Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?

Long ago, Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) originated in Southeast Asia, where it was revered for its psychoactive properties. It has been used by many communities almost ritualistically. With time, people discovered that it has the potential for wellness, and its usage increased.

Not long ago, kratom started gaining popularity in the United States as a natural remedy for mental and physical discomfort. With the increasing attention it began to get, concerns popped up, and one of them was: “Will kratom show up on a drug test?”

It is important to understand how kratom interacts in drug tests. Those who work in medical or legal fields or are preparing for employment will find this information crucial.

Understanding Kratom

Kratom is a tropical tree native to the Southeast Asian region. It is prevalent in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea. For centuries, the leaves of this plant have been used traditionally by healers as energy boosters and discomfort relievers. Many use it to uplift mood.

Traditionally, the leaves were consumed whole or made into tea. Now, with technological advancements, kratom is made into different products like capsules, powders, and extracts.

Kratom is rich in Alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine being the most common. They interact with the brain’s opioid receptors and produce stimulant- or opioid-like effects.

  • Mitragynine: Mitragynine is the primary alkaloid in kratom. In low doses, it interacts with receptors, stimulating the brain and enhancing energy and mood.
  • 7-Hydroxymitragynine: While it is another important alkaloid in kratom, it is stronger but not as widespread. It binds to the opioid receptors in the brain, helping manage discomfort.

Whether you experience relaxation or energy boosts depends on the dosage. At low doses, you are likely to experience stimulating effects, and at low doses, kratom will be more effective in supporting discomfort relief.

Now, let’s discuss the drug tests to understand if you should be worried before one.

Different Drug Tests

Drug tests are of different types and have various measures to detect substances. The most common screening for drugs is urine analysis. Blood tests check for the substances present in the bloodstream, which can indicate recent drug use. But will they detect kratom? It depends on the test and its detection meters.

  • Urine analysis is used to detect recent drug use.
  • Blood tests measure the amount of substances in the blood, which is ideal for detecting recent use.
  • Hair tests are used to identify long-term use of up to 90 days.
  • A saliva test is easy to administer and looks for recent use.

What Do These Tests Detect?

Standard drug tests are designed specifically for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, and opioids. Kratom is not explicitly on the list. Tests detect:

  • Specificity: Locates specific drugs
  • Sensitivity: Detects small substance quantities

The Time Before Chances of Detection Decreases

Detection time for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, and opioids varies depending on different factors like dosage, usage frequency, user metabolism, and the specific drug test. Let’s look at general detection windows based on substances and tests.

Substances

  • Amphetamines: 1-3 days
  • Benzodiazepines: 1-7 days
  • Cocaine: 1-4 days
  • Marijuana: 1-30 days
  • Opioids: 1-3 days

Tests

  • A urine test can detect the presence of kratom for 1-9 days after the last use. However, dosage and frequency could increase or decrease this window.
  • Blood tests can detect kratom for up to 24 hours.
  • Hair tests are intensive and can detect kratom for up to 90 days after the last use. This test is uncommon.
  • A saliva test can detect kratom in the saliva for 1 to 4 days. It’s a non-invasive and easy test.

How to Minimize the Chances of Detection?

Hydration: Drink plenty of water and eat good food to keep your metabolism functioning optimally, which can help flush out kratom and reduce detection time.

Detoxification: The easiest way to avoid detection is to abstain from kratom consumption before tets. Detoxify by drinking water and exercising to accelerate the elimination process.

Track Time: The more time has passed since your last kratom use, the better your chances are of running negative through a drug test. If you have a hair test coming up, avoiding kratom for a few months can help you clear out.

You can combine these tips to improve your chances of getting through a drug test without worries. However, if you prefer detox products or other methods, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice to ensure safety.

Conclusion

Kratom offers potential wellness benefits, such as stress and discomfort relief and vitality replenishment, but its interaction with drug tests necessitates understanding every aspect of kratom and drug tests to ensure you are on the safe side.

What are Kratom Capsules?

To some, the current medical system may seem inadequate for treating conditions like persistent discomfort and acute withdrawal symptoms from opiates, which leads them to look for safer, more accessible alternatives to prescription medications. If you’ve been in recreational wellness stores (online or offline), you might have come across different strange supplements promising various benefits—such as discomfort relief, anxiety relief, and energy enhancement—one of these supplements being kratom capsules. But what are kratom capsules?

Kratom capsules are a convenient means to consume kratom. They contain raw kratom leaf powder or highly concentrated extract. The powder and extract are generally dried leaves converted into liquid or powder and loaded into capsules, which look like regular medicinal pills.

Why are Kratom Capsules Used?

In Southeastern Asia, kratom has been used for hundreds of years as a herbal remedy to reduce physical discomfort, boost energy, reduce fatigue, and even improve sexual desire. While none of these benefits are backed by the government, centuries of use make kratom highly desirable.

Long ago, kratom was made into tea, and even though the same is prevalent in many places worldwide, capsules have offered a much better consumption alternative with their flavorless taste and convenient consumption.

Kratom tastes bitter, something many users choose to avoid. Since most kratom products require masking the taste, capsules are the top choice for health- and taste-conscious consumers.

Other than their portability, kratom capsules come pre-measured, so you will receive the same dose every time you pop a pill. It allows users to avoid measuring the substance each time they want to have it.

Are Kratom Capsules and Tablets the Same?

Don’t confuse capsules with tablets; they differ from each other. Although there are similarities, like similar ingredients and oral consumption with the help of water, the primary difference is their composition.

