In the bustling streets of America, a new kind of café is sprouting up, offering more than just your regular cup of joe. These establishments serve kratom, a natural herbal tea derived from a plant in the coffee family. As the kratom wave sweeps across the nation, let’s delve into the growing presence of kratom cafes in the USA, spotlighting some actual examples.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia and a relative of coffee. Consumed most often as an all-natural herbal tea, the leaves of the kratom tree contain a number of alkaloids, which are naturally occurring nitrogen-based chemical compounds. These alkaloids bind with the brain’s opioid receptors but in a much less potent manner than substances like heroin.
The Cafes
Kratom Cafe USA – Arvada, Colorado
Located in the Denver Metro Area, Kratom Cafe USA is a hub for kratom enthusiasts. The café is known for distributing high-quality, organic kratom right from the source.
- Location: 7701 Ralston Rd, Arvada, CO 80002
- Contact: (800) 617-0105
- Specialty: Organic Kratom
House of Kava – Brooklyn, New York
House of Kava is one of only two kratom-serving establishments in Brooklyn. The café has a diverse clientele, from those seeking pain relief to those looking to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms. One customer, Lala, who suffers from lupus, found kratom to be more effective than prescription painkillers.
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Specialty: Kratom for pain relief and opioid withdrawal
Brooklyn Kava – Brooklyn, New York
Another Brooklyn-based café, Brooklyn Kava, serves kratom tea that has been praised for its ability to help people with anxiety and pain. Harding Stowe, the owner, emphasizes that kratom is not an opiate and lacks many of the negative effects associated with chemical substances.
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Specialty: Kratom for anxiety and pain relief
Legal Landscape
The legal status of kratom in the United States is a bit murky. While it is not federally illegal, it is banned in some states like Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin. In Florida, it is explicitly legal.
The Future
The future of kratom cafes in America is uncertain. While current establishments like House of Kava and Brooklyn Kava operate legally, the situation is fluid. The Drug Enforcement Agency had plans to place kratom on the drug schedule at Schedule 1, alongside substances like heroin and LSD, but abandoned the plan due to public and Congressional opposition.
Conclusion
Kratom cafes are more than just a trend; they are a reflection of a growing awareness and acceptance of alternative, natural remedies. As the debate over its legality continues, these cafes serve as a sanctuary for those seeking relief from pain, anxiety, and other ailments.