LF advice with D closing up.

[BundyMcDiggyDoodles]

I have been putting off getting an reup through D for too long. In the meantime I have just been getting cheap wholesale from a different vendor. Been wanting to put in a good order for some good quality that is a bit more expensive having D to fall back on was great for that. But now I am a bit lost and don't know where to turn he was the only small batch members only vendor I was able to get a membership from. So any advice where to look would be great. In the past I tried smiley and the trading post both were decent. But the majority of pricier kratom has always been kinda meh for me except for D. I am struggling with paying those prices and not being sure if it is going to be fire. Love yall and burn on!

[Kelleytoons]

It sounds like you are *mostly* asking about what small vendors are good but you also say you've tried the pricier vendors and didn't find anything that hits.

My basic advice is to watch the reviews here - there are ALL kinds of folks saying "fire" lately. If NONE of these hit for you then it might not be the kratom (you need to examine then how you are consuming - I won't go into details as there are WAY too many posts about that here, only to mention to keep it to two grams or less at a dose).

[e_poison]

Does anyone know why he is closing up shop?

[Greenmonster]

Because of the new rules for exporting kratom that just went into effect in Indonesia.

(Sorry, meant to make that a direct reply to the question and forgot to do so)

[Rambo]

MitraMan is good, STH, DTE, Herbal-RVA, TFH (private unfortunately), and plenty of others on this forum. All top notch vendors!

[anonk]

I feel like a fool being the only one not knowing what "D" is?

[Madvillain626]

I can vouch for DTE (Down to Earth Botanicals) and Lucky Herbals as far as good "public" vendors.

[Kelleytoons]

I feel like a fool being the only one not knowing what "D" is?

Not foolish - I never refer to Eric as "D" but it's shorthand for Denette, his last name. He sometimes goes by D615 (I think - I NEVER think of him as a number). Was a private vendor, but didn't get enough repeat business so he opened it up, and then it still wasn't enough. It was NOT for the upcoming "process" that he quit - it was mostly because he wasn't getting enough business and his shipments were sometimes seized and he didn't want to deal with it. The upcoming news was just more icing on the cake.

His quality was superb - other than TFH (my other favorite vendor) over half my 100+ rotation is his. I will miss him greatly (only the fact I have enough kratom to last the rest of my life makes me not so sad).

[BundyMcDiggyDoodles]

It sounds like you are *mostly* asking about what small vendors are good but you also say you've tried the pricier vendors and didn't find anything that hits.

My basic advice is to watch the reviews here - there are ALL kinds of folks saying "fire" lately. If NONE of these hit for you then it might not be the kratom (you need to examine then how you are consuming - I won't go into details as there are WAY too many posts about that here, only to mention to keep it to two grams or less at a dose).

A little backstory. Used it to help transition away from certain things which a good amount of people around these parts do. Initially was way over dosing was at a 12 3 times a day which is ridiculous now that I look back at it. Over the last couple of years got down to 2.5 3 times a day which is just right usually. I would like to get lower just been having trouble with it but will get there. Not used in a rec sense more for the anxiolytic effects and some of the pain issues from living a hard behind the dumpster camp kind of life (which thankfull is behind me). I never really notice too much unless I would actually get some fire type stuff. Just a helps me maintain being ok with being.

The thing that makes me tentative about people saying fire is starting out on so many Reddit boards that were mostly just salesy boards. Once I found here it seemed like they were more honest reviews. You know the hits of the board Ballz, Indelible, Brave, poison, just a lot of really informed sincere information. It was refreshing!

Started with gas station/head shop > Happy Hippoesque salesy online brands > to more quality open vendors like oties, STH, luckys > Denette. Tried some TFH, and Rhino through tradepost a few times but something about Denette stuff just was so helpful. Then I started to get a bit more frugal after a couple years of overspending still have some sk7 and sk8s in the closet. Tried a surprisingly decent bulk supplier which was good for the wallet so figured just bounce back and forth between both tried and true options.