Tablets are typically made with kratom and a binding agent like gelatin, starch, cellulose, or sucrose. Capsules use kratom extract powder encased in a gel capsule, which is made from cellulose or gelatin.

An obvious difference is their appearance. Tablets are usually chalky to the touch, but capsules appear and feel smooth. Two shells are attached together, and some capsules are colored, while others are transparent, showing the contents inside.

How to Choose the Best Kratom Capsules?

No matter what you want, you deserve the best—the same goes with kratom capsules. You need premium products from a reputable brand. It starts with the company you choose. Research the internet and read customer reviews to find a kratom brand or store that transcends boundaries to ensure quality, safety, and compliance.

The Right Product and Manufacturer

With its increasing popularity, kratom is available in many places, and it becomes hard to tell what you will get from a product. Companies that are more into savings than customer health have been found to include contaminants in their capsules, including bacteria and heavy metals.

It is crucial to seek out companies that take extra steps to ensure your safety as a consumer. Look for these:

  • Third-party lab testing:Have you heard of a Certificate of Analysis (COA)? It should be on the product page of a brand’s website (if you order online), which helps you determine if a product has been tested for harmful chemicals and kratom dose.
  • AKA GMP:The American Kratom Association Good Manufacturing Practices qualified vendors are the best sources you can rely on.
  • Purity-tested:Reputable companies conduct in-house tests, such as the Triple Purification Process, to ensure purity.
  • Vein-specific benefits:Kratom comes in different varieties called strains (green, red, white, etc.), each with different effects. Determine why you want kratom capsules and opt for the strain that offers what you desire.

Conclusion

Kratom capsules are a convenient, pre-measured way to experience the potential benefits of kratom on the go. For health-conscious consumers, these are a great way to add kratom into their wellness routine.

How Long Does Kratom Stay in System​?

With oral consumption of kratom, expect kratom to remain in your system for over 30 hours. However, it’s a general timeline, and how long kratom stays in your system will depend on various factors and is likely to vary from individual to individual.

This guide will assist you in understanding the factors influencing the duration your system will accommodate kratom and how long it can be detected in a drug test. But first–

What is Kratom?

Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) is a psychoactive plant native to Southeast Asia. It contains more than 40 alkaloids, out of which mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the primary psychoactive compounds that produce opioid-like effects.

In places like Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand, it has been used for centuries to treat fever, discomfort, fatigue, and other conditions. While kratom tea is traditionally popular, there are different ways to consume it, which include kratom capsules and shots.

In the past few years, kratom has become popular in the United States and is considered federally legal in many states, but the FDA does not approve or regulate its use. People use kratom powder, extracts, and capsules.

While there is no established scientific proof, user reports have led to the belief that kratom can treat various mental and physical problems, such as:

  • Discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

What Are the Effects of Kratom on Your Body?

The effects of kratom depends on the dose. In small doses, it tends to stimulate the user like caffeine does. Higher doses are said to have opioid-like effects, which reportedly relax the body and ease discomfort while producing euphoric or sedative effects.

How Long Does Kratom Take to Kick In?

Kratom’s onset time depends on various elements, including the method of consumption. In a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, the University of Florida, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, researchers found that almost 80% of users start to feel the effects within a few minutes, which lasted for hours.

However, a lack of research makes it hard to determine how it works. Since different people have different experiences, it can be hard to predict the onset time.

How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?

Kratom from oral consumption stays for more than 30 hours, but drug tests may detect it even past this time frame. Quite simply, it isn’t easy to understand how long kratom remains detectable. Among the various factors that influence this timeframe, the plant itself plays an important role—its age and harvesting time can affect the amount of mitragynine in it.

However, while some people worry about kratom-related drug tests, there are specialized tests to detect kratom, one of which is the 10-panel drug screening, one that is unlikely to be available everywhere.

  • Kratom in Blood:Kratom stays in the blood for up to 7 or 9 days after your last dose, but mitragynine can be detected in blood samples even after a week of your ingestion.
  • Kratom in Hair:Kratom may stay in hair follicles for up to 90 days after the last use.

The good news is that blood and hair tests aren’t usually used to detect kratom, and there is no information on the duration kratom stays in saliva.

  • Kratom in Urine:A urine test is the most common method for kratom detection. It stays up to 9 days after the last dose.

While these are general timespans of kratom detection in drug tests, the actual timeframe may differ from one person to another based on individual factors.

What Affects How Long Kratom Stays in Your System?

Here’s the first thing to understand—consuming kratom in high doses frequently and extensively will build up more of it in your system, taking longer for your body to flush it out. Other than that, other factors come into play, such as:

  • Metabolism:Your metabolic rate contributes to how quickly your body can break down substances like kratom. Faster metabolism means quicker processing and excretion. Your age, gender, diet, and physical activity may impact your metabolism, affecting how long kratom stays in your system.
  • Liver Health:Your liver will metabolize much of the mytragynine. If you have a poor liver, the process will be significantly slower.
  • Body Composition:Did you know that kratom is fat-soluble? It means an individual with a higher body fat percentage will take longer to eliminate it.
  • Drug Interactions:Various medications and supplements can make it more difficult for the body to metabolize and flush kratom out of the system. So, if you’re under medication, it’s best to avoid kratom. Also, combining kratom with other substances like alcohol has life-threatening risks.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the answer to the question—How long does kratom stay in your system?—depends on several factors, as discussed above. Although, you’re unlikely to face a drug test designed to detect mitragynine, so you should be fine. But why take a chance?

