Across the U.S., people from all walks of life are taking kratom to experience positive results in their daily lives. The botanical continues to grow in popularity as awareness of its potential benefits grows. However, research scientists continue to test kratom to make the botanical products as safe as possible.
As kratom grows in popularity, many states have adopted laws or regulations to protect kratom users from harmful products. Yearly, and sometimes even monthly, kratom trends evolve. Seasoned users discover easier ways to take their kratom, and high-quality kratom brands rise to the top of the industry.
What, exactly, is kratom? What are some of the emerging 2024 kratom trends? How can these trends impact beginning users and enthusiasts alike? Let’s take a look.
What is kratom?
Although kratom may seem like a relatively recent option for people looking for nature’s cheat code, the botanical has actually been used for centuries. Kratom products are produced from the leaves of the tropical kratom tree, a member of the coffee family native to Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
For centuries, native cultures have incorporated kratom into their spiritual ceremonies and daily routines. These cultures use the leaves of the kratom tree to chew, smoke, or brew into teas.
Kratom products are also made from the leaves of the tree, and come in many different forms, including capsules, gummies, and powders. According to a survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), almost 2 million people in the U.S. regularly take kratom, and that number continues to grow.
Kratom is also often referred to by its botanical name, Mitragynia speciosa, which is helpful to know when searching for kratom resources and guides.
Possible kratom benefits
Every kratom user may experience a unique response when taking kratom. Scientific research into conclusive proof of the benefits of kratom is ongoing, and definitive results have not yet been published.
Nevertheless, many kratom enthusiasts share similar accounts of the positive experiences they’ve enjoyed as a result of kratom. Based on these reports, the possible benefits of kratom include:
- Calming effects
- Comfort
- Energy boosts
- Mental focus support
- Relaxation
- Uplifting feelings
Popular kratom products
Kratom products come in many forms and levels of strength. Beginners should research product strength and serving sizes, reputable kratom vendors, and the potential impact of kratom strains before making a purchase.
Although different types of kratom products may be absorbed by the body in varied ways, legitimate product labels should signify which strain of kratom they contain. This can help inform users of what type of results they can potentially enjoy. The three main strains of kratom are:
- White Vein:
White Vein Kratom leaves are harvested in the earliest stages of tree growth and retain a bright white appearance. This young strain may give kratom users a subtle energy boost.
- Green Vein:
Green Vein Kratom is produced from leaves in the middle stages of the kratom tree’s growth cycle. This strain is wildly popular among users for its potentially balanced and middle-of-the-road results.
- Red Vein:
Red Vein Kratom may give kratom users a sustained, uplifting experience.This strain is created from leaves harvested in the mature stage of the growth cycle.
Kratom legislative trends in 2024
In the U.S., kratom has never been federally regulated. Thus, any kratom laws or regulations in place are individually determined by the states. Kratom critics and advocates alike believe industry-wide regulations are imperative to user safety and raising kratom product standards.
In 2024, this commitment to protection for kratom users has been trending around the country. For example, Texas, Kentucky, and Colorado have all passed legislative bills to mandate that kratom vendors adhere to safety measures like transparent labeling. These bills also raise the legal age requirements to distribute, sell, purchase, or use kratom.
Other states are currently reviewing comparable statewide kratom regulations, and on a federal level, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) has a good chance of passing through the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
What is the Kratom Consumer Protection Act?
The kratom industry is the Wild West of botanical products. Kratom trends in 2024 prove that both proponents and critics believe in needed regulations. Reputable kratom vendors like Golden Monk stand for safety, transparency, and accessibility in all kratom products.
Also known as bill S.3039, the proposed KCPA is trending in 2024 due to the number of states that have passed similar legislation. On a federal level, the current version of the KCPA proposes the following:
- An established FDA task force dedicated to the health and safety of kratom products.
- Establishing regulations classify the botanical in the same category as other foods and dietary supplements.
- Safeguarding consumer access to safe, quality kratom products
- Consumer protection from an unregulated kratom market
- Promotion of safe and responsible kratom use
Kratom advocacy trends in 2024
Another kratom trend in 2024 comes from the collective, rising voices of advocacy groups. For example, the American Kratom Association (AKA), the leading kratom advocacy, awareness, and education group, strongly supports the KCPA and calls for industry-wide regulations.
In a written statement to the Kansas House of Representatives, Mac Haddow, the AKA senior fellow on public policy affirmed AKA’s support of state and federal-level KCPA bills, and the mission to protect “consumers from dangerously altered kratom products that are currently widely available.”
The AKA website is dedicated to sharing kratom resources and promoting truth and transparency in product labeling. The website also features a list of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Qualified Vendors that includes Golden Monk.
Kratom symposiums
Another kratom trend in 2024 involves kratom research. In February 2024, the Third International Kratom Symposium was hosted in Orlando, FL by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy.
World renowned scientists in fields like botany, chemistry, and public health gave presentations on the biggest issues surrounding kratom use and how to conduct further research of the botanical.
The collective sharing of kratom research within an esteemed science community is a 2024 trend that could inspire similar symposiums across the globe.
Shop Golden Monk
Golden Monk is dedicated to quality, purity, and safety in each one of our kratom products. We’re excited about the potential benefits of kratom and want to help beginners and kratom enthusiasts navigate their botanical journey. All of our products are thoroughly tested in a third-party lab and are made with only the purest kratom.
We support any kratom legislation that can make all available products accessible, of the highest quality, and protected for our customers. The kratom trends in 2024 hold exciting potential for nationwide access to safe kratom products and universal, high industry standards for all kratom vendors.
Visit the Golden Monk online store to start your journey with the best kratom products today.
For Further Reading
Here are some amazing resources for further reading on kratom trends in 2024 and all things kratom-related:
- American Kratom Association. Policy Brief: “Is Kratom Safe?” Americankratom.org. January 2021
- American Kratom Association. “FDA Deputy Commissioner Signals Significant Shift.” Americankratom.org. February 26, 2024.
- Congressional Research Service. “H.R. 5905: Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act.” A congressional bill summary. Library of Congress. January 24, 2024.
- Reyes, Emily Alpert. “Kratom products have gone unregulated in California, unnerving both fans and critics.” Los Angeles Times. April 29, 2024.
- Smith, Kristen E. Dunn, Kelly E. et. al. “Kratom use as more than a ‘self-treatment’.” Johns Hopkins University. Published 2022.