Resources

What is Kratom Resin & How Is It Made?

May 4, 2021 by Jacob

If you thought Kratom was good, wait till you try Kratom resin.

This special resin product is quickly growing in popularity. If you’re been wondering about:

How to make it
How to take it

…then this is probably the article for you.

Keep reading to learn more about what Kratom resin is, what it does, and how you can make it yourself!

Kratom 101

Kratom is a specific species of tropical evergreen tree (Mitragyna speciosa) that grows in Southeast Asia.

While all Kratom products are produced from this single species, the range of earthy colors available for sale has everything to do with how the leaves are harvested and dried. Kratom is traditionally categorized based on the color of its leaves.

Kratom resin is a more concentrated form of Kratom that isn’t for everybody. It requires both knowledge and effort to produce, and it’s far harder to find the right serving size than conventional Kratom products. For these reasons we recommend that new consumers stick with traditional Kratom powder.

That disclaimer aside…let’s take a close look at the perfect product for Kratom connoisseurs: Kratom resin.

What is Kratom Resin?

Kratom resin is a type of Kratom extract. While there are several types of extracts, Kratom resin stands out. It’s thick, sticky, and dense.

What is Kratom resin made of? It’s basically a processed, concentrated form of Kratom’s best alkaloids and other bioactive compounds. Since these compounds are what give Kratom its characteristic effects, Kratom resin is powerful.

How to tell how concentrated your Kratom Resin is

The strength of Kratom resin is generally pretty difficult to quantify. Why? Because Kratom resin is usually made at home — and not many people have an analytical lab laying around nearby!

Instead of being measured in absolute amounts, Kratom resin is usually measured in multiples compared to its original form. You might see labels that say things like ‘8 x Kratom Resin’ (8 times more concentrated than the original) or ‘20 x Resin’ (20 times more concentrated than the original). And by “more concentrated” we mean more alkaloids.

Here’s a real-life example. If a pound of Kratom powder goes into the making of 2 ounces of concentrated Kratom resin, the final product would be an ‘8 x Kratom Resin.’

How to use Kratom Resin

One of Kratom resin’s strongest points is its versatility. It can be taken in a variety of ways: orally, in juice, in capsules, or mixed with a favorite hot beverage.

The heat of beverages like coffee or tea allows the Kratom resin to melt and fully dissolve. And because resin’s alkaloids have already been ‘activated’ by heat, you don’t need to take any time to heat or prepare resin-infused beverages! That’s another benefit of resin — it makes preparing Kratom simple and easy.

How to make Kratom Resin (at home!)

Making Kratom resin at home might sound like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite easy.

Once you’ve gone through the production process once or twice you’ll probably feel comfortable enough to set things on autopilot.

Kratom resin ingredients list:

➡ Premium Kratom Powder
➡ Accurate kitchen scale
➡ Lemon juice or lime juice
➡ Water
➡ Mixing bowl
➡ Coffee filters/cheesecloth
➡ Freezer, stove-top, and oven
➡ Access to freezer, stovetop, and oven
➡ Extra container (for the finished product)

How to make Kratom Resin (step-by-step)

Part I: Steep and Freeze

1.) Measure out a large quantity of Kratom powder on your kitchen scale.
2.) Note its weight — you’ll need this figure later.
3.) Add the powder to your mixing bowl.
4.) Add water until the Kratom powder is completely covered.
5.) Mix the Kratom powder and water.
6.) Add your lemon/lime juice.
7.) Cover the mixture and let it steep.
8.) Leave the mixing bowl in the freezer overnight, allowing it to freeze.

Part 2: Boil and Simmer

1.) Bring water to a boil, then dump the frozen mixture into the boiling water.
2.) Add additional lemon or lime juice to the water.
3.) Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer.
4.) Once about 1/4 of the liquid has evaporated, remove the mixture from heat.
5.) Once cool, strain the mixture and place it back in your mixing bowl. At this point, you should have a wettish powder suspended in some liquid.