How to Take Kratom Capsules

The effects of kratom are dose-dependent, making dosage crucial when taking kratom. For coffee-like, mild, stimulating effects, take smaller doses, while larger doses work best for sedative and discomfort-relieving effects, just like opioids.

There is no way to experience a one-size-fits-all dose. You have to tailor your dose for the desired effects. Dosing becomes complicated because of several factors, such as kratom strain, consumption method, body composition, tolerance, metabolism, and usage frequency.

So, knowing more about kratom dosing is important.

What is Kratom?

Kratom contains kratom extracts, which come from kratom, aka Mitragyna speciosa, a tree in the coffee family. This tree has more than 25 bioactive alkaloids, of which mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine are the most studied and significant. These compounds are predominantly responsible for the effects of kratom on the body and mind.

These alkaloids in kratom capsules interact with the opioid receptors in the body, often involving serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors to produce the effects associated with energy boosts and mood upliftment.

What Are Kratom Capsules?

Kratom capsules look like ordinary capsules. They are made of a soft and thin gelatin shell that holds a pre-measured dose of kratom powder. The gelatin shell is easy to swallow and dissolves inside for quicker absorption.

The naturally bitter taste of kratom may be overwhelming for some—for them, kratom capsules are perhaps the best solution.

How Much Kratom Is in One Capsule

Kratom capsules may come in various sizes, including 00 and 000. A 00 capsule usually contains approximately 0.5 grams of kratom powder, and a 000 capsule has about 0.8 grams to 1 gram. However, this is just a general idea—the exact weight can depend on the density of the powder.

How to Take Kratom Capsules

The capsules have powdered kratom leaves. Available in different strains, they produce different effects, from sedative to stimulating. So, keeping a few things in mind is the right way to start.

Step 1: Choose the Right Strain

  • Maeng Da is potent and produces energizing and discomfort-relieving effects.
  • Red Vein/Bali is known for its discomfort-relieving and relaxing effects.
  • Green Malay is the mid-point between stimulation and sedation.

Step 2: Discern Your Dosage

The dosage that works for you can depend on factors like body weight, tolerance, and the effects you want. Here is a general dosing guideline for you:

  • Beginners should start with 2-3 grams.
  • If you’ve had kratom before, 3-5 grams is ideal for enjoying moderate effects.
  • 5-8 grams of kratom will produce strong effects.

Step 3: Follow a Few Initiation Steps

  • You’d want kratom to absorb faster and digest easily upon consumption. Drink plenty of water before taking a capsule.
  • If you want the effects to kick in fast and hard, take the capsules on an empty stomach. An empty stomach facilitates absorption and enhances the result.

Step 4: Take Your Capsule

Swallow your capsule with a glass of water or juice. If you have a hard time swallowing a capsule or tablet, open the shell and mix the powder with a beverage of your choice. But the taste may be bitter.

Step 5: Let the Effects Kick In

Kratom capsules take a while to produce the effects, as the body needs to digest the capsules first. Expect about 30 minutes to one hour for the effects to begin.

Step 6: Adjust the Dose

Did the dosage work for you? If it is too mild, increase the dose the next time you take capsules. There’s always room to assess and adjust the dosage, but only if you start slow. We recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing as desired.

Safety Tips for Kratom Dosing

  1. Do not mix kratom with alcohol or other drugs, recreational or medicinal
  2. Beginners should start with less than 1 gram a dose and wait about an hour to understand the effects
  3. Do not exceed 8 grams to minimize the risk of negative side effects

Conclusion

Kratom capsules offer the easiest way to take kratom. They are ideal for those who don’t like the naturally bitter taste of kratom, are on the go, or are in a rush. Keep yourself hydrated, preferably take the capsules on an empty stomach, and, most importantly, buy kratom products from a reliable, reputable source.

How Long Does It Take for Kratom to Take Effect?

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, which gained significant popularity in the US over the years for its unique properties. It is known for its stimulant and sedative qualities and is mostly used by those seeking relief from fatigue or discomfort. But there are questions surrounding it. One of the most asked questions is—“How long does it take kratom to kick in?”

In this blog post, you will learn more about the onset time and the elements that influence it. This will help you make informed decisions about your kratom consumption.

Onset of Kratom Effects

The onset of kratom’s effects typically occurs within 10 to 30 minutes after ingestion. However, this timeframe can vary significantly based on several individual factors, including body chemistry, metabolism, and tolerance levels.

Some users report feeling effects as quickly as 5 minutes, while others may not notice anything until closer to the 30-minute mark.

The method of consumption also plays a crucial role in how quickly kratom takes effect. For instance, kratom can be ingested in various forms, including powders, capsules, or teas. When taken in powder form mixed with water or tea, users may experience faster absorption than capsules, which dissolve before the active compounds can enter the bloodstream.

Factors Influencing Onset Time

Several factors can influence how quickly kratom takes effect:

Body Chemistry: Each individual’s unique body chemistry affects how substances are metabolized. Factors such as age, weight, and overall health can impact the rate at which kratom is absorbed and processed.
Metabolism: People with higher metabolic rates may experience quicker onset times as their bodies process substances more rapidly. Conversely, those with slower metabolisms may find that it takes longer for the effects to kick in.
Food Intake: The presence of food in the stomach can delay the absorption of kratom. Consuming kratom on an empty stomach generally results in faster onset times since there are fewer barriers to absorption. In contrast, taking kratom with food can slow down the digestive process and extend the time it takes for effects to be felt.

