In 2023, the state of West Virginia became the eighth in the country to pass a law that regulates kratom. Senate Bill 220, called the Industrial Hemp Development Act, comes hand in hand with the Select Plant-Derived Regulation Act intended to regulate kratom and protect its consumers.
With the Commissioner of Agriculture at the helm of the implementation of these regulations, people shopping for kratom in West Virginia can enjoy a relatively seamless experience. Nevertheless, here are some important tips and information you should consider before you browse.
The Legal Status of Kratom in Parkersburg, WV
Yes, kratom is legal in Parkersburg, WV, but there’s more to it than just that. SB 220 comes with a laundry list of regulations that kratom manufacturers and vendors must abide by if they want to sell their products to consumers.
Some of the regulations include:
- Restricting the sale of kratom products to consumers 21 years of age or older;
- Applying for state-issued permits from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to manufacture, process, distribute, and/or sell kratom;
- Labeling all products accurately and ensuring that they are not marketed or targeted towards children’s use;
- Testing for and ensuring that all products are free of contaminants and/or additives.
Tips for Kratom Shoppers in Parkersburg, WV
While the state government of West Virginia definitely does their part to make sure kratom consumers can more safely navigate the market, opportunistic, unscrupulous vendors will always find a way to wiggle their way onto the scene.
If you’re buying kratom in Parkersburg, WV, here are some smart shopper tips to keep in mind:
Check the state’s list of registered vendors
The whole point of vendor registration is that it allows the state to make sure that sellers abide by protocol that helps protect consumers. Entities or individuals that attempt to sell kratom in WV without first registering are violating the rules.
As a buyer, see to it that you ask for proof of registration before you transact with any kratom vendor in WV. Even better, you can check the WV Department of Agriculture website for a list of registered vendors.
Look for AKA-GMP Certification
Another marker of high quality products is the American Kratom Association Good Manufacturing Practices seal. This specific stamp is granted only to brands that pass the AKA’s strict list of parameters that identify clean, mindful production and packaging.
Some of the things they look into include the manufacturing process, labeling specifics, and lab testing. Just like the state of West Virginia, the AKA has an online list of all of their qualified vendors.
Be wary of prices
Even if you’re buying from a registered vendor, some of them will proudly make a profit off of an uninformed buyer’s ignorance. For instance, some shops will significantly markdown prices on kratom products that are nearing their expiration date.
While we all love a good discount, it pays to keep your head over your heart when shopping for kratom. Check for product damage, expiration dates, or any other possible reason why a product might be marked down. In the case of trustworthy vendors, it’s often just a way to bring attention to varieties that aren’t selling as well as the others.
Kratom Vendors to Try in Parkersburg, WV
Wondering where to begin your search for the best kratom in Parkersburg, WV? Try stopping by these trusted, registered vendors:
- Patriots Tobacco & Vape Inc.
6 Patriots Ln, Parkersburg, WV 26101
The neat, wide, well-organized shelves inside the Patriots Tobacco & Vape Inc. store might have you browsing for hours. These guys keep a load of tobacco, vape, and kratom products in stock, giving their shoppers the freedom to walk around and explore options with the expert advice of their helpful, knowledgeable staff. If you’re a newbie to kratom, these guys can help you choose the right stuff.
- Joe Tobacco & Vape
2401 Pike St, Parkersburg, WV 26101
The pale blue exterior of the Joe Tobacco & Vape store is a stark contrast to the colorful displays inside the shop. Selling shelves upon shelves of smoke essentials and related products, Joe Tobacco & Vape also offers a pretty impressive line of kratom products from well-known brands. For buyers looking for kratom brands that are familiar and trusted, Joe’s is the place to be.
- Freedom Vapor LLC
4000 Emerson Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26104
Although their selection might not be quite as extensive as the last two shops, Freedom Vapor LLC makes up for their modest line-up with friendly staff and a quaint community of smokers and kratom users that frequent the storefront. If you’re looking to connect with new friends on the kratom scene while copping a bag of low-cost kratom, Freedom Vapor LLC might be the place to go.
Laws in West Virginia make it especially easy to find quality kratom within their state. But that doesn’t mean you can just spend your cash willy-nilly. Try these vetted vendors the next time you find the need for a restock in Parkersburg, WV.