Part 3: Bake at Low Temp

1.) Set your oven at 175 degrees Fahrenheit and wait until it’s preheated.
2.) Place the saucepan mixture into a small oven-friendly dish and put in the oven.
3.) After about 30 minutes, you should be left with a concentrated Kratom resin. Remove from the oven and let cool.
4.) Transfer your Kratom resin into a new container and measure its weight.
5.) Compare the weight of your original Kratom powder with the weight of your final product to get an idea of the concentration.
6.) Enjoy your premium quality, homemade Kratom resin!

If making your own Kratom resin sounds like too much work, check out our Kratom extract products. We have a variety of different extracts to choose from, all with their own unique composition and alkaloid profile.

Click here to shop Kratom extract products today!

What’s The Difference Between Kratom Powder & Kratom Extract?

April 14, 2021 by Jacob

Once Kratom is grown and harvested, the leaves go through a cycle to become the powder that most enthusiasts are familiar with. Kratom vendors process their products in multiple ways to create the unique and varied lineup available for sale today.

For example, it can be hard to see how Kratom powder and extract are not the same product types because they can both be powdered substances.

Here at Left Coast Kratom, we sell both Kratom powder and Kratom extract. Each of these products offers a unique experience to consumers, but not all customers are familiar with what the differences are.

Find out how both of these substances come to be and when you might prefer to try one over the other in today’s article.

Kratom: The Common Denominator

Kratom powder and Kratom extract share a common denominator: the Kratom plant itself!

Common kratom products all originate from the same type of tree. This evergreen tree, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, grows in tropical regions of southeast Asia. People in Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, and other places in the area have used Kratom for hundreds of years. These traditional practices have revived today, and Kratom has become a natural choice for many enthusiasts worldwide.

Powder vs. Extract: Where Things Diverge

Though Kratom powder and Kratom extract share the same roots, the two products have important differences and are taken in different situations. Where exactly do things diverge, and what makes this divergence so interesting?

Let’s learn more about each of these substances!

Kratom Powders

While Kratom powder is not the most basic form of the plant, it is very close. The most basic form belongs to Kratom leaves which are often used to brew tea. But, we’ll leave that for another blog post!

When Kratom is processed, the leaves are harvested and then dried. People then brew the leaves into a tea or grind them into a powder that can be mixed into drinks, taken in capsules, or brewed. This is the substance we know as Kratom powder.

Large kratom leaves easily grind down into a fine powder once thoroughly dried. When the plant is processed into Kratom powder, it contains a similar level of alkaloids to the plant itself.

Kratom Extracts

In a way, Kratom extract is a further extension of Kratom powder. Without whole leaves or powder, Kratom extracts would not exist.

Kratom extract is a higher-concentrate version of Kratom made through an extraction process. Compared to other Kratom products, extracts have the highest alkaloid concentration levels. As alkaloids are largely responsible for Kratom’s effects, extracts often have the most potent effects.

To create this high concentration product, plant matter is reduced so that the alkaloids in the extraction are in a higher concentration than the Kratom leaf had in its original form.

There are different extraction methods with varying cost associations and degrees of success. The most common extraction methods rely on water, solvents, and evaporation, as this method is time- and cost-effective.

Why People Choose One Or The Other

Concentration

The most significant difference between Kratom powder and extract is that extracts are more concentrated. This means there is a greater percentage of alkaloids in the same amount of powder. Alkaloids are the component most responsible for Kratom’s effects.

Kratom extracts are sometimes advertised with a ratio number, such as 2x, to show the level of concentration. You might also see extracts labeled with a percentage, such as 10% Mitragynine. Trying out different ratios or percentages until you find one that generates the desired effects is one way that enthusiasts explore what Kratom offers.

Side Effects

Some Kratom users face frustrating side effects, such as nausea, when using standard powders alone. For these individuals, an extract might be the better choice. Ingesting less plant matter when taking Kratom extract can reduce side effects and improve efficiency for some people.

