kratom

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.

Liquid Kratom Shots: Are They Worth The Hype?

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Liquid kratom shots are not a new phenomenon. You’ve probably come across these tiny shots of liquid at gas stations or local smoke shops. The packaging often resembles energy drink shots, and there are many similarities in their ingredients list.

As kratom is rising in popularity, these types of liquid kratom shots are increasing in popularity as well. More brands are producing them, so you have many options when you come across them at your local retailer or while shopping online.

Despite how many of these liquid shots exist, does that mean they are a good choice for you? Not necessarily. Today, learn more about liquid kratom shots, what exactly they are, and who might want to give them a try.

What are Liquid Kratom Shots?

Kratom shots look a lot like other “shot” sized drinks, such as energy drinks. You’ll find them at smoke shops and sometimes at gas stations or convenience stores. What are these small liquid shots?

Liquid kratom shots are typically a combination of an energy drink and kratom extract. Unlike standard energy shots, liquid kratom shots claim to boost their energy-enhancing effects naturally with kratom. 

The exact makeup of these liquid kratom shots can vary widely depending on the manufacturer, the flavor, and the quality of kratom extract used to make the drink. Sometimes, multiple types of kratom’s key chemical components are used to make the shots. Some vendors even include synthetic enhancements.

The critical point to remember is that there is no set makeup of liquid kratom shot, and you should review the label carefully to determine what is in the drink before using it. Additionally, it can be helpful to think of these kratom shots as a subcategory of kratom extracts. Let’s learn more about this category and other liquid extracts.

Understanding Liquid Extracts

Kratom powder is the substance made when kratom leaves are ground into a fine, powdery state. This powder or kratom leaves themselves can be turned into a more concentrated version by steeping in certain liquids and then reducing the liquid until the alkaloid content is very concentrated.

That’s how we get kratom extracts. The extracts can be wholly dehydrated into a powder form, or they can be kept in liquid form. There are different types of liquid forms depending on the method of extraction and what is left in the substance after filtration.

Liquid kratom is often made from multiple types of kratom or other additives to affect the final product and potency. For example, we stock different liquid extracts. Some are full-spectrum options, while others are made from isolated kratom alkaloids.

Liquid kratom shots can be considered a type of liquid extract. Liquid extracts come in many different forms; some contain additives just as liquid kratom shots do. However, most kratom users would not consider kratom shots a straight kratom extract due to the vast differences in composition.

What’s The Difference Between Extracts and Shots

#1: Added Ingredients

Liquid kratom extracts may include a full range of kratom alkaloids extracted from the plant or specific alkaloids (usually mitragynine) in isolation. Some extracts contain ethanol as a solvent, and some use water or glycerin as a suspension liquid. However, there aren’t usually any other ingredients added. Liquid kratom extracts are a more pure delivery method than liquid kratom shots.

On the other hand, liquid kratom shots often contain additional ingredients to change the overall purpose of kratom in the shot. Energy drink additives are used in these shots, and they often include the following:

  • • Caffeine
  • • L-Theanine
  • • Passionflower extract
  • • Artificial stabilizers
  • • Other herbal extracts

How all of these ingredients work together has not been studied to any extent, and it’s currently impossible to say if there are benefits or risks when combining them. Kratom on its own is still being studied, and these combinations are largely guesswork.

#2: Different Alkaloids

The effects of kratom on the human body are thought to be caused by various alkaloids found in kratom leaves. Specific alkaloids are found in kratom strains in varying amounts. While mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the two alkaloids studied and mentioned most, many other alkaloids are present in kratom plants in small quantities as well.

Kratom extract often contains highly concentrated amounts of mitragynine and smaller amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine. Many kratom extracts are also full-spectrum products that have some other alkaloids as well.

Liquid kratom shots, however, may contain unknown concentrations and combinations of alkaloids. Some liquid kratom shots contain higher percentages of 7-hydroxymitragynine than are typically found in the natural plant.

#3: Strain Consistency

When buying a high-quality liquid extract from a reliable vendor, you should know which strain is being used to make that product. Most vendors include the name of the primary strain product in the name, and you can expect consistency from batch to batch.

Liquid kratom shots are made from different strains each time. Vendors may use whichever they have on hand, which can alter the drink’s effect. Reliable vendors will have a more consistent process, and this will be reflected in their labels and ingredients.

Safety at Phytoextractum

As with all kratom products, liquid kratom shots and similar extracts are not regulated by the FDA. Most kratom suppliers and manufacturers have their standards, but most states do not require them to meet compliance regulations. While the movement to introduce consumer protections and Good Manufacturing Practices across the country is underway, it will take time for these protections to be in place nationwide.

Until then, we know how important it is for us to take safety into our own hands as one of your favorite kratom providers. We take safety seriously and follow the latest guidelines when producing our kratom extracts.

Through the AKA’s compliance program, we can ensure that our products are being tested, packaged, and sold in the safest way possible. We will continue to hold ourselves to this standard for as long as we provide kratom to our consumers.

