Where kratom comes from
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) grows in countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Traditionally, workers chewed fresh leaves or brewed them during long days. The leaves are dried and ground into the powders and teas you see today.
Why people drink kratom
People commonly describe lighter servings as more energizing, a little like coffee, and larger servings as more relaxing. Regulars at kratom bars often say they like it as a social, alcohol-free drink.
It's important to be clear: the FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use, and Florida law bars kratom products from being marketed as treating or curing any disease. If you're dealing with a health issue, talk to your doctor.
Is kratom an opioid?
Legally, natural kratom leaf is not a controlled substance at the federal level. Chemically, it's not an opiate (opiates come from the poppy plant). But kratom's main alkaloid, mitragynine, is studied as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, which is the same receptor family opioids act on.
That's why health agencies warn about dependence with regular heavy use, and why concentrated derivatives like 7-OH are being regulated. See kratom addiction and withdrawal and kratom vs 7-OH.
How kratom is served at a kratom bar
At our bars, kratom is brewed and served on tap in different strains, often mixed with juice or soda to cut the earthy, bitter taste. Not sure which one to try? Our guide to green, white, red and gold kratom breaks it down.
Kratom vs kava
They're often served side by side, but they're completely different plants with different effects. Kava is a Pacific root drink that's relaxing; kratom is a Southeast Asian leaf. Read what is kava if you're new to both.
People also ask
What does kratom do?
People commonly describe smaller amounts as energizing and larger amounts as relaxing. Effects vary by person, strain and amount.
Is kratom an opioid?
Kratom isn't legally classified as an opioid and isn't made from poppies, but its main compound acts on opioid receptors, so dependence is possible with heavy regular use.
Is kratom legal in Jacksonville?
Natural kratom is legal in Florida for adults 21 and over. Some high-potency 7-OH products are banned. See our Florida kratom law guide.
What does kratom taste like?
Earthy and bitter, a bit like strong green tea. That's why bars often mix it with juice or soda.
Visit us in Jacksonville
Curious to try it? Kava & Company serves kratom on tap in Jacksonville at San Marco, Mandarin and Jax Beach. You must be 21+ to buy kratom in Florida.
Kava & Company San Marco
1224 Kings Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 551-3809
Sun-Tue 9am-12am · Wed-Sat 9am-2am
Kava & Company Mandarin
11018 Old St Augustine Rd, Ste 123
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 900-3606
Daily 10am-10pm
Kava & Company Jax Beach
223 9th Ave S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 595-5150
Sun-Wed 9am-12am · Thu-Sat 9am-2am
This article is for general education only and isn't medical or legal advice. Statements about kava, kratom and kanna have not been evaluated by the FDA, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Kava & Company serves kava to guests 18+. Florida law requires buyers of kratom to be 21+.