Change It Up

Trying extracts doesn’t always have to be about revolutionizing the way that you experience Kratom. Instead, it can simply be about changing up your routine! Extracts offer new blends and experiences that you haven’t had before. Check out different options to see what might work well with your body’s routine.

Remember Reliability

Whether you’re new to Kratom or experienced in this world, make sure that you continue to check that you are shopping from reliable brands!

It can be hard to tell the difference between Kratom powder and Kratom extract just by comparing the two. Buying from honest vendors that clearly label their products will make it easier (and safer!) to enjoy Kratom on your own terms.

The best way to be sure that you are doing this is to buy Kratom from vendors that are part of the American Kratom Associations GMP program. This program ensures that vendors properly test and label their products to prevent customer confusion.

Experience More With Our Top Sellers

Are you interested in finding the best Kratom powders or extracts?

Our catalog includes a variety of high-quality options. Whether you are looking for Kratom powders as a beginner’s start or Kratom extracts to change up how you experience Kratom, we have various great offerings.
Hopefully, you’ve learned something new about the world of Kratom today. Our goals include providing valuable and exciting information to our customers so that you can make more informed selections. Check out the rest of our resources to learn more!

How To Travel Smart With Kratom: A Simple Guide

February 23, 2021 by LCK

In the past, those who advocated for the safe use of Kratom would also find themselves needing to share their experiences on how to travel with it. Due to how little the general public knows about Kratom, many people were stopped while traveling to answer questions about the botanical substance in their bags.

Is this still a problem today, and can you travel safely with Kratom?

It is possible to travel with Kratom, but you will still want to take steps to make sure that you are being smart about how you travel. There’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, and it is important that you remember that as you prepare for your trip.

How To Travel Safely With Kratom

Do Your Research

The first thing that you need to do to ensure that you don’t encounter any problems before you travel is to do your research. There are some important things that you need to be sure of before you go:

• Does your destination have any laws about using or carrying Kratom?

• Does your destination or current location have any laws about transporting Kratom or other natural substances?

• Does the airline that you are traveling on have any regulations about where or how to transport natural substances like Kratom?

• Is there a limit on how much you are allowed to carry with you?

By searching your destination name and Kratom laws, you can easily find the information that you need about these rules. Many places do not have specific Kratom laws or regulations, so you will instead need to look at the rules for supplements in those areas.

Regardless, you simply need to be educated about what is and what is not allowed. Then, make sure that you follow those guidelines closely.

Only Bring What Is Needed

While it might be tempting to bring a huge selection of Kratom with you, that’s unlikely to be necessary. Only pack what you typically use in the time period that you will be traveling, and don’t be tempted to bring more than you need.

Not only will bringing more than you need to weigh you down unnecessarily, but it will also make it seem like you have a lot of Kratom on you. Even if there aren’t any specific limitations in place, having a large amount of an unknown substance in your bag could lead to extra questioning.

For that reason, it’s best to bring only what you need when traveling.

Arrive Early

Give yourself extra time at the airport when you are traveling with Kratom. While you might not be questioned at all, there is a chance that the security agents will want to do a closer inspection of your bag if they aren’t sure what Kratom is.

This could lead to a bag inspection, questioning, and even a swab test of the substance to ensure that you aren’t trying to transport anything illegal. This might sound scary, but it is simply part of the process.

Remember that Kratom remains relatively unknown to the population at large. This means that many people will not recognize the word, let alone the actual plant material. Just in case the agents want to do a closer inspection, give yourself extra time at the airport.

Don’t Try To Hide Things

You’ve done your research; you know that you are legally permitted to bring Kratom with you on your trip. Do not try to hide the Kratom. Pack it wherever is most convenient to pack; there’s no need to try to disguise what it is.

Trying to hide something is going to make it seem suspicious even when it is not suspicious. It is best to be very straightforward about what you are carrying with you.