Duration of Kratom Effects

Once the effects of kratom begin, they typically last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on various factors like dosage and strain type. At lower doses (around 1-5 grams), users often report experiencing stimulating effects that may last around 2 to 3 hours. Higher doses (5 grams or more) tend to produce more sedative effects that can last up to 5 or even 6 hours.

The duration of effects is also influenced by the scientific strain of kratom consumed:

Stimulant Strains: Strains like White Vein or Maeng Da are known for their energizing properties and generally have shorter durations of effect.
Sedative Strains: Red Vein strains tend to produce more prolonged sedative effects that can last longer than stimulant strains.

Bioavailability and Half-Life

Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a substance that enters circulation when introduced into the body and is available for use or storage. For kratom, bioavailability can be affected by individual metabolism and the specific alkaloids present in different strains.

The half-life of kratom—defined as the time it takes for half of the substance to be eliminated from the body—ranges from approximately 3 to 8 hours. This means that after consuming kratom, its presence in your system will gradually decrease over this timeframe. Users should consider this when planning their dosages throughout the day.

Safety Considerations

While many individuals find relief with kratom, it’s essential to approach its use with caution. Due to its varying effects based on dosage and individual response, new users should start with lower doses to gauge their reactions before increasing amounts.

Additionally, consulting with a healthcare professional before incorporating kratom into your routine is advisable—especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Conclusion

The onset time for kratom effects typically ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, influenced by factors such as body chemistry, metabolism, tolerance levels, and whether it’s taken on an empty stomach. The duration of these effects can vary from 2 to 6 hours, depending on dosage and strain type.

As interest in kratom continues to grow, understanding how it works within your body is crucial for safe and effective use. Whether you’re seeking relief from discomfort or simply exploring new wellness options, being informed about how long it takes for kratom to take effect will enhance your experience and help you make better choices regarding your health journey.

How to Take Kratom Powder?

Kratom powder is a natural powerhouse sourced from the lush landscapes of Southeast Asia. Made from dried and ground kratom leaves, it has earned its reputation as a versatile supplement that supports well-being. Praised for its therapeutic benefits, including enhanced vitality, stress relief, and improved mood, kratom powder is one of the most preferred ways to harness the plant’s power.

However, preparing and consuming kratom powder can be daunting for beginners. To help, we’ve compiled a guide with insights and tips to make the most of this herbal supplement. Whether you’re new to kratom or an experienced user, this guide will empower you to confidently unlock its potential.

Best Ways to Take Kratom Powder

1. Toss & Wash: The Simple Start

If you’re new to kratom, the toss-and-wash method is a straightforward way to get started. Here’s how:

  • Measure your desired dose of kratom powder.
  • Place the powder on your tongue.
  • Take a sip of water or fruit juice and swish it around before swallowing.

This method allows quick absorption of the active components through the tissues in your mouth, ensuring fast effects. Using fruit juice instead of water can mask kratom’s strong, earthy taste while enhancing its potency, thanks to the natural acidity in the juice.

Pro Tip: Start with a small dose, as the strong flavor may be overwhelming at first.

2. Kratom Tea: A Soothing Ritual

Brewing kratom tea is a time-honored tradition that offers a more palatable way to enjoy kratom.

  • Boil water and let it simmer.
  • Add your measured dose of kratom powder to the water.
  • Simmer for 15-20 minutes, then strain the liquid to remove residue.

For added flavor, mix in honey, sugar, or a splash of lemon juice. The lemon not only improves the taste but also enhances the bioavailability of kratom’s active alkaloids, maximizing its effects.

Why Tea?
Drinking kratom tea adds an element of relaxation to your routine, making it a perfect option for unwinding.

3. Capsules: Convenience in a Pill

Capsules offer an excellent way to avoid kratom’s bitter taste while enjoying its benefits discreetly. Pre-measured and portable, capsules are perfect for busy lifestyles.

Benefits of Capsules:

  • Precise dosage control.
  • No preparation or cleanup.
  • Easy to carry and consume anywhere.

However, capsules may take longer to produce effects, as the gelatin shell needs time to dissolve in your digestive system.

4. Kratom Smoothie: Flavor and Fun

For those who dread kratom’s taste, blending it into a smoothie can transform the experience. The fruity flavors of your favorite smoothie ingredients mask the bitterness of kratom while creating a nutrient-rich drink.

Smoothie Ideas:

  • Berries and bananas for sweetness.
  • Spinach or kale for a nutritional boost.
  • Yogurt or almond milk for a creamy texture.

Experiment with different combinations to find the flavor profile that works best for you.

Other Creative Methods

Kratom powder is versatile and can be added to:

  • Milk or milkshakes.
  • Baked goods like cookies or brownies.
  • Soups or sauces for subtle incorporation.

While these methods take longer to prepare, they offer enjoyable ways to include kratom in your diet.

How Long Does It Take for Kratom to Take Effect?

Kratom’s onset time varies depending on several factors:

  • Method of Consumption: Toss-and-wash and tea methods typically work faster than capsules or food.
  • Empty Stomach: Consuming kratom on an empty stomach results in quicker absorption and effects.
  • Individual Differences: Body weight, metabolism, and tolerance levels influence how fast kratom takes effect.

On average, you can expect effects to begin within 10 to 30 minutes.

How Long Do Kratom Effects Last?

The duration of kratom’s effects depends on:

  • Dosage:Lower doses (1-2 grams) last about 2-3 hours, while higher doses (5-7 grams) can last up to 5-7 hours.
  • Body Chemistry:Metabolism and tolerance levels play a role in how long the effects persist.

For most users, a moderate dose provides relief and vitality for about five hours.

