Would you consume mold and bacteria? Probably not, but if your kratom isn’t certified by the American Kratom Association it may contain unwanted contaminants that could be harmful to your health. Kratom is a natural product, which means safety standards are especially important. Kratom comes from Southeast Asia where many cultivators are not required to follow the same safety standards as in America.
The goal is traceability, which means having total oversight of the supply chain. If you look at the legal cannabis market, for example, products are required to be tracked from seed to sale, this does not exist in the kratom market. Without product traceability, health officials can’t determine how contamination occurs, where contaminated products go, and if they need to initiate a recall.
A couple of years ago, Dr. Oliver Grundmann conducted a study at the University of Florida that analyzed kratom products from shops in the Chicago area. They found unsafe levels of microbes and heavy metals in multiple products. This is exactly why we need responsible manufacturers in the kratom industry. If they were properly tested and GMP processes followed, these products never would have made it to store shelves.
Is the Kratom you’re getting safe? How can you tell?
Does your kratom contain fentanyl, Salmonella, or heavy metals? Microbes and heavy metals aren’t visible to the naked eye, so you can’t detect them in your kratom without laboratory testing. If you live in a state without strict safety and manufacturing standards for kratom products, they could be harmful to consume. It’s a terrifying fact that is shaking up the industry – contaminated kratom can hurt people.
The Mitragyna Speciosa plant is not dangerous on its own — the issue is the production of kratom products by unregulated companies that could potentially contain dangerous ingredients like synthetics or fentanyl, which turn a helpful herb into a potential death sentence. Because Kratom is a plant-based product there are also the risks of microbe, bacteria and other unwanted contaminate growth if safe manufacturing standards are not practiced. So how can you know if your kratom is clean? Trust the American Kratom Association.
The AKA Protects Kratom Users Nationwide
Founded in 2014, the American Kratom Association’s vision has always been to protect the rights and safety of kratom users across the nation. Since kratom is not being regulated at a federal level, each state is left to decide how they want to handle this herb. The AKA is the only non-profit advocate group for kratom users throughout the United States.
Currently the AKA’s biggest concern is a rise in the adulterated kratom products coming into the marketplace — which is why proactive consumer legislation is needed. Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the AKA has been a vocal advocate for safety stating, “The American Kratom Association recognizes that every effort should be made to keep kratom risks low and protect consumers from adulterated and contaminated kratom products. With appropriate FDA consumer regulation, we can maximize the potential for kratom to be responsibly used for the improvement of health and well-being of individuals and public health in America. Eleven states have already enacted kratom consumer legislation,” he said. “And we call on all states to responsibly regulate kratom products.”
The AKA has been working tirelessly for nearly a decade to get legislators onboard with the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. This act holds kratom manufactures accountable for the purity of their products. In order to obtain status as an AKA Qualified Vendor they must demonstrate that they can adhere to the strict manufacturing, testing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and labeling standards as outlined in the AKA GMP Standards Program Requirements. Check out the complete GPM Standards here.
Thanks to the AKA, not all legislative efforts that affect kratom users and kratom vendors are prohibitive. They are working to get all states on board with the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. This act will help regulate the kratom industry – keeping consumers safe and providing kratom manufacturers a set of safety standards to follow. The AKA actively monitors federal, state, city, and municipal legislation in the battle for kratom legality. Check this out If you’re interested in getting involved with your local legislators regarding kratom.
The AKA and its Good Manufacturing Process Program set the standards for the methods, facilities, and controls used in the processing of kratom products, so you can use kratom without worrying about safety. The AKA has recently updated its Good Manufacturing Process Standards Program to further improve the safety of kratom products available in stores or online. These new standards are rigorous, and only a handful of vendors passed with flying colors. Near the top of the list are NuWave Botanicals, O.P.M.S, and MIT45.
AKA Demands Higher Standards from Kratom Companies
In order to obtain the highest level of safety compliance, kratom vendors need to pass third party testing, have proper labels, strict hygiene codes, plus, meet stringent qualifications on testing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and more. To maintain the AKA GMP Qualified status, each vendor must register and pass yearly third-party testing. You can be sure that any kratom product you buy from an AKA certified company is safe. Get a complete list of AKA GMP certified vendors here.