In fact, it is probably best to pack your Kratom with the original labels in place if possible. Packing your Kratom in its original packaging will be very clear what the substance is if there are any questions. Plus, it will be clear that you are not trying to hide what it is.

Be Prepared For Questions

As mentioned, airport security may have some questions about what it is you are carrying if they are not familiar with Kratom. Don’t worry; this is standard protocol. These agents are trained to deal with many things, but that doesn’t mean that they know every medication or supplement on the market.

By being ready to answer a few questions about Kratom, you can effectively explain what it is and quell any worries that they may have about the substance. Don’t be nervous, and simply answer the questions as accurately as you can.

Abide By The Agent’s Decisions

While unlikely, it is possible that one of the security agents might decide that they cannot allow you to go through security with your Kratom supply. This could be because they cannot identify with it is, and they want to do further testing but do not have the time or means to do so.

This would be incredibly frustrating, but you don’t have much of a choice besides allowing them to do what they want. They are in charge of this situation. It might be OK to ask to talk to a supervisor to be able to clear up any future problems regarding Kratom. Still, it’s probably best to just take the loss and move on.

Travel Safely With Kratom

There aren’t any aviation rules that prevent you from traveling with Kratom or with supplements that you might want to have on hand when you’re out of town. Still, it’s always possible to meet with some confusion or resistance when traveling, so it’s best to be prepared.

Pack smart. Educate yourself about Kratom. Be prepared for whatever you might meet. By knowing what you might encounter before you head to the airport with Kratom in your bag, you’ll be more prepared than you need to be. Get ready for a comfortable flight!

Click here to shop our selection of Kratom products now!

Fair Trade Practices In The Kratom Industry

January 13, 2021 by Jacob

Fair trade practices are standard in many worldwide industries. Coffee and chocolate manufacturers, for example, may find that acting in accordance with fair trade groups is in the best interests of their business and the industry at large.

Do organizations seeking fair trade practices in the Kratom industry exist, and if so, does Left Coast Kratom follow their directives?

The idea of fair trade in the Kratom industry is not one that is commonly discussed, but it is one that we’d like to talk about today. Fair trade is an exciting concept that can be applied in many ways, and we’d like to talk about how we consider it important.

What Is Fair Trade?

The first thing to understand is exactly what fair trade is.

Fair trade standards are, in practice, business principles. When using these standards, you are doing your best to guarantee that the health, human rights, economic stability, and independence of producers worldwide are prioritized. Avoiding things like forced labor or paying below wage standards must be avoided, and some practices need to prioritize environmental sustainability as well.

Fair economic practices are often focused on what benefits are given to small producers to enable them to develop, have economic stability, and continue doing the work they are doing.

What About Fair Trade Labels?

Fair trade labels are given out by organizations that have been developed to certify businesses as fair trade in a particular sector. For instance, there are fair trade programs that work specifically with coffee vendors or those who work on traditional South American apparel.

Each of these organizations and specific labels may have some variety of principles depending on where they work, but there are always some commonalities as well:

Safe working conditions
Fair payment
Accountability
No discrimination
Sustainability
Economic stability

No matter what industry is being explored for fair trade possibilities, all six of these things will still need to be present to create the best working supply chain possible.

Why Does Fair Trade Matter?

Fair trade is important for improving conditions for those working in poverty for others’ profit worldwide. Marginalized individuals in many countries are exploited for their labor, goods, or resources, and they are often unable to get out of this cycle without outside support.

Fair trade principles prioritize enabling these individuals to be able to set up a better economic situation for themselves while also ensuring their health and safety. Small businesses and those working at companies will find themselves more safe and able to have a future to look forward to.

Additionally, fair trade helps to improve the economic and living standards around the world. People from larger nations with higher capital can use their money to support those around the world simply by buying fair trade, making a big difference in the worldwide economy.

Are There Fair Trade Labels For Kratom?

While several non-profit organizations offer fair trade labels, there are not any specific labels in action in the Kratom industry. We have high hopes that this will soon be changing though!

