1836 Kratom Review: Texas Premium Brand Worth It? 2026 Guide

1836 Kratom earns a solid 4.0/5 rating as a premium Texas-based kratom brand making national waves. Founded by Steding & Sons Mercantile in Austin, this AKA GMP-certified vendor offers unique blends like Atomic Maeng Da and Texas Red through hundreds of retail stores across 20+ states. Their wild west branding and strict quality standards have built a cult-like following among kratom users who demand consistency.

With over 5 years in the kratom industry at Flavourz Kratom, I've watched 1836 Kratom grow from a regional Texas operation to one of the most recognized "head shop" brands in America. What makes them special? Many kratom fans specifically seek out 1836 products because their quality control beats most competitors in the retail space. This 1836 Kratom review breaks down everything you need to know before buying.

Quick Reference: 1836 Kratom at a Glance

What Is 1836 Kratom?

1836 Kratom is a premium kratom brand run by Steding & Sons Mercantile out of Austin, Texas. The name "1836" honors the year Texas declared independence from Mexico. This fits perfectly with their bold wild west branding and proud Texan identity.

The company was founded by Jeremy and Tiffini Steding, a husband-and-wife team passionate about kratom advocacy and wellness. Jeremy has used kratom for over a decade and brings hands-on experience to their product development.

What sets 1836 Kratom apart is their unique business model. You cannot order directly from their website. Instead, they operate as a wholesale supplier to hundreds of head shops, smoke shops, and wellness stores across more than 20 states. For online purchases, they direct customers to their sister site, Crystal River Herbs, based in Golden, Colorado.

According to Kratom.org's vendor review, 1836 Kratom has made such a big impact that many kratom fans specifically seek out their products. This is impressive considering most "head shop kratom" has a poor reputation for inconsistency.

1836 Kratom Quality Standards and Lab Testing

Quality is where 1836 Kratom truly shines. Here's what makes their testing stand out:

AKA GMP Certification

In June 2019, 1836 Kratom became one of the earliest American Kratom Association GMP Qualified Vendors. This means they follow strict Good Manufacturing Practices and undergo regular third-party audits to maintain certification.

Double Lab Testing Protocol

Every lot of 1836 kratom gets tested twice. First in Indonesia before shipping. Then again by accredited third-party labs in the United States. This double-check approach catches problems that single testing might miss.

Their lab tests cover:

• Alkaloid content (Mitragynine and other compounds)
• Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, nickel, cadmium)
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Microbiology (Salmonella, E. coli, mold)
• Residual solvents (for extract products only)

Public Lab Results

Unlike many vendors who hide their lab results, 1836 Kratom publishes them directly on their website. You can view recent certificates of analysis for Texas Red, Atomic Maeng Da, Great White, Indonesian Sunrise, and all other strains. This transparency builds trust with quality-focused buyers.

Heat Sterilization Process

1836 Kratom uses a proprietary heat sterilization process. They believe this enhances the bioavailability of alkaloids while adding extra protection against bacterial contamination. The company notes this step goes beyond basic industry requirements.

Understanding what separates good kratom from bad kratom matters. Check out our guide on premium vs commercial grade kratom differences to learn more about quality markers.

1836 Kratom Product Line: Complete Strain Guide

Core Kratom Strains (Powders and Capsules)

1836 Kratom offers 8+ core strains with creative Texas-themed names. Each strain targets different effects and times of day.

1836 Kratom Atomic Maeng Da Review

Atomic Maeng Da is the most talked-about 1836 strain on Reddit and kratom forums. This full-spectrum blend combines red, green, and white vein kratom for well-rounded effects.

Effect Ratings:

• Energy: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Relief: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Focus: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
• Mood: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Even users who don't love other 1836 strains often admit their Atomic Maeng Da is "a bomb." The blend provides energy and relief without heavy sedation, making it good for demanding tasks or workouts.

1836 Kratom Texas Red Review

Texas Red is 1836 Kratom's signature strain. This dark red kratom is sun-cured for enhanced effects and designed for evening use.

Effect Ratings:

• Relief: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Relaxation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Mood: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Energy: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

One detailed Reddit review described the effects building for up to 4 hours, calling it "the best kratom she had ever used." Many athletes use Texas Red for post-workout recovery.

