The Kratom Strain Name Game

There are a lot of kratom strains out there, and many of them don't necessarily correspond to specific, distinct harvests or regional differences. This can create confusion, as vendors often use made-up or marketing-driven names that don't have any clear ties to the geographical or botanical origins of the kratom. Let me explain how and why vendors create these names, and what it means for kratom buyers.

If you’ve spent any time shopping for kratom, you’ve likely come across an overwhelming number of so-called “strains.” From names like Green Malay and Red Maeng Da to more exotic-sounding labels like White Dragon or Super Elephant, it might seem like there are countless varieties of kratom to choose from. But the reality is that many of these names are nothing more than clever marketing.

While kratom does come in different varieties, the truth is much simpler: the effects of kratom are influenced by where it’s grown, how it’s harvested, and—most importantly—how it’s dried and processed. The strain names you see on vendor websites are often arbitrary, designed to make one product seem more unique or exclusive than another.

When it comes to kratom, what matters most is how a particular product works for you—not the fancy name on the package. Since kratom’s effects are influenced by factors like alkaloid content, freshness, and how your body responds to different drying methods, it’s far more important to find a product that suits your needs rather than chasing trendy names or marketing gimmicks.

Because there’s no standardized naming system, two different vendors could be selling the exact same kratom under completely different names. Instead of relying on labels, pay attention to how a product makes you feel and experiment with different red, green, or white vein varieties from reputable vendors. Once you find what works best for your body, you’ll know what to look for—regardless of the name on the bag.

How is Kratom Actually Classified?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, mainly found in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar. While different regions produce kratom with slightly different alkaloid profiles due to climate and soil conditions, kratom isn’t like cannabis, where different strains have distinct genetic differences.

Instead, kratom is typically categorized based on the drying and fermentation process, which influences its alkaloid content:

• Red Vein – Usually dried with prolonged exposure to sunlight or fermented to alter the alkaloid profile. This process can darken the leaves and change the balance of compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

• Green Vein – Typically dried indoors for a period before being finished in the sun. This method helps retain a balanced alkaloid profile.

• White Vein – Often dried entirely indoors or in a shaded environment, which preserves certain alkaloids that are more sensitive to light.

• Yellow/Gold Vein - Mellow, balanced, sometimes described as having euphoric or long-lasting effects.

These broad categories represent the real variations in kratom, but within those groups, there’s no official classification system. That’s where marketing takes over.

Why do Vendors Make Up Strain Names?

Since kratom isn’t subject to the same regulations as other herbal supplements, there’s no official tracking system for where a particular batch comes from or how it was processed. This has led to a situation where many vendors invent names to make their products seem more appealing.

Here’s how it works:

1. Same kratom, different names – A bulk supplier sells a batch of green vein kratom to multiple vendors. One vendor calls it "Super Green Malay," while another labels it "Emerald Thai," despite both being the same product.
2. "Exclusive" strains – Some vendors create names that imply a product is rare or more potent, even when it's just a standard variety of kratom. Terms like "Ultra Enhanced" or "Supreme" are often used without any real distinction.
3. Geographic mislabeling – Many kratom names reference locations like Bali, Borneo, or Thailand, but in reality, most commercially available kratom comes from Indonesia. The names don't necessarily reflect where the kratom was actually grown.
   

1. Marketing Strategy:

• Appealing to Consumers: Just like in any other product industry, kratom vendors want to stand out and make their offerings more appealing to potential buyers. Using unique or catchy names helps differentiate one vendor’s products from others. For example, a strain name like “Red Dragon” or “Super Green Reserve” sounds exotic and potent, which might attract more customers.
• Creating Exclusivity: Some vendors will create proprietary names for certain blends or variations of kratom to imply that they offer something special. This can be part of a strategy to suggest that the strain is rarer or more potent than others, even if it’s just a blend of existing strains.
• Marketing to Preferences: Vendors often tailor names to appeal to specific customer preferences. For instance, a name like “Relaxation Gold” or “Energizing Titan” could indicate a particular desired effect, even though it may not refer to a specific, scientifically defined kratom variety.

2. Blending Strains for Unique Effects:

   • Some vendors mix different types of kratom (from different regions, colors, or vein types) to create blends with specific effects. These blends can sometimes get their own names, such as "Energy Booster Blend" or “Calm & Focused.” While these blends may be carefully crafted for certain effects, they might not correspond to any specific kratom strain from the wild or a specific geographical origin. The names are just used to market the desired effects.
   • Since the kratom market is less regulated, there's a lot of flexibility for vendors to mix strains and give them names that fit their marketing goals.