The Confusion Of Fair Trade Labels

Fair trade labels can be a bit confusing because individual memberships and organizations give them out, so the vetting process for each group can be different. A fair trade label on one product is not always equitable to a label on another product.

To really understand what a label is saying about any given product, you must understand how the label is given and what guarantees it offers.

The Problem Of Bulk Products

Bulk products like Kratom and tea are often collected from a huge number of growers and harvesters. Suppliers in the Kratom industry have said that more than one thousand harvesters can collect a single order of Kratom leaves. This makes it hard to verify with fair trade organizations even when you want to do so.

As such, certifying bulk products as fair trade is difficult. While many Kratom companies have a high level of commitment to asking their supplier to adhere to fair trade practices, it is not always possible to certify that this is happening.

Future Kratom Fair Trade Labels

It is possible that some organizations will work together to create fair trade guidelines for the Kratom industry as it continues to grow. It is also possible that existing organizations will find ways to check Kratom businesses for fair trade practices.

Ultimately, both of these things will take time!

Verifying each step of a supply chain this deep is time-consuming, so figuring out how to implement a labeling program efficiently will not be a speedy process.

Does The GMP Program Incorporate Fair Trade?

The GMP program, a good manufacturing program run by the American Kratom Association, does not specifically mention any fair trade practices at this time.

That being said, the guidelines in the AKA’s GMP program does require Kratom companies to establish processes with their suppliers and ensure that their suppliers follow these processes.

While the processes talked about in the GMP are more focused on the safety of the Kratom itself, a Kratom company could include fair trade practices in their own arrangements with their suppliers.

Does LCK Care About Fair Trade Practices?

Companies like ours take time to ask our suppliers about the Kratom, who harvests it, and what is being done to ensure their industry’s long-term health. We want Kratom harvesters to be able to make a successful living at this job while continuing to supply us with Kratom for a long time, and we know that fair trade practices can help with that.

If you as a customer have a deep commitment to fair trade practices, you can always ask the Kratom companies that you patronize for more information about their stand about Kratom fair trade practices!

Remember, all companies that prioritize the health and safety of their customers and their suppliers will be willing to show how they are doing that. Here at Left Coast Kratom, we like to be as open with our customers as we can be. That is why we create educational articles like this one!

Browse Our Selection Of Fair Trade Kratom Products Now!

How Does Kratom Benefit Local Economies Around The World?

September 29, 2020 by LCK

Every single customer that buys a kratom product is not only supporting the business that they are buying from, but they are also supporting a variety of other businesses as well.

When you buy from a local shop, that shop has sourced the kratom from a larger manufacturer. The manufacturer has sourced the kratom from overseas suppliers and possibly even from farmers directly. The supply chain goes much farther than many people realize!

Kratom as an industry supports small businesses on many levels. From local to national to international, let’s take a look at how the industry supports these businesses.

Kratom: From Sourcing To Customers

What does the kratom supply chain look like?

The chain will vary for different companies and policies, but the general outline usually goes likes this:

Local Farmers
Local farmers grow or harvest kratom. Some may do this on their own properties; others will work at larger farms where kratom is being grown.
Distributors
Local or international distributors will broker deals with these farmers to send their unprocessed kratom exports to kratom vendors or manufacturers.
Kratom Vendors
Once they have the kratom, vendors will process, test, and blend their kratom products.
Local Shops
While most vendors sell directly to customers, they also sell directly to smaller smoke shops that carry kratom. These shops then sell directly to customers as well.

Most kratom vendors have specific arrangements with farmers and distributors so that they have a secure, steady supply of reliable imports. Once they receive the product, however, they must still test it to ensure the quality.

Supporting Local Businesses With Kratom

The local economy has benefited from the expansion of the kratom industry in the US. We can expect those benefits to continue as kratom becomes even more commonplace. How is kratom having an effect on businesses and economies in America?

National Companies

Many kratom vendors operate primarily online, but that does not mean that they do not employ people and positively affect the economy.