Truth in Labeling
One of the biggest changes to the GPM program is proper labeling of all Kratom products. Being informed on what you are putting into your body is paramount to your health. The new labeling standards set by the AKA can help you make educated choices about your kratom products. Per the AKA’s GPM program all kratom product labels must have the following
- Volume or weight of contents
- Nutrition facts or supplement facts panel
- A recommended serving size and the number of servings per package
- The amount of mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine
- A declaration of any major food allergens
- Directions for use including the maximum number of recommended daily servings
- Any warnings required for the safe use of the product
What Do People Use Kratom For?
People take kratom to help clear the morning fog or fight the urge to nap. Coffee and energy drinks have typically been America’s favorite way to get mornings going or over afternoon slumps, but did you know that kratom can be even more effective than caffeine? Kratom as a caffeine alternative has been shown to provide longer lasting effects than coffee, plus contains powerful alkaloids that can boost your mood and increase productivity. Many people swear by it as a good caffeine substitute in their daily routine.
Kratom can also be used to wind down after a long day or prep for a good night’s sleep. A more body friendly approach than alcohol, at higher doses kratom can also melt away your stress and relax your entire being — helping you drift into a deep peaceful state. Flavored kratom drinks are a fun way to explore this option if you’re looking for a replacement to your nightcap.
Where Can I Find Safe Kratom?
The best way to ensure the safety and purity of the kratom you buy is to check if the manufacturer is certified by the American Kratom Association. Vendors who are recognized by the AKA follow strict lab testing protocols and good manufacturing processes. If you’re ready to try kratom, talk to your healthcare provider before you start. They know your past and present medical history and will be able to determine if kratom is right for helping you achieve your wellness goals.
Want To Try Kratom, But Not Sure Where to Start?
Here are a few steps we suggest taking for kratom newbies:
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- Talk to your healthcare provider. If you’re ready to try kratom consult with your regular physician before you start. They know your past and present medical concerns and will help you determine if kratom is right for helping you achieve your overall wellness objectives.
- Read some customer reviews. Who better to hear from than current kratom users? Remember — everyone will experience kratom differently, depending on the strain and how the alkaloids work with your body.
- Sample a variety of strains. Some strains are energizing, some are relaxing. If you want to try several strains before you buy kratom in bulk, we recommend trying a variety pack with many options so it’s easier to find your favorites.
- Try a trusted brand. Make sure you are choosing a retailer who abides by the American Kratom Association (AKA) standards and only sells lab tested, pure 100% Mitragyna Speciosa products.
Finding The Most Trusted Kratom Brands Online
There are lots of options when shopping for kratom online, and we’ve had a great experience with NuWave Botanicals. They offer a worry-free guarantee on their in house made products, plus the products from the other manufactures they carry. That means you can rest assured that the Kratom leaves in every one of their products and partner products are lab-tested for purity and strength before being packaged in a facility that complies with the AKA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) program.
If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase from them or any brand they carry, they also offer a no-hassle, 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee! And shipping was fast – we got it in as little as one day, and shipping is always FREE on orders of $100 or more. Also note, their customer service is top-notch.
Not to mention, NuWave is an AKA certified vendor bringing you only the highest quality kratom powders, purest kratom capsules, strongest liquid kratom, best kratom shots, the largest variety of bulk kratom to buy online and more. They only carry products by other AKA certified vendors who adhere to their high-quality expectations.
Can I Ship Kratom to My House?
If you live in a state and area where kratom is legal, you can buy kratom online and have it shipped to your door! Buying kratom online is If a popular option because you can save money with discounts and coupon codes, and the kratom is more reliable. If you love lots of options, shopping for kratom online is perfect for you! Vendors who sell online tend to have a large variety of strains to try vs. a local retailer who may have only a few. Please note, if your address falls within a banned city or county, kratom cannot be shipped to you. Is kratom legal in your area? Find out here.
The NuWave Difference
NuWave Kratom is based in Texas. As believers in the good it can do, they strive to make kratom education and products more accessible to those who could benefit from its wellness properties. They ethically source all their kratom from Indonesia, where they empower local farmers, their families, and communities to thrive. That’s the NuWave difference.
Please note that kratom is not used to treat, cure, or mitigate any disease, illness, ailment, and/or condition. Please see FDA import alert 54-15. We make no representations as to intended use or suitability for use.