Drug abuse is prevalent in today’s society, and it can be challenging to find a satisfying way to get through the day without getting your hands on some stimulants. One drug that has risen in popularity is Kratom, which may relieve those suffering from addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
The market for Kratom has evolved significantly in the last few years, from a luxury item to a stress reliever to an all-natural alternative to opioids.
The use of Kratom is not just becoming a household word; in fact, more people are now seeking to use this plant for recreational purposes. There has been a massive surge in the industry, seen as both good and evil in the past year. But it mostly depends on its consumption. So you must adapt the best way to take green Kratom.
However, with the changing landscape of the past few years, Kratom has found its way into society. It’s been a controversial topic- with many people pulling for it to be banned and others fighting for its continued use.
The United States is undergoing many changes, especially in the recreational industry with the increasing popularity of Kratom. Kratom businesses should adapt to these changes and change their marketing strategies accordingly.
With so many changes in the drug market, it can be challenging to make sense of the constantly evolving drug trends. The age-old myths about drugs such as LSD and marijuana are wrong, but with such progress comes a whole new set of challenges for the industries that have sprung up around these drugs.
This article will explore how Kratom has evolved into a recreational industry and discuss myths that fuel its popularity.
What Is Kratom?
It is an herb that comes from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and South America. The leaves contain two types of alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These components then interact with opioid receptors in the brain, causing euphoria and increased energy and pain relief.
The plant contains alkaloids that produce effects similar to morphine but without the intense feel-good effect. While it is not addictive nor illegal, it can have side effects such as a rapid heartbeat and paranoia.
The active ingredient in Kratom is mitragynine, an alkaloid similar to morphine found in the opium poppy. The effects of the drug can vary by dosage, but it has a mild euphoric effect when first taken, followed by many other effects such as increased energy levels and feelings of wellbeing.
Kratom products have become popular in the United States as an alternative to prescription painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin, often highly addictive. Kratom powder is used in capsule form and also mixed with alcohol. It can be brewed as tea, mixed with tobacco, or smoked in dried leaf form. However, the leaves are crushed and chewed for their stimulant effects.
How The Recreational Industry Has Evolved
The recreational industry has evolved rapidly over the past decade. The demand for Kratom products has increased with the popularity of various consumption means, such as vaping and edibles.
And with this rise in popularity and increasing demand comes a greater emphasis on the importance of marketing to accommodate these changes.
While it isn’t a drug, the plant is as per Schedule I substance when taken as a dietary supplement or for medicinal use.
Since the consumption of Kratom gives many medical benefits, many people use this alternative because it is a natural, safe and effective way to manage pain relief. The demand for the same has evolved in this industry.
Transition From Small-Scale Businesses To Big Supply Chains
The market for Kratom has transformed from a small-scale business to an emerging international supply chain. This transformation is mainly due to the increased awareness of Kratom, which has been on the rise since it was first introduced in Malaysia in 1961 as a herbal remedy for treating pain and fatigue.
It has transformed its niche from a small-scale, low-profit industry to a large profitable Kratom business. As the demand for this plant has increased, so needs Kratom in other products.
The key to this growth is demand for Kratom, which can get attributed to its effects on the body (relaxant) and the increasing number of legal alternatives available. Such as gummies, oil, tablets, and so on.
The product is now available online and over the counter. It can get brought in from Thailand. And there are many producers, many of whom have switched to mass production.
From Myths To Increasing Popularity Of Kratom
Kratom was a traditional medicine for generations in Southeast Asia. It is widely used as a sedative-inducing drug to increase physical endurance and emotional stability.
Recent years have seen its use expand into the west due to several factors:
- Growing urban populations
- An increased interest in healthy lifestyles
- Increases in drug abuse
- An increase in the sale of Kratom products on the internet
Now the usage of these Kratom leaves is more for medicinal purposes. These medicinal uses include pain relief, treatment of depression and opiate addiction, and helping with some physical conditions such as diarrhea, hay fever, and menstrual cramps. The leaves can get chewed or brewed into a tea or taken capsule form.
The main reason for Kratom becoming so popular is that it is easily accessible over the internet. You can get your hands on Kratom products in just a few minutes by ordering them online or calling home delivery services like Amazon Prime or Google Express. It is also easier to consume than drinking alcohol because it does not possess any harmful side effects.
Conclusion
With an increase in popularity and a recreational element, this drug has seen its popularity grow exponentially.
You are no longer marketing exclusively to fellow marijuana users but people who have never tried the drug or those that have had a bad experience with it. You are doing it via marketing it as an alternative painkiller.
However, in the last few months, it has been reported that Kratom is making many people addicted to it.
After the DEA ban on Kratom, most Kratom business vendors switched to private label and direct sales. The challenge now is to locate a way to brand their products and make them stand out from other Kratom businesses and competitors.
In conclusion, the industry has adapted and is now marketing itself as a natural alternative to opioid treatment.