Vendors that important unprocessed kratom must set up:

Facility for kratom processing, packaging, and shipping
Sales team
Marketing team
Supply chain management team

Each of these sectors requires that the company hire people. Most kratom vendors ship to all states where kratom is legal in the US, so they are also helping to continue the movement of money between small businesses in America.

Local Stores

Local smoke shops and other companies that carry herbal products may decide to stock kratom on their shelves. Typically, they’ll stock those products directly from national kratom vendors. Purchased in bulk at a discount, these local vendors then sell at MSRP for a profit. In this way, you can also support local business by buying from your local shop.

Supporting The Right Laws

Even if you don’t purchase kratom or you only want to buy from one shop that you rely on, it is possible to support the business that works at all parts of the supply chain in one go.

How do you do this?

Kratom’s legal status has been constantly evolving over the last few years, and the lack of regulation in the industry is causing unreliable vendors to create more problems. By supporting kratom consumer protection laws in your area, you can help to ensure that businesses who profit from kratom will continue to see those benefits.

Choose The Right Vendors

Some vendors are more interested in the overall well-being of the kratom industry than others. When a vendor chooses to put profits before safety, they are jeopardizing the entire industry. Kratom advocates are still fighting for legal protections in the US, and low-quality kratom sales put that legal status at risk.

Do your research before you purchase kratom. Look for vendors that have not only a positive effect on the economy, but also vendors that adhere to good manufacturing practices. The American Kratom Association has a program that vendors can join for this type of guidance known as the GMP Compliance Program, and we are happy to be members.

Supporting Kratom Production Abroad

As mentioned in the supply chain above, kratom production is not just limited to America. Kratom is a tropical tree native to certain parts of the world, so the actual kratom will always need to be imported from Southeast Asian farms.

When purchasing kratom, you support the farmers that grew and harvested the kratom and the international distributors that connected those farmers to vendors in the US.

Choosing High-quality Production Companies

Choosing kratom vendors in the US that care about the kratom farmers that they buy from is essential. There are no official fair trade practices in the kratom industry yet, but the idea should still prevail. Fair trade prevents farmers from being undervalued or ripped off for an exported product.

Helps Local Workers

Many Kratom farmers joined the industry as other industries were dying out there. Farmers were unsure what to turn to as some industries were no longer viable. In the kratom industry, they found a great, new living. As a profitable export industry, their farms and lifestyles are revolutionized.

Environmental Effects

Kratom farming is also less dangerous for the environment than palm oil, a common type of plantation seen in Indonesia. By farming kratom instead of palm oil, the farmers are making good money and also keeping their land healthier.

Left Coast Kratom: People First

From our customers to the farmers that we buy kratom from, Left Coast Kratom is devoted to acknowledging the work that creates high-quality kratom. Through your support, we can compensate everyone that works on our products fairly.

Additionally, the local shops that stock our products are able to continue the supply chain into the local business arena, and we know that this can have a positive effect in many communities. From start to finish, the kratom industry provides opportunities and support to people that might otherwise be left behind, and we are proud to be a part of that.

Click Here To Browse Our Catalog Of Superior Quality, Ethically Sourced Kratom!

What We Say: How and Why Kratom Advertising Is Restricted

September 15, 2020 by LCK

Kratom is classified as a food and/or a dietary ingredient in many parts of the United States. This classification puts limitations on what we as kratom vendors can and cannot say about our products. The FDA limits what is permitted, and we must follow those guidelines if we want to be able to continue to market and sell our products legally.

How exactly do these restrictions come into play, and why aren’t we fighting against them?

Let’s talk about kratom, kratom labeling, and how advocacy organizations are working to improve the misinformation surrounding kratom.

What Can And Cannot Be Said

Ultimately, the FDA has made it clear that they are willing and able to send cease-and-desist letters to any kratom vendor that is publishing what they deem to be unsubstantiated claims. As kratom is a supplement, we cannot make any specific claims about what it can or cannot be used for.