What is the Recommended Dosage for Beginners?

If you’re new to kratom, start with a low dose of 1-2 grams to assess how your body reacts. Once comfortable, you can gradually increase your intake to 3-5 grams.

Important Tips:

  • Avoid exceeding 5 grams initially, as higher doses may cause side effects such as dizziness or nausea.
  • Listen to your body. Adjust the dosage based on your tolerance and the desired effects.

Conclusion

Learning how to take kratom powder is a journey into nature’s wellness potential. From toss-and-wash simplicity to luxurious kratom tea and flavorful smoothies, there’s a method for everyone. By understanding proper preparation, onset times, and dosing, you can unlock kratom’s therapeutic benefits and enjoy its ancient secrets of vitality and relief.

Can You Travel with Kratom: 5 Tips for Air Travels

Got a holiday vacation planned, or is a business trip coming up? Whatever the occasion, you want to take your kratom powder on the plane. But can you fly with kratom?

Taking kratom on your flight is not easy and depends largely on where you’re flying to and what kratom you want to carry. While you can generally take it with you, in some instances, it’s better to leave it at home. Don’t worry—we’ll help you figure it out.

Welcome to Whole Earth Gifts. We’ve prepared this guide to help you with tips and best practices for a smooth, hassle-free journey with kratom. But first –

What is Kratom Powder?

Kratom powder is a derivative of kratom, an Indonesian tree from the coffee family that is believed to have discomfort-relieving and energizing effects. Despite the FDA not considering it as a dietary supplement, kratom products are sold in the USA.

The plant’s active constituents have the potential to work as a mild opioid drug, so many herbal consumers use kratom products just like they would opioids.

Given its potential therapeutic properties, kratom isn’t sold as a herbal medicine. You can find powdered kratom for tea and liquid extract shots for direct consumption.

Flying with Kratom

Everybody who wants to fly with kratom has their reason. You might want to do so because you have a long flight across time zones and don’t want to feel jet-lagged. Kratom capsules might ease the sensation before bed. Or, you may have plenty of pre-planned exertion and want to avoid the aftermath of caffeine—a cup of kratom tea would keep you going.

Tips for Flying with Kratom Powder

  1. You Can Bring Kratom on an Airplane: Kratom is not a federally controlled substance, so the TSA can not confiscate your products or impose disciplinary action if you bring kratom powder into the airport. Be confident and always prepared to answer questions should the need arise. Good communication can often keep you from getting into unnecessary trouble. You should also follow TSA regulations, including the limitations on carrying no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in travel-sized containers. This applies if you carry liquid kratom extracts.
  1. Keep the Product in Its Original Packaging: Wherever you want to fly with kratom, there’s always a chance that the TSA will question you. Remember, you’re not doing anything wrong, so keep calm. If you have the products in their original packaging, it won’t take long to explain what you have with you.
  1. Avoid Certain States:Since kratom is federally legal, interstate travel isn’t going to be a problem. However, states like Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin currently ban kratom. Since kratom laws change constantly, it’s wise to check the current scenario before embarrassing on a trip. Then, there are local restrictions too. For instance, Florida is fine with kratom, but Sarasota County considers it illegal.
  1. Travel to Kratom-Friendly States: The AKA (American Kratom Association) has been advocating for laws that restrict low-quality, adulterated, and synthetic kratom, reaching out to legislators across the country, which encouraged various states to adopt the policies. So there are a few kratom-friendly states that impose quality standards and regulations, where you can bring lab-tested, premium kratom powders. States like Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah have enacted the AKA’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act. We recommend you stay up-to-date with the work of the AKA and buy quality kratom products from a reputable vendor like Whole Earth Gifts.
  1. Avoid Flying Internationally with Kratom: We want to be upfront about it, so there’s no beating around the bush. Don’t travel internationally with kratom. Many countries like the UK and Australia consider kratom illegal. Even in Vietnam, where kratom grows naturally, kratom is restricted. If you’re traveling to a country where kratom is technically legal, you wouldn’t want to engage in a legal issue with law enforcement under suspicion of a possible crime. Since you won’t be in your homeland, you won’t have the same rights even if you didn’t do anything illegal.

How to Pack Kratom for Flight?

Consider a few things to comply with TSA regulations and avoid probable issues at the airport. Let us help you.

  • Original Packaging:It’s best to leave the product in its original packaging. The package has proper labels that can help you avoid unnecessary problems.
  • Label Clearly:If you transfer kratom to a smaller container, label them appropriately, mentioning the amount and contents.
  • Use Airtight Containers:These can help maintain the product’s potency and prevent spills to ensure maximum freshness.
  • Limited Amounts:To decrease your chances of interacting with the TSA, pack only how much you need for the trip.
  • Different Products, Different Containers:If you use kratom powders, capsules, and shots, store and store them separately.

The Takeaway

Flying with kratom can be either smooth or troublesome, depending on how prepared you are. Whether you travel domestically or internationally, check the legal landscape and follow this guide to enjoy the best experience.

Restaurant in North Carolina adds Kratom to the menu

 

EMMY TRIVETTE | The Daily Tar Heel | 10.30.20

Linda’s to add breakfast, coffee, alcohol alternatives to its menu

The restaurant adds kratom

Linda’s Bar and Grill, one of Chapel Hill’s most frequented restaurants, reopened last week and now plans to begin serving breakfast in addition to its classic specials like loaded tots.

The restaurant, which closed in August due to COVID-19 complications, will update its menu with everything from a Linda’s Breakfast —two eggs any style — to french toast, bagels and pancakes with sides.

