If you start to research kratom you will eventually run into the information provided by or about the American Kratom Association (AKA). Blog posts about kratom often reference the AKA as a viable source. However, you might be wondering what exactly is the AKA?
Table of Contents
History of the American Kratom Association
Kratom is a natural herb
In 2014, the American Kratom Association was created and sprang into action. The AKA has the common goal of ensuring that continued use of kratom in the United States. They strive to maintain consumer protections from unfair legal decisions and subpar manufacturing processes. Ideally, they want to make sure that every adult has the right to continue using kratom.
They focus on:
- Advocacy
- Safety
- Education
The AKA strives to stay up to date on all the recent news and information about the world of kratom. Their website is updated frequently. You’ll find a nice mix of information and educational material. It also explains their focus on continuing to push for their focuses.
Safety and the GMP Compliance Program
The AKA has drafted and released its own version of quality standards that focus on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) which are in place for kratom vendors. The GMP Standards Program also helps improve the safety and credibility of all kratom being manufactured in the USA.
Kratom Contamination in the USA
Unfortunately, kratom safety always has to be a focus because in the past continued inconsistent manufacturing processes have led to contaminated kratom products in the USA. The lack of little to no testing was clearly the problem. Such major lapses have led to kratom developing a reputation as a dangerous substance.
Keeping Kratom Safe and Legal
The AKA believes that if there is no one overseeing kratom products then less-than-pure or unsafe items will continue to be released or allowed into the country then a ban will occur. To protect consumers from contamination, the AKA created their GMP program. Hopefully, it will help guarantee that only high-quality kratom is sold to consumers so that the herbal supplement remains legal.
AKA GMP Qualified Vendor
Kratom is available in many forms.
A vendor who wishes to become GMP AKA qualified must adhere to an extremely strict and specific set of manufacturing guidelines. In addition, they must pass an official AKA third-party audit. Typically, when a vendor receives GMP AKA qualification then they are enormously proud and will promote the honor on their websites.
Ideally, any vendor who cares about the future of kratom should join the AKA and seek GMP AKA approval.
The AKA’s Goal: Education
The AKA is focused on keeping kratom legal
The AKA believes that the only way to truly prevent bans is by educating the public, the vendors, and even the government about kratom. Without a doubt, kratom consumers regularly worry about and fear for the future of the herbal supplement. Anyone who has stayed up-to-date on kratom in the United States knows the dangers and risks that kratom faces. The legalities are complicated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are a constant threat against kratom. They could create a baseless and complete ban on kratom at any time and with extraordinarily little warning.
In 2012 the FDA set out to create a huge and overwhelming disinformation campaign against kratom. They continue to target kratom within local cities, counties, and townships. Their attacks are broad and far-reaching. They also push at the state and federal levels. Currently, the AKA claims that the FDA is spending millions of tax dollars in an effort wage an extremely focused war against kratom However, the AKA is focused on fighting and keeping kratom legal.
Fighting Misinformation About Kratom
Misinformation abounds about kratom. Many people don’t even know how to use the herbal supplement. Above all, they continue to believe that it is a drug and dangerous. Run a simple Google search for information about kratom and you’ll be bombarded with a bevy of information declaring that kratom is a drug with high abuse potential. Sadly, kratom continues to be driven by misinformation. However, the AKA is trying to battle kratom’s bad reputation by releasing information that is driven by the latest scientific findings. Therefore, the goal of the AKA is to impact the industry in a positive way. Therefore, they believe strongly in combating misinformation with facts.
Kratom Facts Provided by the American Kratom Association
Many people are curious about kratom, especially as it grows in popularity. The AKA believes that it is imperative to offer facts and an abundance of information so that people do not become confused about the herb. Anyone seeking factual and true information can turn to the AKA. They provide a large array of educational materials to the FDA, lawmakers, suppliers, vendors, customers, and other government agencies. On the AKA’s website, you’ll find a science section loaded with information. Also, the AKA also has a very helpful forum community where you can ask questions or discuss things you have learned and wish to share with others.
AKA’s Advocacy and Outreach
Keeping kratom legal
The AKA remains focused on advocacy and outreach to ensure consumer protections. They want to protect users from untested kratom products and shield the legal status of the herb.
The Legal Status of Kratom
Kratom’s legal status remains a grey area. It is not illegal to use or buy in most areas of the United States. However, there are a few cities and counties in the U.S. that must ban the herb’s sale. Many consumers might be lulled into believing that kratom is safe due to this information, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, kratom remains on very shaky ground. Since the herb is not regulated, classified, or even acknowledged by the FDA then it could quickly ban kratom immediately. Yes, they would need an actual reason to ban the herb but many are afraid that they will find some loophole or shallow reason to push forth the ban.