1836 Kratom Super Gold Review (Sand Panther)

Sand Panther's Super Gold is marketed as the "ultimate good mood strain." This balanced gold blend sits right in the middle of the effect spectrum.

Effect Ratings:

• Mood: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Relief: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Relaxation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Focus: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
• Energy: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Artists and creative types love this strain for its sense of flow without feeling wired or overly sedated.

1836 Kratom Green Means Go Review

Green Means Go is a supercharged Green Malaysian Maeng Da built for maximum energy output.

Effect Ratings:

• Energy: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Focus: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Mood: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Relaxation: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

This strain is popular with hard workers, athletes, and anyone needing sustained alertness throughout busy days.

1836 Kratom Indonesian Sunrise Review

Indonesian Sunrise is a powerful white blend sourced from Nanga Banut, Indonesia, then crafted in Austin, Texas.

Effect Ratings:

• Mood & Focus: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Energy: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Relief & Relaxation: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Perfect for morning or mid-afternoon use when you need long-lasting energy and enhanced mental clarity.

Specialty Blends and Functional Products

1836 Kratom stands out with unique specialty formulas:

• Fighter's Full Potential: Super green kratom enhanced with turmeric extract, cayenne, and cinnamon. The founder's personal favorite. Built for athletes and physical labor.
• Aristotle's Logic: Bright white kratom with Lion's Mane mushrooms, Chaga, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne. Designed for cognitive support and mental demanding tasks.
• Irene's Good Night: Dark red kratom with valerian root, ashwagandha, and cinnamon. Made for evening relaxation and sleep support.

1836 Kratom Extracts

For users wanting stronger effects, 1836 offers several extract options:

• Electric Illumination Tablets: 60mg mitragynine per tablet for intense focus
• Invisible Electric Liquid: 430mg total per 15ml shot (equivalent to ~12g kratom)
• 1836 Fitness Shots: 3-5g kratom equivalent plus 160mg caffeine in peppermint or cinnamon
• Lazy Luau: Combines kava, kratom, and ashwagandha (235mg kavalactones + 5-7g kratom equivalent)
• Candy Apple Caramel Chews: 22mg mitragynine full-spectrum extract per chew

Want to understand the differences between formats? Read our comparison on kratom extract vs powder.

1836 Kratom Pricing Analysis

Let's address the main complaint about 1836 Kratom: the price. This brand is expensive. They don't apologize for it because they focus on quality over price competition.

Since 1836 sells mainly through retailers, prices vary by store. Here's what to expect:

According to Golden Monk's analysis, 1836 Kratom powder costs roughly $30 more per kilo than comparable brands. One Reddit user commented: "What a rip off, I get greens tested at 1.8% mit for $25 for a quarter (250g)."

Ways to Save on 1836 Kratom

• Crystal River Herbs: Their sister site offers products with minimal markup and free shipping over $100
• Bulk Coupon: Use code "KILOS" for 20% off when buying 3+ kilos at Crystal River Herbs
• Retail Sales: Watch for sales at your local head shop or smoke shop
• Third-Party Sites: Retailers like Payless Kratom sometimes offer better pricing

Where to Buy 1836 Kratom Products

Unlike most kratom vendors, 1836 Kratom works as a wholesale company. Here are your buying options:

Option 1: Local Retail Stores

1836 Kratom partners with hundreds of head shops, smoke shops, CBD stores, and wellness retailers across 20+ states. Visit their website's store locator to find partners near you. This is how most customers discover 1836 products.

Option 2: Crystal River Herbs (Official Online Store)

Crystal River Herbs is 1836 Kratom's sister site based in Golden, Colorado. They stock the complete product lineup.