Even in the articles that we publish, we have to be careful about our language and how we talk about kratom.

In the past, companies selling kratom have made huge claims about what kratom can do, and the FDA pushed back against these. But it wasn’t only bold claims that the FDA warned about; simple, seemingly common knowledge statements have also attracted their attention.

Risky Statements

What type of statements do we have to be careful about when using on our site? There are many, and it is also difficult for us to follow these limitations. We want to be as open, clear, and helpful as possible for our customers, but FDA rules make this difficult at times.

These are just a few examples of statements that have got kratom vendors into trouble with the FDA in the past:

Claiming that people use kratom as an alternative to some medications.
Claiming that people prefer kratom over their other medication options.
Claiming that people use kratom to help them stop using other things.
Claiming that kratom has specific benefits.

We know that these examples are vague, and that is intentional as not to catch ourselves in this trap. As you can see from the breadth of those examples, however, it becomes difficult for honest vendors like ourselves to share any information or evidence with our customers without risking trouble.

What Are Unsubstantiated Claims?

Let’s talk a little more specifically about what the FDA considers “unsubstantiated claims,” which is the most common reason they send out warning letters. We’ve given a few vague examples above, but let’s look at direct news from the FDA to see how they frame their approach.

Specifically, a press report from the FDA states the following:

Vendors are selling kratom “with deceptive medical claims for which there’s no reliable scientific proof to support their use.”
Vendors “ take advantage of consumers by selling products with unsubstantiated claims that they can treat opioid addiction.”

If the FDA is truly against products that are not backed by science and willing to support kratom research, that would be an understandable position. However, the statement goes on to say that Kratom is an “opioid analog that may actually contribute to the opioid epidemic,” which may be an unsubstantiated claim by the FDA’s own rules.

Additionally, the FDA report states that the FDA is willing to look into how kratom may or may not relieve pain or opioid addiction symptoms if people believe that kratom’s active ingredients show that potential. However, the AKA states that FDA has refused to support that type of research for years.

Simultaneously, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has refused to support scheduling kratom as a drug because NIDA’s own research has not borne out that claim according to NIDA’s standards.

As you can see, it is a very confusing field for kratom vendors like ourselves to navigate. Our goal is always to provide safe, high-quality products to our customers. We want to support those products with information, but it isn’t always an easy thing to do.

The Standards We Follow

How do we handle the labeling and advertising of our products when faced with limitations and concerns about what we can and cannot say?

As members of the American Kratom Association’s GMP Compliance Program, we ensure that our labeling fits these things’ standards. AKA is up-to-date with the FDA’s latest requirements, and they are also at the forefront of helping to implement Kratom Consumer Protection Acts in states across the country.

In short, they know what they’re talking about when it comes to labeling, advertising, and more.

As of June 2020, the compliance program has laid out the following guidelines for vendors and marketing:

Labels may not include:
- Any disease-related or unauthorized health claims
- Any reference to a “high”
- Any reference to clinical or research data
Labels must:
- Be fully compliant with FDA claim rules
- Include a batch or lot number
- Affirm that mitragynine and 7-OH alkaloids haven’t been altered from their original allocation
- Advise consumers to talk to a physician about dosing
- Include a statement that pregnant women should not use kratom
- Include this exact statement: “This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.”

These same rules apply to the descriptions, websites, and advertisements used when marketing kratom products.

New: The Truth in Labeling Program

Recently, the American Kratom Association has started a reporting program known as the Truth in Labeling Program.

Due to the rise in vendors directly going against the guidelines expected by the FDA, the American Kratom Association and other advocates have seen a need for a program to keep track of and improve improper labeling practices.

Through this program, the AKA hopes to educate vendors that are putting the industry at risk through dishonest practices. If the vendors refuse to change their ways, the industry will start to self-regulate by reporting offenders to the FDA. To read more about how or why the Truth in Labeling Program is meant to work, you can check out AKA’s statement.