The HVB Journal

Stories from the leaf.

Sourcing notes, farm visits, strain guides, and the occasional behind-the-scenes look at how I run a small, founder-owned kratom company from the Hudson Valley. Written by hand, not an agency.

Long-form journalism Sourcing transparency Updated regularly Written by the founder
HVB Journal  stories from the leaf
Written in the Hudson Valley
Stories from the leaf

Every post we've written, in order.

Sourcing notes, strain guides, and field stories from the Hudson Valley Botanicals desk.

Federal Alert: Senate Letter Urges FDA to Schedule ALL Kratom Under the Controlled Substances Act

Mar 26, 2026
On March 18, 2026, a bipartisan group of 11 U.S. senators sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary urging...
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Kratom Legality Update March 2026: Connecticut Ban, Pending Bills in Iowa, Michigan, Kansas & More

Mar 26, 2026
The kratom legal landscape is shifting rapidly across the United States in early 2026. Multiple states are considering legislation that...
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Understanding Kratom: A Comprehensive Guide to This Traditional Botanical

4 min readNov 7, 2025
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it has been...
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Kratom Strains Explained: Red, Green, and White Vein Varieties

5 min readNov 7, 2025
One of the most fascinating aspects of kratom is the diversity of strains available, each with its own unique characteristics....
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How to Choose Quality Kratom: A Buyer's Guide to Finding Pure Products

4 min readNov 7, 2025
With kratom's growing popularity, the market has become flooded with vendors of wildly varying quality. Some offer premium, lab-tested products,...
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Kratom Preparation Methods: From Traditional Tea to Modern Techniques

4 min readNov 7, 2025
One of the beautiful aspects of kratom is the variety of ways it can be enjoyed. From time-honored traditional methods...
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The Legal Status of Kratom: State-by-State Guide and Regulatory Updates 2025

4 min readNov 7, 2025
Understanding kratom's legal status is essential for anyone interested in this traditional botanical. While kratom remains legal at the federal...
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Kratom Safety and Best Practices: A Responsible User's Guide

4 min readNov 7, 2025
Like any botanical supplement, kratom should be approached with knowledge and respect. This guide covers essential safety information, responsible use...
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Kratom Dosing Guide: Finding Your Perfect Amount for Optimal Results

2 min readNov 7, 2025
Finding the right kratom dose is both an art and a science. Unlike standardized pharmaceuticals, kratom is a natural botanical...
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Understanding Lab Testing and COAs: Why Third-Party Testing Matters

2 min readNov 7, 2025
In an unregulated industry, third-party laboratory testing is the gold standard for kratom quality assurance. Understanding what lab tests measure—and...
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Kratom for Energy and Focus: Best Strains and Usage Tips for Productivity

1 min readNov 7, 2025
Certain kratom strains and doses are traditionally used for energizing and focus-enhancing properties. This guide explores how to use kratom...
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Starting a Kratom Business: Wholesale Opportunities and Affiliate Programs

1 min readNov 7, 2025
The kratom industry has grown significantly, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and marketers. Market Opportunity 10-15 million Americans use kratom regularly...
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What Is 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)? Facts, Science, and What Consumers Should Know

Mar 26, 2026
If you follow kratom news, you have likely seen the term 7-hydroxymitragynine—commonly abbreviated as 7-OH—appearing in headlines, regulatory discussions, and...
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Kratom and the FDA: A Timeline of Regulatory Actions from 2014 to 2026

Mar 26, 2026
The relationship between kratom and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been one of the most consequential and...
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The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA): What It Is and Why It Matters

Mar 26, 2026
As kratom has grown in popularity across the United States, one of the most important developments for consumers has been...
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From Farm to You: How Kratom Is Harvested, Processed, and Shipped

Mar 26, 2026
Every bag of kratom powder you purchase has traveled thousands of miles and passed through numerous hands before reaching your...
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The American Kratom Association: GMP Standards and Consumer Advocacy

Mar 26, 2026
If you use kratom or are considering trying it, you have likely encountered references to the American Kratom Association (AKA)....
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Understanding Kratom Alkaloids: The Science Behind Mitragyna Speciosa

Mar 26, 2026
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is one of the most chemically complex botanicals available in the supplement market today. While many plants...
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The History of Kratom: Centuries of Traditional Use in Southeast Asia

Mar 26, 2026
Long before kratom became a topic of debate in American legislatures and FDA meeting rooms, it was simply a tree—a...
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Kratom vs. Other Botanical Supplements: What Makes It Unique in the Market

Mar 26, 2026
The botanical supplement industry in the United States is massive, generating over $12 billion in annual sales and encompassing thousands...
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Kratom Myths vs. Facts: Separating Science from Misinformation

Mar 26, 2026
Few botanical supplements have been the subject of as much misinformation, exaggeration, and conflicting claims as kratom. Depending on where...
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Traveling with Kratom: Know the Laws Before You Pack

Mar 26, 2026
Whether you are a frequent traveler or planning a once-a-year vacation, if you use kratom, one of the most important...
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Kratom Storage and Shelf Life: Keeping Your Kratom Fresh and Potent

1 min readNov 7, 2025
Proper storage is essential for maintaining kratom's potency, freshness, and safety. Why Storage Matters Poor storage leads to: Reduced potency:...
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Disclaimer: Kratom: FDA DISCLAIMER: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. KRATOM DISCLAIMER: “This product is not available for shipment to the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Utah; or the following counties: Sarasota County (Florida), San Diego (California), Oceanside (California), Alton (Illinois), Jerseyville (Illinois), Edwardsville County (Illinois), Columbus (Mississippi), Union County (Mississippi), Ascension (Louisiana), Franklin (Louisiana), Rapides (Louisiana)”. Our products are not for use by or sale to persons under the age of 21. WAAVE ALSO RESPECTS COMPLIANCE IN THE FOLLOWING STATES AND COUNTIES: Vermont, Louisiana. Denver CO, Washington D.C., Newport Beach CA, Malheur County, Parker & Monument (CO), Grant Parish (LA), Franklin (NH) and several other counties in Mississippi. We do not ship internationally. ID verification is required for shipments to the following states: Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, Colorado, Oregon, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Rhode Island. Enhanced Kratom cannot be shipped to Tennessee and Georgia. Kratom is NOT used to treat, cure, or mitigate any disease, illness, ailment, and/or condition. Please consult your doctor before consuming any new products. Kratom has not been tested on pregnant women. Please, see the FDA alert 54-15. We make no representations as to intended use or suitability for use. This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Specifically nickel, arsenic, and lead. For more information please visit p65warnings.ca.gov. We do not ship to military bases
- Botanicals: We respect federal state and city laws, our shipping restrictions are detailed below on the footer and they are automatically updated by WAAVE compliance FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding our products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. We assume no responsibility for the improper use of our products. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice. Merchants may not ship to military bases.
 

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