

Here in the US, we should always be ready to advocate for kratom, especially as legislative sessions get going in early 2020. AKA has a solid plan in place to keep kratom legal on both the state and federal levels, and we support their work as much as possible.

Visit the AKA’s website to learn more about how you can get involved with advocacy efforts for our favorite botanical!