Kratom is a plant from the coffee family endemic to tropical countries in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The plants of kratom are slender and thin-stemmed, while the leaves of the kratom plant are broad with a pointed tip. The maximum height of this plant upon reaching maturity is 25 centimeters.
This plant’s leaves, which are primarily white, red, and green, contribute to the unique identification of different kratom strains.
Common Names for Kratom
Kratom, aka Mitragyna speciosa, has many common names local to the regions it’s being cultivated in. Here are some of the common names for kratom around the world, including:
- Biak – Thailand
- Biak-Biak – Thailand
- Cratom – Indonesia
- Giam – Vietnam
- Gratom – Indonesia
- Kadamba – Indonesia
- Kakuam – Thailand
- Katawn – Indonesia
- Ketum – Malaysia
- Krathom – Thailand
- Kraton – Indonesia
- Kratum – Indonesia
- Madat – Indonesia
- Maeng Da Leaf – Indonesia
- Mambog – Philippines
- Nauclea – Africa
- Puri – Indonesia
- Thang – Indonesia
- Thom – Thailand
The Correlation Between Kratom Leaves and Products
Kratom trees are evergreen, which means that they can be harvested anytime during the year. But the leaves have a designated life cycle of their own.
The leaves tend to mature over time and then fall off the tree. This cyclic process happens at a certain point in time for every leaf. That is why a kratom tree can always exhibit leaves of varying maturity.
The farmers harvest these leaves based on their maturation state. Moreover, they also pay keen attention to soil conditions and atmospheric parameters to ensure the optimal conditions for the growth of the kratom plant.
These conditions play a vital role in the final alkaloid concentration of the processed kratom leaves. In case of any negligence, the resulting harvest can lack the desired outcomes.
Different Types of Kratom Strains
White Vein Kratom
This one comes from the leaves of young kratom trees. The white-veined strains have a subtle and fresh aroma. The strain is harvested from young leaves whose veins are still white or pale. After harvesting the leaves.
White Vein Kratom Strains
- White Maeng Da
- White Borneo
- White Thai
- White Indo
- White Horn
- White Bali
- White Elephant
- White Sumatra
- White Hulu
- White Vietnam
- White Malay
Red Vein Kratom
Red vein kratom is harvested from mature kratom leaves, known for its mature alkaloid profile. The red-veined leaves appear dark green in nature with prominent red venation. It can also be fermented to create bentuangie kratom, which is another variation of this kratom strain.
Red Vein Kratom Strains
- Red Maeng Da
- Red Bali
- Red Borneo
- Red Dragon
- Red Thai
- Red Sumatra
- Red Hulu
- Red Malay
- Red Horn
- Red Indo
Green Vein Kratom
Green vein kratom borrows its effects from both red-vein and white-vein kratom. The leaves are harvested at the middle stage of the kratom tree’s life cycle. Their alkaloid profile is also unique and lies between red and white-veined varieties. The green-veined varieties often have a herbal aroma with leafy notes.
Green Vein Kratom Strains
- Green Malay
- Green Maeng Da
- Green Borneo
- Green Vietnam
- Super Green
- Green Hulu
- Green Bali
- Green Indo
- Green Elephant
- Green Sumatra
- Green Horn
Yellow Vein Kratom
Yellow vein kratom, unlike the other strains of kratom, is not produced by the maturation of the leaves. This is a rare kratom strain that is produced by the fermentation of the kratom leaves in a rather new manner, which allows variation in the alkaloid concentration of the kratom.
Yellow Vein Kratom Strains
- Yellow Vietnam
- Yellow Borneo
- Yellow Thai
Common Kratom Products
Kratom products are available in various formats to match every customer’s needs. The commonly available product formats are:
- Kratom powder
- Kratom capsules
- Kratom extracts
Kratom Powder
Kratom powder is made by drying and then grinding the kratom leaves. The leaves are either dried indoors in the absence of sunlight or outdoors under the sunlight. After drying, the leaves are placed in airtight bags and sent to the factories for further processing.
Kratom Capsules
Another method of kratom consumption involves the use of kratom capsules. Kratom capsules are a novel and contemporary way to take kratom. These capsules contain fixed pre-measured quantities of kratom powder, offering a hassle-free experience.
Kratom Extracts
Another form of kratom is kratom extracts. These are mostly liquid kratom products and boost a rather concentrated alkaloid content. This is often the first choice of people who have built kratom tolerance.
How to Correctly Store Kratom?
Kratom products need to be stored properly. If they are not stored appropriately, the active ingredients can degrade. When stored in the right manner, the shelf life of kratom products can be extended for over a year.
Additionally, mold can grow on your kratom products when exposed to air. Here are some of the effective ways to keep your kratom products safe and secure:
- Make sure to store your kratom products in airtight containers
- Store your kratom products in the absence of UV light
- Keep your kratom products dry
- Avoid storing different kratom products in the same container
- Maintain cool temperatures in the storage place
What is the Legal Status of Kratom?
Kratom is legal in most parts of the world, such as the USA and the countries of its origin. Here are some US states where kratom is banned.
- Wisconsin
- Rhode Island
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Indiana
- Vermont
The remaining states consider that kratom is legal in those states. In other US states, kratom sale, purchase, and possession are restricted. These include:
- Arizona: KCPA passed
- California: Banned inside San Diego
- Colorado: Illegal for humans in Denver
- Florida: Banned in Sarasota County
- Georgia: KCPA passed
- Illinois: Illegal in the city of Jerseyville; allowed for 18+ in the rest of the state
- Mississippi: Illegal in Union County
- Nevada: KCPA passed
- New Hampshire: Legal for 18+
- Oregon: Legal for 21+
- Tennessee: Legal for 21+
- Utah: KCPA passed
FAQs
How Old do I have to be to Purchase Kratom?
The age limit for kratom sale and purchase varies according to the region you reside in. Some states have a minimum age requirement of 18 years, while in others, you have to be at least 21 years of age.
Is Kratom a Vegan Product?
Yes, kratom is a plant-based product obtained from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant that has been widely cultivated in Southeast Asia.
What are the Different Types of Kratom?
Kratom classification is based on its vein color (which indicates leaf age), region of its cultivation, and how it is processed. Based on this, a huge variety of kratom strains and blends is available in the market.
