More kratom popping up in Marshalltown

More kratom is appearing in stores throughout Marshalltown. One way the substance can be found is in capsule form.

Signs outside gas stations and shops have been popping up more frequently in Marshalltown during the last year advertising a substance mysterious to many.

Kratom is a naturally grown herb from Thailand typically sold in capsules and mixed into tea. The substance is legal and unregulated in Iowa like in most states.

“All types of people use it,” Marshalltown Shag employee Danielle Catron said. The Marshalltown Shag store is one vendor of kratom in Marshalltown.

“For a lot of people it helps them get through their work day,” she said.

Users of kratom take it for different reasons, including consuming various strains for different effects. Some say kratom boosts their mood and energizes them, in a similar fashion to coffee.

Continue the story at Times Republican.