Through the hard work of the American Kratom Association, kratom continues to be available or sold. The AKA is credited with helping to pass consumer protection laws in both Georgia and Utah. They are also working closely with lawmakers and vendors in other states to push the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. In addition, the AKA continues to focus on the legal export of kratom. Please remember that if a ban should occur from Indonesia then the impact on the supply chain would be shattering.
The AKA Toolkit
Clearly the AKA believes that it takes a village to fight for kratom. Everyone must participate to keep the herb legal and available nationwide. On their website, you’ll find a toolkit that helps you reach out to legislators and lawmakers in your state. In addition, there is a range of videos, educational articles, and valid scientific information to make your case.
Supporting the AKA
In the United States, 15 million people use kratom. The AKA remains dedicated to protecting their freedom to use the herb that they enjoy. In other words, support, resources, advocacy, and education of the American Kratom Association has been priceless in helping to protect the herb.
Share Your Stories
The AKA urges everyone to share their stories on their website. Without a doubt, there is power in getting real-life stories out that support kratom use and shed a positive light on the herb. Anyone who uses kratom or has tried it in the past should take the time to create a testimonial on the AKA’s website. In addition, if financially able, everyone who supports kratom should consider donating to the AKA by going HERE. If donating is not doable then you can always sign up to volunteer.
Most importantly, kratom users and vendors should study the main goals of the American Kratom Association: ‘
The American Kratom Association has 5 main goals:
- Support Consumers. We believe many political and private entities don’t make the needs of the consumer and constituents a priority. Our goal is to change that.
- Educate. Kratom has many beneficial purposes and is an all-natural alternative. Our goal is to educate all Americans—from potential consumers to regulators and everyone in between.
- Amplify. We represent thousands of Americans that each have a story to tell. We believe the current environment in the United States often does not listen to individual voices and together we will make our voice heard.
- Global Awareness. We hope to demonstrate responsible use and practical knowledge other countries may study when considering Kratom legislation.
- Protect Natural Resources. Without a doubt, kratom is a precious natural resource. We support and advocate for sustainable harvesting techniques and reforestation efforts.
American Kratom Association Champion Vendors
If you are new to kratom then you’ll want to find a vendor, you can trust and depend on. The American Kratom Association has a list of GMP vendors on its website. Most importantly, you can research the various vendors and brands listed to receive a reputable product.
At My Kratom Club, we support the American Kratom Association. Please visit our site to learn about the many brands of Kratom that we offer for sale.
Hello there, The AKA has the common goal of ensuring that continued use of kratom in the United States. They strive to maintain consumer protections from unfair legal decisions and subpar manufacturing processes. Ideally, they want to make sure that every adult has the right to continue using kratom. And you can agree with me that their intention are good.
It seems like the sole purpose of the AKA is to back off the DEA and FDA by making strict barriers to trade in the Krato industry by focusing on educating both suppliers and consumers. Kratom. What fueled the spread of misinformation about Kratom that led most to believe the product to be a drug? I wish the AKA could branch out do the same in other regions or countries. Nice article.
Surfing through your site is never a waste of time. I’ve been thinking about it that as great as Kratom is, why is it limited or restricted to some part and accepted in some part. It’s good to have an association working on Kratom to become generally accepted and something that can be accessed easily. This review is interesting and insightful
The AKA has continued to try to spread awareness about this extremely beneficial tree. They hope to reach out to everyone struggling with addiction of other substances and help them become more optimistic about their future. Unfortunately, the United States government is focused on making beneficial plants illegal. There are countless numbers of people who are convinced that it is harmful and need to be convinced otherwise. We must stop the criminalization of natural substances and learn how they can benefit us in the long run!
Thanks for explaining American Kratom Association. It’s nice to hear that the US has its own organization focusing on kratom. Even though my country is one of the largest producers of Kratom in the world, there isn’t anything like AKA due to its legal state. It’s sad that this useful herb is perceived as illegal without proper justification. I’m sure it can be helpful, depending on how we use it.
Reading this well informed article has made me understand what the American Kratom Association (AKA) is all about and what they stand for. It has also educated me on the use of Kratom. Haven read all these, I have come to understand the position the American Kratom Association is taking and I feel of these measures are strictly enforced, then it’s a step in the right direction and truly, they need our support.
I’ve not heard of American Kratom Association. But I’m glad to read about them. I really want to thank them for their effort of making sure that we consume real Kratom products, and by avoiding products that are less pure or adulterated into the country. I think that by having an organization like this that protect the legality of Kratom in the country, Kratom will remain safe for everyone. This will also attract more consumers.