No matter where you do your kratom shopping, please take time to vet your vendors thoroughly. Verify that they follow the latest industry safety procedures and provide testing information on their website. If this information is lacking, you may want to choose another supplier for your kratom needs.

What Is Maeng Da Kratom? Get To Know This Strain In Detail

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If you’ve ever heard Kratom fanatics talking about their favorite strains before, there’s a good chance that at least one person shared how much they love Maeng Da Kratom varieties. What is Maeng Da Kratom, and why do so many people love it?

Learning about specific strains can help you become more aware of what you like and don’t like. This will allow you to create a better blend schedule so that you are always happy with your strains. Start learning more about common varieties today, beginning with one of the world’s most popular categories: Maeng Da Kratom strains.

What Is Maeng Da Kratom?

Maeng Da Kratom is a title commonly given to Kratom, but what is it that this title signifies?

At the most basic level, calling a strain of Kratom Maeng Da means that it is of the highest quality. Roughly translated in Thai, Maeng Da means that the Kratom is “pimp’s quality.” In more common words, it’s the best of the best option.

Maeng Da Kratom is any premium strain of Thai Kratom. There are many different kinds of Maeng Da Kratom options because different vendors, growers, and processors will make their own choices. Maeng Da Kratom trees are grown in highly fertilized regions that are rich in necessary nutrients.

Harvested with great care, this type of Kratom is treated the best of all Kratom grown, dried, and sold. Through this careful practice, Maeng Da Kratom is the best quality strains that come out of some areas of the world.

Is Maeng Da Kratom The Strongest Kratom Strain?

Some people believe that because Maeng Da Kratom strains are considered premium strains of Kratom, they must also be the most potent strains. However, that is not necessarily true.

As mentioned above, the title Maeng Da is given based on where it was grown, the quality, and what the alkaloid content is like. The name is usually only given to strains grown in Thailand, but they are sometimes given to other high-quality regional strains as well.

Quality is not always determined only based on alkaloid concentration. Extracts, for example, are always going to be more concentrated (contain more alkaloids) than regular Kratom powders, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the best choice.

Instead of considering whether or not a specific strain of Maeng Da Kratom is the strongest, think about if it is the highest quality. From experiencing the proper drying process to retain potency to getting the best balance of alkaloids, there are other aspects to consider when looking at different strains of Kratom.

If anything, it would be appropriate to call some Maeng Da Kratom strains the most complex strains on the market. The way that the leaves are cared for ensures a complex, unique blend of alkaloids, and that is what helps Maeng Da varieties stand out.

How Is Maeng Da Kratom Harvested?

Growers and processors take great care to ensure that their premium Kratom can be turned into Maeng Da Kratom. During the harvesting and drying process, this involves putting a lot of extra time into developing the alkaloids in the leaves.

As mentioned, Maeng Da is known for having a complex blend of Kratom alkaloids. This is due to the way that some trees are grafted as well as the drying process.

First, some Kratom growers have grafted together different varieties of their best trees. This enables them to harvest leaves with more varied and complex amounts of alkaloids, and these leaves often become Maeng Da strains.

Second, Kratom processors allow the leaves intended for Maeng Da strains to dry for much longer than other strains. While this costs them more money to monitor and maintain, it will enable the alkaloids in the leaves to develop more than other strains. 

By making these types of simple changes to the production process, growers can ensure that they make the most premium version of Kratom that they can, and these are the strains that become Maeng Da varieties.

Buy Kratom online at Phytoextractum

Choosing Maeng Da Kratom Products At Phytoextractum

Our catalog here at Phytoextractum includes a variety of different Maeng Da Thai Kratom options. We offer reds, whites, and extracts, among other items. Take a look at what we have for you right now.

Superior Extracts

Some of the most exciting offerings that we have right now are various Maeng Da Thai Kratom extracts. Extracts are highly concentrated versions of Kratom powder, and this means that they deliver more alkaloids per gram than regular varieties. When made from a high-quality Kratom strain like Maeng Da Thai Kratom, these extracts really pack a punch.

Various Color Options

Beyond our extracts, we also have a number of color strains of Maeng Da Thai Kratom. No matter which color strains you prefer, you can find one with our line of Kratom options. Many types that we have on offer are available in a variety of delivery methods to simplify your life as well.

Reds

Whites

Yellows

Keep Shopping For Quality Kratom

With all of this information about high-quality Maeng Da Kratom strains, it will be easier to understand what types of strains you’re choosing from on the market. Keep an eye out for unique blends of Maeng Da Kratom that you haven’t tried before, but remember to only shop from reliable vendors.

The best vendors will give you clear information about each strain that they offer, and they will also show you information about their testing and safety procedures. Vendors that prioritize your safety are your best option when shopping for any type of Kratom.

At Phytoextractum, we’ve been sourcing high quality Maeng Da Kratom for over 15 years. We know Kratom better than most and this is reflected in the quality of our product.

Order Maeng Da Thai Kratom Today & See The Phyto Difference For Yourself!

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.

Buy Kratom online at Phytoextractum

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.

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!