BACKGROUND

In December of 2017, I introduced my Blueprint Bulletin subscribers to Kratom – KRATOM: HERBAL GODSEND OR DEVIL’S DELIGHT? It was against the backdrop of Kratom for performance enhancement.

Since then, the quality and potency of the leaf has only gotten better, though the DEA currently has it on their “drugs of chemicals and concern” list.

WHAT IS THIS STUFF?

Kratom aka “Mitragyna Speciosa” is a leaf/herb that’s similar to Coffee. It’s native to Thailand and Malaysia and has been used as a stimulant, sedative, and analgesic. Beyond its psychoactive effects, it also has many antioxidants and other important nutrients. This is in stark contrast to most opioids, painkillers, etc.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS/HOW IT WORKS

Kratom contains many chemicals; the most important of which is speculated to be Mitragynine, or Mitrogenia Speciousa (spelling differs). I say speculated because to be perfectly honest, not everything has been elucidated about this plant. We know of 2 effects: A curious energy and a relaxation type effect. Paradoxically, these co-exist in several different strains. This really can’t be explained in the written word, nor articulated: It needs to be experienced.

Beyond this, it’s uplifting, mood-enhancing and some of the strains impart an excellent analgesic effect. I’d compare this favorably to the pain relief experienced by Curcumin, though much longer-lasting.

Other pharmaceutically active components include 7-OH, Ajmalicine (Sedative), Corynantheidine (Opioid antagonist), 9-Hydroxycorynantheidine (Partial Opioid agonist), Speciociliatine (Weak Opioid Agonist). Interestingly, the corynanthidine's are relatives of Yohimbe.

THE GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

The good news is that it works, but there’ also a risk of addiction. When I say it’s addictive though, I’m not talking heroin-like addiction, more like coffee.

In all honesty, it’s no big deal. Just lay off it for a few days. I’ve experienced no skin-crawling, physical withdrawal symptoms if that’s what people are worried about.

It’s very forgiving in that regard.

REAL-WORLD FEEDBACK

Many have since written to say how pleased they’ve been that it works as advertised: Imparting energy, creativity, an urge to “do something” as well as taking the edge off. For our purposes, I look at Kratom as a performance enhancer in two ways: Green strains pre-workout (lend themselves to better energy), and as a way to unwind after a tough workout (red strains). For the consumer new to Kratom, navigating these strains can be mind-boggling.

So we’re going to simplify your life.

FINDING YOUR STRAINS/DOSING

I recommend Green Malay for pre-workout I recommend Bali for post-workout

3 grams mixed in grapefruit juice is a good starter dose. Using Kratom twice a week is likely ideal, as you will develop a tolerance over time.

KRATOM “AMPLIFIERS”

I’ve found several items that “amplify” Kratom: Tagamet (cimetidine HCL) and Tranquilogen. Dosing these 15 – 30 minutes prior does seem to help considerably. 200-400mg of Tagamet/Cimetidine and/or 2-3 caps of Tranquilogen

FULL DISCLOSURE: Tranquilogen.com is a product I formulated. IMO, Its custom made to dose with Kratom.

REASON: The Rhodiola therein magnifies the energetic properties of Kratom, Curcumin magnifies the analgesic effects. The other ingredients (Picamilon, 5-HTP, and Astaxanthin) also go hand in glove with Kratom’s relaxation and anti-oxidant rich properties.

HOW IT MIXES/TASTES

Be warned: Kratom powder has a coffee grinds like consistency, it does NOT mix well. As a practical matter, I find using a shaker bottle the most convenient. You want to the type with a flip-top lid, as looking at the stuff while drinking it isn’t very appetizing.

With the flip-top, you can’t really see it.

LEGAL STATUS

Kratom is currently on the DEA’s “drugs of chemicals and concern list”, and they’ve been successful in stopping much of it in customs – though this usually comes in the form of huge shipments to the U.S. vendors. It’s specific to your state though, so here’s the latest info I have on that front.

ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, INDIANA, WISCONSIN, AND TENNESSEE ARE ALL ON THE “DO NOT SHIP” LIST AT MOST U.S. VENDORS. YOU CAN BE REASONABLY ASSURED THAT EXTENDS TO “DO NOT IMPORT” LIST…

The easiest solution is finding a quality U.S. vendor, which brings me to:

FINDING YOUR SOURCE

I’ve used a LOT of Kratom over the years, and IMO nothing compares to the quality/service you get from milehighkratom.com. I estimate their strains to be 1.5x – 2x’s stronger than the competition, and that goes for the stuff coming directly out of SE Asia. They’re also a U.S. vendor, so there are no pesky issues importing it or waiting forever due to U.S. Customs. I have ZERO vested interest btw, ZERO/ZIP/NADA.

DRUG TESTING CONCERNS

On a positive note, I’ve taken multiple drug screens for employment (likely the NIDA 5) and had no issues. IF your source is pure, you’ll sail right through drug testing.

And yes, all “clean’ drug tests occurred while using Milehighkratom’s stuff.

BOTTOM LINE

The “stoner” community really values Kratom, and it shows promise in helping addicts beat their various addictions. To me, however, Kratom’s real value lies in its pre/post workout applications.

As such, I deem Kratom worthy of a second look.