Linda’s owner Chris Carini said this is the second time he has basically started the restaurant from nothing after the University’s brief reopening and closing in August.

“I wish the University would have done a better job because they cost a lot of people, a lot of money,” Carini said.

Carini said the University closing in August after a week of classes cost his business about $50,000. So after selling most of his belongings to make up for the lost money, Carini said he is now happy to say the bar and grill has officially reopened.

Linda’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with window service and outdoor seating options. Starting next week, it will be open at 10 a.m. to serve breakfast.

“I was like, ‘Holy crap that’s the idea, that’s the one, that’s how we do it,’” Carini said. “That’s how we get people to come back and then we don’t have to be open till four in the morning.”

George Hanna, a Linda’s regular, has been coming to the bar and grill since 2011, around the same time Carini bought the place. Hanna lives in Raleigh, but said a Linda’s breakfast might be worth a special trip to Chapel Hill.

“Every time they come out with something new, as far as the food goes, it’s been fantastic,” Hanna said.

The Linda’s menu will also include diverse coffee options. Carini hopes when the cold weather comes, Linda’s downbar will be able to open for those who are looking for a quiet space to study and get their daily dose of caffeine.

Alongside the breakfast and coffee, Carini said he’s including plant-based supplements kratom and kava, to mix with tea or other non-alcoholic drinks the eatery offers.

Carini’s friend, Jacob Torbert, pitched the kratom and kava idea. As a military veteran, Torbert said he’s found more and more people who aren’t interested in the big partying and drinking culture that normally surrounds military involvement.

“One of the big reasons I got into kava and kratom was because I found it just helped me a lot with some of the things I was experiencing,” Torbert said. “It tends to help me with pain, it gives me a little bit more energy, it helps me focus. I feel like it helps make me more productive.”

Restaurant adds kratom

Kratom alerts or focuses the consumer, while kava acts as more of a relaxer. The two hit the same receptors as drugs or alcohol without the intoxicating effects, creating an alternative for those who may want to avoid certain substances.

Carini said the kratom and kava options offer an opportunity for those who don’t want to drink to still be social in a bar environment. It may take a little bit for the new options to catch on, but Carini said he thinks they should draw in a large crowd once they do.

“I get to help my buddy, and some of his brothers in arms, I get to help some college students to ‘get their learn on’ and hopefully give them another place to hang out,” Carini said. “And it keeps us open, which at the end of the day, that’s really all we got to do.”

@EmmyTrivette

@DTHCityState | city@dailytarheel.com 

Restaurant adds kratom

 

 

Thailand cabinet okays law to control sale and use of Kratom

Cabinet okays law to control sale and use of Kratom

nationthailand.com | Oct 13. 2020 | The Nation

The draft Narcotics Act proposed by the Ministry of Justice to control the use of kratom (mitragyna speciosa)
was approved by the Cabinet meeting on Monday, Government deputy spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said.

On March 10, the Cabinet had approved the removal of kratom from Thailand’s narcotics list.

“The draft aims to control the use of kratom and prevent children and adolescents from abusing it,” she said. “The rules to be enforced are as follows: Kratom Legality

▪︎ The manufacture, import and export of kratom are only allowed by those who have permission from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board. Violators will be punished with a maximum Bt200,000 fine and maximum two years’ imprisonment.
▪︎ Selling of kratom to persons under 18 years old or pregnant women is prohibited, as well as hiring or allowing persons under 18 years to sell kratom, with punishment at a maximum of Bt200,000 fine and maximum two years’ imprisonment.
▪︎ Selling of kratom in schools, dormitories, public parks, theme parks, or via online channels is prohibited and punishable with a maximum Bt40,000 fine.
▪︎ Any form of advertising or marketing communication of kratom is prohibited and punishable with a maximum Bt500,000 fine and a maximum of six months’ imprisonment.
▪︎ Persons under 18 years old are prohibited from taking kratom either in pure form or mixed with other drugs.Kratom Legal

ity
Encouraging persons under 18 years old or pregnant women to take kratom is also prohibited and is punishable with a maximum Bt2,000 fine.
This law excludes the use of kratom as an ingredient in herbal, medical, food, and cosmetic products. Kratom Legality
The Cabinet will later forward the draft to the Council of State who will review it after which it will be submitted to Parliament for voting.
If the draft is passed, Thailand will be among 37 countries such as Japan, Serbia, Croatia, and Syria, who use a specific law to control the consumption of kratom and not a narcotic law.

Kratom Legality

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Kratom Legality

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Kratom: The Bitter Plant That Could Help Opioid Addicts, if the DEA Doesn’t Ban It | Simon and Nick Stockton | Wired.com | 11.30.16

Kratom could help addicts

Kratom: The Bitter Plant That Could Help Addicts—if the DEA Doesn’t Ban It

Kratom could help addicts
ARIANA CAMPELLONE GREW 
up in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. It is a small community, affluent and charmingly New England. Heroin was very available there, and very good.By age 15, Campellone was a daily user. She stopped going to school, stopped doing much of anything besides scoring drugs, doing drugs, stealing stuff, selling stuff, scoring more drugs, doing more drugs. “This was the beginning of the New England heroin epidemic,” she says. “Everyone I knew was overdosing, dying, lives falling apart, people contracting diseases from sharing needles.”

That experience was mirrored around the country. In 2014, overdoses from heroin or prescription opioids killed 30,000 people—four times as many than in 1999. Today, 3,900 new people start using prescription opioids for non-medical purposes every day. Almost 600 start taking heroin. The yearly health and social costs of the prescription opioid crisis in America? $55 billion.

