In the world of natural stimulants, the Mitragyna speciosa is a relative newcomer to the Western market. With coffee beans and other herbs (commonly combined to create teas) dominating the social consciousness for years, newcomers to the scene have historically had an uphill battle to carve out a piece of the market. M. speciosa, known more commonly as kratom, has an advantage over other popular plant-based stimulants though, as it does not require a high level of processing to capture its stimulating effects. With the availability of kratom seeds, individuals interested in a steady, home-grown supply can even try their hand at cultivation. Germinating and successfully growing kratom seeds are not easy propositions though, as the tree is native to Southeast Asia and requires an ideal growing environment that is difficult to replicate. 

The Allure of Kratom

Before discussing the challenges and opportunities that growing kratom can present, some people may be wondering: What is kratom anyway? Not a part of the cultural zeitgeist in the western world yet, kratom has been an integral part of some Southeast Asian cultures for thousands of years. In Thailand specifically, use of the leaf is especially pervasive in the south. Recent studies suggest that upwards of 70% of males use kratom on a daily basis in some communities, with those individuals consuming from 10 to over 60 leaves per day. While in the U.S. the most popular means of ingestion is through a finely ground leaf powder known as "extract," which is often placed in a pill capsule, Thai men elect to chew on the raw leaf itself. As widespread as these numbers are in certain regions, this rate of usage is occurring in a country where kratom is technically illegal; the Thai government made the Mitragyna speciosa plant illegal (despite being indigenous to the country) in 1941.

The chemical composition of kratom leaves is complex, and they contain over 40 distinct chemical compounds. The majority of these compounds are alkaloids, which are the primary catalyst for the psychotropic effects consuming the leaves can cause. A number of the alkaloids present in kratom behave as opioid receptor agonists in the brain, which means they attach themselves to the receptors and stimulate them in a similar fashion to other chemicals (in this case, opium). Unlike opium, kratom usage has not been found to be any more habit forming or physically addictive than its western cousin coffee, and the leaves have actually been used as a medicinal tool to help individuals suffering from opium addiction or withdrawals.

In addition to functioning as an opioid receptor agonist, kratom leaves also illicit many of the same effects that caffeine is used for. Taken in smaller doses, kratom can give the user a burst of physical and mental energy, increase levels of concentration, improve mood, and overall instill a general sense of euphoria. Users have reported that these effects feel more "balanced" than those provided by coffee and that there is no comparable "crash" after they subside.

Buying Kratom

Buying kratom is by and large the most common way that people obtain the stimulant in the west. Much of this has to do with the lack of regulation concerning the plant, as currently there are no prohibitions on it in place, or even simple limits regulating its sale. The internet is rife with kratom vendors peddling a wide array of products, varying in potency, plant varietal, and even the coarseness of grind for extracts. For detailed info on where to buy kratom and what are the trusted kratom vendors, check out this list.

Growing Kratom

Unlike buying kratom, which can be accomplished from the comfort of a computer chair and with a few simple clicks of a mouse, growing kratom is a more involved process. The first hurdle to overcome for prospective growers is the germination and viability of their kratom seeds. Unlike other plants that have robust seeds capable of surviving and thriving in less-than-ideal conditions, kratom seeds are fickle, and freshness is of vital importance in the success of a crop. While there are ample vendors online advertising kratom seeds for sale, individuals should be aware that even under the best conditions, it is possible for shipped seeds to arrive already past their proverbial "grow by" date.

Once fresh and viable seeds have been acquired, the second major hurdle to overcome is replicating the tree's ideal growing environment. As a native evergreen o Southeast Asia, the plants enjoy a much damper, humid, and almost swampy environment. In the west this can be tough to replicate in nature, so it is likely that a greenhouse or similar artificial environment will need to be constructed. A wet soil to match the environment is a must, and one that drains well without drying out is ideal.

After germination, the last challenge to overcome is food supply. The kratom plant is a veracious eater as it grows, and cultivating a successful crop requires an ample supply of nitrogen-rich plant food. Even after germination as the plant matures, keeping the soil damp and the food supply constant is important to keep this delicate tree from withering.