It’s great that the American Kratom Association exists, as it is really necessary to educate and raise global awareness about kratom, as well as keep it legal. I’m a big supporter of natural herbs, spices, and everything that Nature gives us to be healthy and happy. We don’t need chemicals produced by big pharma companies in such a big amount. If we turn to natural remedies, we can find everything we need there. At the same time, it’s necessary to watch safety and protect customers from bad-quality substances or fakes. That’s what’s the biggest benefit I can see in AKA.
This is very interesting, I don’t know much about kratom, but I would like to find out more. So, kratom received its bad reputation due to contaminated products and bad or no testing? If this had not happened, then there wouldn’t be so much concern about it, I assume. I hope that the AKA can help educate the public. I would like to learn more about this plant. If it has medicinal properties, then it is definitely important to keep kratom safe and legal.
Thanks Christine for taking the time to leave your comment.
Love reading comments from those who have recently found Kratom.
There are many reasons why Kratom is looked at in such a bad light by many.
Contaminated products is one of them.
The great news is that the American Kratom Association now offers a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) program with strict guidelines.
Manufacturers can be part of the program and are recognized on the AKA website.
For more information on Kratom take a look at our blog HERE which is our Kratom library that brings new informative articles weekly.
Thanks again for your comment Christine. 🙂
Thank you so much for presenting such an excellent article on American Kratom Association. Basically, kratom is a beneficial natural herb that is healthy for the human body. And the American kratom Association aims to use it to provide consumer support and educate all Americans, which will increase global awareness. In conclusion, I enjoyed your article so the role that the American Kratom Association has played in using Kratom is really great.
Hey
Thank you for this information on American Kratom Association, I think it is a needed association if Kratom has to be deemed legal. I like their safety focus that ensure that manufacturers adheres to strict regulations . Putting products on the market that are not tested , should be a big No because it puts the health of many at risk
Kratom is an organic natural product for killing pains and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Although there have been some negative thoughts about this herb, many still believe it’s it. I think it is great to see the American Kratom Association helping protect a plant that changes people’s lives.
I’m really glad I get to read about an article on kratom, I really enjoyed reading this article review, it’s highly informative and quite helpful , although this is actually my first time of hearing about America association kratom association. Which what I have gone through I believe kratom American association are really and amazing organization in which they have a good noble cause.
Hello, thanks for sharing this article. I have been following this natural supplement KRATOM updates for a while now and I am glad to know That there’s an association like American kratom association aiming to ensure the use and supply of this supplement in the USA. there is alot of misinformation about Kratom and this article did a great job with proving them wrong. I now understand some previously blur facts about kratom
Until I came across your website I had never heard of the word KRATOM. Hence, I do not know what it is, nor why it is of any value to need protection. Can you explain more what it is and what benefit it has for human consumption?
When you mentioned the FDA I wondered if this substance can make people high like cannabis. What medicinal benefits does it have? You showed an amazing picture of the many forms it can be obtained. And I gathered that this is plant based.
I know I can go to the AKA association to get more information. However, it would have been helpful for individuals like me who know nothing about kratom to be given a brief primer.
It is time I Googled the word to learn more about kratom. Then I will return to your article as what you wrote about will make more sense to me at that time.
Cheers.
Edwin
Hi Edwin,
Thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughtful comment.
We have many articles that answer your questions HERE.
Over time we have been able to build a large repository of information about Kratom.
If there is something you want to learn about that is not in our blog let us know.
We are always growing our repository of information.
– MKC
It is Associations like AKA that I love because of their consistent fight to end to all this craziness that plagues the use of kratom. It is great to see all of the vendors that have teamed up with the American Kratom Association. The quality controlled vendors will have a badge to show they adhere to the strict quality control of the AKA so as to prevent counterfeit vendors. Such a smart concept.
It is great pleasure to be able to read this article about kratom.
It’s amazing to see the AKA fight for this supplement that is clearly changing peoples lives for the better.
This is actually the first time I’m reading about the American kratom association and they are no doubt an amazing organization with a noble cause. Happy I stumbled upon this website. 🙂
I honest had no idea that there is an American Kratom Association. I think it is great so that they can screen all the Kratom that they are regulated so that we can use it safely. I love the fact that the AKA’s goal is to educate us about Kratom. That is the best way for us to know the facts so we can use it safely and buy it from the right source only.
It’s very interesting to read that, unfortunately, has continued inconsistent manufacturing in the past within the USA. I can see that there is a lot of misinformation about Kratom but people like you do an excellent job to uphold its positive reputation. Regardless, I had no idea that there was so much that went into Kratom, it is truly commendable what you put on this site, there’s so much new information that I am learning from surfing around your site. Thank you and may the force be with you
There is a lot of misinformation about Kratom. And this post has even clarified some things to me. I think it’s worth sharing to spread the voice concerning some of the things kratom is usually attacked for. You have also summed it all nicely and we now have most of the general information we need in a single post.