Campellone kicked her habit at 19—with rehab, suboxone, and a lot of willpower—and moved out west, to the San Francisco Bay Area. She began working at a natural remedy shop in Berkeley. Her bosses and co-workers introduced her to a plethora of plant-based products, among them a tart-tasting leaf called kratom. It gives a slight, euphoric high. Like the feeling that remains when you spin around in circles, after the dizziness wears off. It was also a decent painkiller, so she’d take it when she was hurt, or on her menstrual cycle.

And, on two occasions, she used it to help with the withdrawal symptoms following heroin relapses. “Nothing really feels good when you’re withdrawing from heroin, so no matter what you’re taking, you’re still in pain and it’s pretty excruciating,” says Campellone. But kratom helped some.

Campellone never needs a prescription to get kratom. Nor does she have to visit a dealer. She buys it from an herbal remedy store—about $20 for a 4 ounce packet, which lasts about a week. When she takes too much, she gets a stomach ache. And when she does not take it, she doesn’t crave it like she craved heroin. Mostly she doesn’t think about it; it just sits in her cabinet. So, she was surprised when, on August 30, the DEA announced that it was pursuing an emergency scheduling of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the active alkaloids in kratom. Campellone was one of perhaps 4 or 5 million Americans who were being told, for maybe the first time, that this leaf posed an “imminent danger to public safety.”

The DEA Takes an Exception to Kratom Kratom could help addicts

Biologically, kratom acts enough like an opioid that DEA considers it a threat to public safety. The agency planned to use a regulatory mechanism called emergency scheduling to place it in the same restrictive category as heroin, LSD, and cannabis. This category, Schedule I, is reserved for what the DEA considers the most dangerous drugs—those with no redeeming medical value, and a high potential for abuse.

Kratom leaf

GETTY IMAGES

Before they finalized the scheduling, something surprising happened. An advocacy group called the American Kratom Association (yes, AKA) raised $400,000 from its impassioned membership—impressive for a nonprofit that typically raises $80,000 a year—to pay for lawyers and lobbyists, who got Congress on their side.

On September 30, representatives both conservative and liberal—from Orrin Hatch to Bernie Sanders—penned a letter to the DEA. “Given the long reported history of kratom use, coupled with the public’s sentiment that it is a safe alternative to prescription opioids, we believe using the regular review process would provide for a much-needed discussion among all stakeholders,” they wrote.

It worked. The DEA lifted the notice of emergency scheduling, and opened a public comment period until December 1. When was the last time the DEA backed off anything? “This is unusual,” says Gantt Galloway, a Bay Area pharmacologist specializing in treatments for addictive drugs. Galloway could not recall another instance when the DEA responded to public outcry like this.

As of this writing, those comments number nearly 11,000. They are from: people who use kratom to relieve chronic pain or endometriosis or gout; people who use kratom to treat depression or wean off opioids or alcohol; people who said it saved their life. “It doesn’t allow you to escape your problems,” says Susan Ash, founder of the AKA, who used kratom to treat pain and escape an addiction to prescription opioids. “It instead has you face them full on because it doesn’t numb your brain at all, and it doesn’t make you feel stoned like medical marijuana does. And yet it’s effective on so many things, like pain and anxiety and depression.”

Kratom could help addicts

That promise is part of the problem. Scientists know practically nothing about kratom—how its compounds work in concert, what it can actually treat, how addictive it might be, what counts as a safe dose. And certainly not enough to back up all the life-changing claims extolled in public comments, and by the many kratom users we interviewed. In the absence of good science and the slightest hint of regulation, Ash and potentially millions of other users are winging it. And should the DEA follow through on its promise to schedule kratom, these people will become criminals overnight.

For Ash, that’s completely unacceptable. “I want the future to look like this is your next coffee,” she says. “I’d like it to be sold in Starbucks. I’m not even kidding.”

An Herb Wades Into an Opioid Crisis Kratom could help addicts

Kratom is not an opioid—actually, it is in the coffee family—but its active molecules bind to the same neuronal receptors as opioids like heroin, codeine, oxycodone, and morphine. Typically, those drugs give users a feeling of euphoria and dull their pain—that’s why David*, a former boarding school teacher, started using prescription opioids to treat his discomfort from ski injuries. He became addicted, and when his prescriptions ran out, he switched to heroin. “I became a high functioning user,” he says. “My addiction was never detected at my place of employment, although I do think my behavior became more erratic.”

When David eventually committed himself to rehab, his doctors weaned him off heroin using suboxone, a combination of two drugs—buprenorphine, a partial opioid that quenches the body’s chemical thirst, and naltrexone, which blocks any euphoric opioid feelings. But suboxone can give users symptoms of withdrawal, not to mention a dulled sense of reality. And users like David can still find ways to abuse it. “Dependence on that was different from heroin, and it became easier to take more suboxone to a higher high, or selling it to score heroin again,” he says.

As of this writing, though, David has been clean for 18 months—success that he attributes to kratom. Since it binds to the same receptors as opioids, kratom users report similar euphoric and pain-killing effects, but they’re muted. After other 12 step recovering addicts introduced David to the plant, it helped him rebuild his life—he did eventually lose that boarding school teaching job—and deal with the physical pain that got him hooked on opioids to begin with.