Crystal River Herbs Details:

• Same-day shipping for orders before 2 PM MST (Monday-Friday)
• Free shipping on orders over $100
• Flat-rate $8 shipping for smaller orders
• AKA GMP Qualified Vendor
• Ships to all legal US locations

Option 3: Third-Party Online Retailers

Several online stores carry 1836 Kratom products with varying prices:

• Payless Kratom
• Whole Earth Gifts
• Pure Leaf Kratom
• CBD Etc

1836 Kratom Customer Reviews

1836 Kratom has built a devoted following, though opinions are mixed. Here's what real customers say:

Positive Reviews

• "All of the 1836 products I've tried are wonderful. I keep several colors on hand for all my different needs. Highly recommended." – Marty, Whole Earth Gifts
• "Their Kratom red kilo jar is well micronized, and doesn't taste like dirty grains of grass. Effects are just fine." – Christian E., The Vapor Studio
• "I have used 1836 for a while now and consider it the best." – Payless Kratom customer
• "As always fast shipping, amazing fresh product!" – Online review

Critical Reviews

• "1836 is awful. Overpriced, their labs don't match their packaging and the mit (content) is so low. I need to take so much more of their stuff." – Reddit user
• "What a rip off, I get greens tested at 1.8% mit for $25 for a qrt (250g)." – Reddit user

Most complaints center on pricing rather than quality. Users who can afford the premium typically report positive experiences with consistency and freshness.

1836 Kratom Advocacy and Research Support

Beyond selling kratom, 1836 Kratom actively supports the kratom community:

• University of Florida Research: Financial support for Dr. Chris McCurdy's pharmacological kratom studies
• American Kratom Association: Proud supporter of ongoing advocacy work
• Charitable Giving: Regular donations to St. Jude, Doctors Without Borders, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and other causes
• Natural Kratom Advocacy: The Stedings speak against synthetic kratom compounds and support responsible regulation

This community involvement shows 1836 Kratom thinks long-term about the industry's future.

1836 Kratom vs Other Premium Vendors

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1836 Kratom legit?

Yes. 1836 Kratom is a legitimate company run by Steding & Sons Mercantile in Austin, Texas. They've been AKA GMP certified since June 2019 and publish lab results publicly on their website.

Can I order 1836 Kratom online?

Not directly from their website. 1836 operates as a wholesaler. For online orders, visit their sister site Crystal River Herbs or third-party retailers like Payless Kratom.

Why is 1836 Kratom so expensive?

1836 Kratom focuses on quality over price. Their double lab testing, heat sterilization process, and AKA compliance add costs. Retail markup also increases final prices at head shops.

What is the best 1836 Kratom strain?

Atomic Maeng Da is the most popular and highest-rated strain. For relaxation, Texas Red gets excellent reviews. Green Means Go is the top choice for energy.

Does 1836 Kratom offer coupon codes?

1836 Kratom doesn't offer retail coupons directly. However, Crystal River Herbs offers "KILOS" for 20% off 3+ kilos. Third-party retailers may have their own discount codes.

Where is 1836 Kratom located?

1836 Kratom headquarters are in Pflugerville/Austin, Texas. Their sister site Crystal River Herbs operates from Golden, Colorado.

What does 1836 mean?

1836 is the year Texas declared independence. The brand uses Texas pride and wild west imagery throughout their marketing and packaging.

Is 1836 Kratom the same as Quantum Kratom?

Yes. 1836 Kratom was formerly called Quantum Kratom before rebranding under Steding & Sons Mercantile.

Final Verdict: Is 1836 Kratom Worth It?

After serving over 10,000 customers at Flavourz Kratom since 1999, I can confirm 1836 Kratom represents a legitimate premium option in a market full of inconsistent products.

The Good: AKA GMP certification since 2019, publicly available lab results, excellent batch consistency, unique proprietary blends, widespread retail availability, and strong community involvement.

The Bad: Premium pricing 30-50% above average, no direct online ordering, limited strain variety (8+ versus 30+ at larger vendors), and some users report mitragynine content doesn't match the premium price.

Bottom Line: If you've been let down by inconsistent head shop kratom and want a reliable, tested product you can find locally, 1836 Kratom delivers. Atomic Maeng Da and Texas Red have earned devoted fans for good reason. However, if budget matters most to you, better value exists elsewhere.

Looking for premium kratom at more competitive prices? Explore our complete kratom collection for lab-tested options that won't break the bank.

Important Disclaimer

FDA Notice: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kratom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Kratom may be habit-forming with repeated use. Consult a physician before using kratom, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

Legal Notice: Must be 21+ to purchase. Kratom is not legal in all areas. Not available in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and select cities/counties.

Last Updated: December 2025