3. Lack of Standardized Naming Conventions:

   • Absence of Regulations: Kratom is not regulated in the same way as pharmaceutical products. There's no universal naming convention or governing body that dictates what can and cannot be named a certain way. This lack of standardization allows vendors to be very creative with naming their products, but it also leads to a lot of inconsistency and confusion in the market.
   • Varying Terminology: Since kratom is a plant that’s native to a wide range of regions in Southeast Asia, different areas might have different local terms for the same strain. Without strict definitions, vendors can use the same names for different products, or invent entirely new names based on whatever sounds attractive. This can contribute to a huge variation in kratom names across different sellers.

4. Rebranding Existing Strains:

   • Sometimes vendors will take an existing kratom strain (like “Red Bali”) and apply a new name or tagline to make it sound more appealing or unique. For example, they might sell a particular Red Bali as “Golden Red Bali” or “Red Bali Reserve” in an effort to differentiate it or make it sound more premium. These names don’t necessarily have anything to do with how the kratom is grown or harvested—it's simply a marketing move.
   • Upgrading the Perception: By using terms like “premium,” “elite,” or “premium reserve,” vendors can charge higher prices for products that might just be basic kratom from a well-known region, without any actual difference in the product's quality.

5. Catering to Trends:

   • Like any market, kratom vendors are influenced by trends. For example, if a particular strain like "Maeng Da" gains popularity for its effects, vendors might try to capitalize on that popularity by creating their own version, using similar names but emphasizing slightly different properties. Names like “Super Maeng Da” or “Maeng Da Supreme” are designed to associate with the well-known strain, but may not represent any real difference in the product.
   • Sometimes, vendors just try to pick names that sound popular or trendy in the kratom community to ensure their product is noticed. In this case, a name might be picked simply because it’s catchy or evokes a sense of quality and effectiveness, rather than any connection to the plant’s origin.

The Problem with Made-Up Strain Names:

1. Lack of Transparency:

   • Since many kratom names are created purely for marketing, it can be very difficult for consumers to know exactly what they’re getting. Vendors may claim that a strain is from a certain region or has specific effects, but there’s no way for the buyer to verify those claims. Without clear information about where the kratom is grown, how it's harvested, and its alkaloid content, it's hard to judge its true quality.

2. Confusion in the Market:

   • The lack of standardization in naming means that similar or identical kratom strains can be marketed under vastly different names. This causes confusion for people trying to figure out which kratom is best for them, especially for new users who may not know what to look for.
   • Many kratom buyers might think they are buying something rare or unique, but in reality, the product could be very similar to another strain with a completely different name.

3. Potential Quality Issues:

   • Made-up names might not only confuse consumers, but they can also mislead people into thinking a particular strain is more potent or high-quality than it actually is. Vendors might label a blend or lower-quality kratom as “premium” to make it seem more desirable.
   • Since there are no universal standards for kratom cultivation and processing, the same name could refer to kratom of varying quality and potency depending on where and how it’s sourced. This can lead to inconsistent experiences for users.

The Problem with the Lack of Regulation

Because kratom is not federally regulated, there is no standardized way to verify the origin or composition of a particular batch. Most kratom is grown by small farmers, sold in bulk to distributors, and then repackaged by vendors. By the time it reaches consumers, it has changed hands multiple times, and the original details of its harvesting and processing are often lost.

This lack of traceability makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they’re getting. Without lab testing and transparency, there’s no way to verify whether a product labeled "Maeng Da" is actually any different from a generic red or green vein kratom.

1. Reputable Vendors: It’s always better to purchase kratom from well-established vendors who provide lab testing and transparency regarding the origin and quality of their products. Reputable vendors will also give you clear information about the specific effects of each strain.




2. Reviewing Product Descriptions: If a kratom vendor is using a made-up name, it’s a good idea to carefully review the product descriptions, lab reports (if available), and customer feedback to get a sense of what you’re actually buying.

3. Focusing on the Effects Rather Than the Names: Since kratom effects are more important than the names, focusing on the desired outcome (e.g., energy, relaxation, focus) rather than getting caught up in marketing terms can help guide your choice. Understanding the general characteristics of well-known strains (e.g., Maeng Da for energy, Bali for relaxation) can be more useful than the exact name of a strain.

Final Thoughts

The kratom industry is full of creative marketing, and strain names are often more about branding than science. While there are real differences in kratom based on how it’s grown and processed, the dozens of unique names you see on vendor websites are often just a way to sell more products.

If you’re looking for quality kratom, don’t fall for the hype of exotic strain names. Instead, focus on finding a trusted vendor that offers transparency, lab testing, and a consistent product. In the end, it’s not the name on the package that matters—it’s the kratom itself.

For anyone purchasing kratom, it’s important to prioritize transparency, customer reviews, and lab testing over catchy names to ensure you're getting a quality product.