Since it mirrors opioids in other ways, the concern is that kratom is also addictive. But again, the real science is sparse. David and several other users we spoke with said kratom is habit forming, to some degree, though one survey in Southeast Asia found that for people using it to kick an opioid addiction, the dependence is far less likely to disrupt their lives. “When I take kratom, that addictive part of me kicks in and it becomes habitual,” says Jeffrey*, another former opioid addict. “It doesn’t throw my life out of control, but it bugs me when people say things like, ‘it’s not more addictive than coffee.’ I think that hinders us making inroads with the regulators.”

Kratom could help addicts

There is no doubt, however, that kratom is less harmful than opioids—even take-home synthetics like suboxone. When opioids kill, they do it through respiratory depression—they slow your breath until you stop breathing entirely. But kratom’s chemical composition doesn’t appear to produce the same effects. “The two main alkaloids in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxy, appear to have a low ceiling for respiratory depression,” says pharmacologist Jack Henningfield of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, who with the consulting firm Pinney Associates has advised the AKA on kratom scheduling. “And that’s why if you look hard, it’s very difficult to find deaths attributable purely to kratom.”

Notice he said “purely.” In its initial notice of emergency scheduling for kratom, the DEA did link the drug to 15 deaths between 2014 and 2016. But that accounting ignores the fact that all but one of those people had other substances in their systems. Folks using kratom to wean themselves off opioids may still be taking those opioids.

And some deaths could be attributed to contamination: Because kratom isn’t strictly regulated, bad actors can and do lace the plant with actual opioids, like the extremely powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. “You can just imagine, ‘Oh you got pain? Well, we’ve got a special kratom product,’” Henningfield says. “Maybe it has fentanyl in it. That’s scary.” Clearly, the plant needs some kind of regulation. The question is whether the DEA’s scheduling is the right kind.

Regulatory Wranglings Kratom could help addicts

The FDA could help prevent contamination-related deaths by strictly regulating kratom as a supplement, as opposed to the DEA scheduling it as a drug. “FDA has a lot of authority to actually help consumers know that what they’re buying is what is labeled, and have at least some level of assurance,” Henningfield says. “It’s not close to the drug standard, but it’s much better than something that’s illicitly marketed.”

Kratom could help addicts

But the FDA is actually also pivotal in advising the DEA on the scheduling of drugs. “The decision to permanently schedule any drug is not a DEA unilateral decision,” says Steve Bell, a DEA spokesperson. Consider the regulatory pathway of suboxone. The FDA approved the drug in 2002, and the Department of Health and Human Services recommended that the DEA put it in Schedule III, which the DEA accepted. This puts the drug in the same category as Tylenol with codeine: It’s available for doctors to prescribe for narcotic addiction, but is still a controlled substance.

Schedule I, though, is an entirely different rodeo. If the DEA places kratom here, nobody can touch the stuff. Current users, should they continue to use, will be forced to even sketchier sources. And scientists will have a harder time learning how kratom works, and supporting, or refuting, the claims users make with hard data. (Consider marijuana, also a Schedule I drug. Science has a dearth of data on it because getting permits to study the drug is an exercise in bureaucratic insanity.)

All that research costs money. Which is kratom’s catch-22: The DEA wants to schedule the drug because they think it might pose a danger to public health, but the only way to confirm (or refute) the DEA’s worries is with more research—which will be next to impossible should the DEA follow through on its promise to schedule.

One of the few scientists studying kratom is the University of Florida’s Oliver Grundmann, who is finishing up an online survey of nearly 10,000 users. And the data (preliminary, though Grundmann plans to publish a paper in the coming months) reveals a different profile of kratom users than you’d expect from an “illicit” recreational drug.

“The age range is more geared toward an older population,” says Grundmann, “which is more likely to experience work related injuries or acute or chronic pain from another medical condition.” Over half of users are between the ages of 31 and 50. Eighty-two percent completed at least some college. Nearly 30 percent of respondents pull in a household income of over $75,000 a year. Not quite the party drug demographic. And the public comments on the DEA’s scheduling notice reflect that population. Many of those folks are using kratom to either wean themselves off prescription opioids or use the drug alone to treat pain.

Still, that’s self-medication using a product that may be contaminated. “The industry needs to come together,” says Susan Ash of the AKA. “There’s no way the FDA is going to feel comfortable not seeing this as a scheduled controlled substance without a commitment from the industry that there will be proper measures put in place.” Better labeling, for instance, would be a start.

Kratom could help addicts

Grundmann says he understands the DEA’s motivation. “They do not want to have another drug out there that could potentially contribute to the already devastating opioid epidemic that some communities are experiencing,” he says. “But on the other side, we also need to consider that the 4 to 5 million estimated users of kratom may face a health crisis of their own if kratom becomes scheduled.”

Anecdotes and Evidence

Ariana Campellone takes her kratom with coconut milk and protein powder. Then, she mixes, diluting with water to take the lumps out of the mixture. By itself, the stuff tastes awful. Like oversteeped tea, or a mouthful of peat. She thinks the comparison to coffee is a bit overstated. “Coffee gives me a noticeable spike and high, and can feel when I’m coming down,” she says.

The DEA’s public comment period closes tomorrow. The agency says it will consider those comments alongside the FDA’s scientific and medical evaluation before proceeding to schedule. The FDA did not respond in time to comment on this story.

However, if the DEA follows through on its previous intent to schedule, Campellone says she’ll still continue to use kratom. “Just like people have continued to use cannabis where it’s not legal,” she says. In practical terms, it means getting ahold of kratom would probably get more expensive and personally risky. Those costs, those risks—those hassles—might not be worth it to some kratom users. And then the not-so-small community of recovering opioid addicts lose something available, and possibly quite good.

*This name has been changed to protect anonymity.

 

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