The supplement industry has surely managed to stir up major sales across the US in 2022. From online vendors to local head shops, convenient stores, gas stations, and even some pharmacies have started stocking up supplements and smart drugs to facilitate customers interested in therapeutics to revamp their health condition and lifestyle.
Herbal supplements like Kratom are also breaking massive waves, and Kratom Teas are the talk of every town, city, state, heck, and the entire United States! You can now access Kratom Tea products in your local head shops, convenient stores, dispensaries, and even gas stations!
But do pharmacies like Rite Aid stock Kratom on their shelves? The answer is simple — NO!
If you’re interested in knowing the ‘why’ behind this question, keep reading further as we explore why pharmacies and reputable branded pharmacies like Rite Aid refrain from Kratom. We will also discuss other options that you can avail instead of Kratom for your treatment and wellbeing.
An Insider to Kratom
Scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, Kratom is a tropical tree plant from the Rubiaceae, the Coffee family. Kratom is a native of the Southeast Asian region, particularly farmed in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc. Unline Coffee Kratom has a zero caffeine profile; however, it is potent and highly addictive. Kratom has a rich alkaloid profile; the high potency is caused due to a rich presence of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids interact with the body’s opioid receptors to stimulate richness, lifting physical and mental energy levels.
Through unique drying methods, Kratom leaves (the main source of extract) are crushed into powder and converted into various products like capsules, liquid shots, vapes, etc. Moreover, the type of Kratom is classified according to its strain, each denoted by the place of origin. Furthermore, the leaves of Kratom come in various vein colors: red, yellow, white, and green, varying in terms of unique benefits offered and alkaloid (potency) profile.
Is Kratom Legal?
Even in 2022, Kratoms remains in the gray area, and there is limited research on the topic conducted or available on the substance.
The DEA has approved its legalization at a Federal level; however, it outlawed it in certain states and municipalities. States like Alabama have classified it as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Other states like Tennessee and Arkansas have also banned and labeled it as a synthetic substance. However, the good news is that states like California, Florida, Colorado, Oregon, etc., have legalized the substance and enjoy buying, selling, or consuming any Kratom products.
Kratom Tea
Kratom tea is trending nowadays all across the US. Traditionally, it is made by brewing leaves of Mitragyna speciosa and consumed for various medicinal purposes. The effects vary depending on the dose: at lower doses, it has stimulant effects, while higher doses have pain-relieving effects like opioids.
Does Rite Aid sell Kratom Tea?
This Philadelphia-based company/corporation is a famous American drug-store chain: Online pharmacy and store. Rite Aid pharmacy aims to offer premium quality products and services to help customers live happy and healthy lives. It even has an App!
From baby toys, beauty, and personal care products to even office supplies and grocery items! Rite Aid offers the right kind of aid for everything under one roof.
They also stock high-quality and cutting-edge vitamins and supplements to help you smartly enhance your lifestyle! However, do they supply Kratom Tea? Not at all!
But why?
There are several reasons for this. Let’s look into them:
Legality Issues
Despite the legality, Pharmacies and stores like Rite Aid avoid stocking up supplements in a shady area. They usually stock well-trusted and government-approved products only.
Credit card companies consider Kratom illegal
Yes, you heard this correctly. Although federal laws recognize Kratom, and it is legal to buy or sell it in many areas across the country; however, you should know all Kratom transactions are dealt in hard cash!
All credit card companies have banned it, considering it illegal and recognizing it as an addictive drug. In short, the minute you swipe your card, it gets blocked! Who would want that? This seems a bit unfair, but brands like Rite Aid care about their customers and reputation, and that’s good, right?
Fear of the FDA seizing shipments
This is another major yet valid concern as you never know if the FDA gets involved and detains your shipments, and if supposedly it contains Kratom, then the brand will face a good amount of trouble. Not only will it be difficult or can take a long time to get your stuff cleared, but you can also end up paying a huge amount of money as fine!
So all reputable brands can’t afford to take any risks whatsoever.
The best option to avail Kratom Tea?
If you want to get your hands on Kratom Tea, then try other options, and there are plenty! These may include smoke/vape shops, gas stations, and Kratom specialty shops.
Please remember that you will have to check if Kratom is legal in your area as your vendor will confer with local/state laws. If it is legal where you live, then you are good to go, and you can find kratom in the following places:
1. Smoke/head Shops
Traditionally, all smoke shops sell tobacco and vape products; however, many have also started keeping CBD and Kratom products. They are a better option than gas stations if you instantly want to buy Kratom locally. Also, they have limited strains and products.
2. Gas Stations
When shopping locally, gas stations are the worst options for numerous reasons. Most employees aren’t Kratom specialists and lack even basic knowledge. Sneaky vendors can trick you into buying expired or even fake Kratom products! Most gas station Kratom is of cheap quality and cannot be trusted at all! They have less product and strain variation than head shops.
3. Specialty (Herbal) Stores
Herbal Store is the best option when choosing to buy your stuff locally; they have experts dealing in various supplements like Kratom and offer a broader range of strains and products. However, their costs can vary from shop to shop and online vendors.
4. Online Vendors/Stores
While local shopping is an instant and hassle-free experience, the best option, and for countless reasons, is online shopping! You will get premium quality products at good prices and from trustable sources. The only con is the waiting time!
[Please Note: we strongly advise you to conduct your research before stepping out to shop locally or even online!
Will Rite Aid sell Kratom Tea in the future?
Every business wants to deal with something that is booming across the globe! However, nothing can be said about Rite Aid’s verdict on this matter, as much research still needs to be done on potent substances like Kratom. While most probably you won’t get your hands on any Kratom products at pharmacies like Rite Aid; however, you can always opt for other vitamins, smart drugs, etc., or try grabbing it from renowned vendors. The internet has a plethora of Kratom resources!
William Clark is a freelance writer for the health and wellness industry, specialising in mental health and alternative health. He is also an avid proponent of Kratom and its benefits. His wild adventures in the quest for knowledge took him to the farthest corners of Southeast Asia, home to many kratom plantations. Here, he got to witness the age-old practices of kratom use. He uncovered exciting stories about kratom use and loved sharing his knowledge with site readers.