All the time of over paying for subpar before finding here makes me nervous. As a compulsive person I don't want to drop 2 bills on something and be disappointed, mixed with don't want to get smaller sizes and find some fire but not have a decent stash of it. It's a tricky balance to find but I know I just will have to suck it up and give it a go. I thought Smileys was good but something about how its listed gives me analysis paralysis.

Moral of the story is if it wasn't for Denette I don't know where I would be now. I just appreciate his service and quality over the years even though its not something I articulated enough. I find it hard to imagine how many people he has helped through some dark times over the years. Business or not thats a good cat I think.

[gumbyke1]

I'm intentionally silent now days, but Ill come out of hiding to honor our friend Eric. We are losing a great one with "D" closing shop. I for one appreciated his commitment to his business, and contributions to the community.

Thanks Eric!

[Kelleytoons]

The good news is that YOU folks are still around - so you're going to get more business (from me, for sure :>).

I'll have to keep track - I try and buy just about everything but sometimes there's no way of knowing if I've missed something.

[Bandit357]

Hopefully TFH will take in a few new members
Ive been trying for a few years now

[Loveandpeace]

I second this!!

Gumbye, here me out...

Create a customer base that can only buy from your 100g section. Nothing else.

[gumbyke1]

Hopefully TFH will take in a few new members
Ive been trying for a few years now

I'm sorry for the long wait I know a lot of people look at un negatively because we will not take on new members, but I hope the folks who know about us can appreciate our reasons for doing so.

The only formal path to memberships with us has been when we held membership raffles, but admittedly its been a couple years since we have held one. We did let some folks in about a year ago who helped us with our research, but that was more of a one-off situation. We were thinking of doing a raffle sometime in the first half of 2025, but with the news of D closing down has us reconsidering what to do with these planned membership slots. With Eric closing down I know there are probably a lot of kratom veterans who are now needing a new "go to", so we are tossing around the idea of doing something for them specifically (we prefer to serve folks who are among more "experienced" kratom consumers, as they share our passions and are more often willing to participate research programs).

At any rate, we might have some things in the works?

[gumbyke1]

I second this!!

Gumbye, here me out...

Create a customer base that can only buy from your 100g section. Nothing else.

I appreciate the idea, its an interesting one for sure. However, I would never want to create a "tiered membership" type of thing...just feels wrong.

Also, the "100g only" designation serves an important function for our members. We intentionally construct a menu that ensures our members can order their favorite batches repeatedly - we removed "FOMO buying" from our equation. One of the things I hated most about the kratom industry back in the day is when I was a consumer was that when I would finally find a batch I like, it would sell out before I had a chance to buy it again (its advantageous for vendors to turn and burn batches...its good for business). However, our members know that they don't have to worry about that with us At any rate, the "100's only" designation is kind of the "fair warning" that the batch is on its last leg and if your not happy with your current stockpile, you better get on it.

I hope that makes sense. If we didnt have these special considerations, your idea might be a good one!

[gumbyke1]

The good news is that YOU folks are still around - so you're going to get more business (from me, for sure :>).

I'll have to keep track - I try and buy just about everything but sometimes there's no way of knowing if I've missed something.

We always love to hear from you Kelley. Please share my encouragements with the Mrs. , we have not forgotten her in our prayers.

[Kelleytoons]

The good news is that YOU folks are still around - so you're going to get more business (from me, for sure :>).

I'll have to keep track - I try and buy just about everything but sometimes there's no way of knowing if I've missed something.

We always love to hear from you Kelley. Please share my encouragements with the Mrs. , we have not forgotten her in our prayers.

Thanks. A LOT. Your messages were much appreciated by the two of us.

She's still in pretty dire straits but I remain hopeful (and prayerful). This Friday we are visiting a specialist in pain management for her exact issues and I truly think he might be the One. Time will tell.

And somehow I'll try and make sure I don't miss anything on your menu I already have (it's SO hard - my "normal" rotation now is about 100+ and at least half are yours, plus another 10-30 that rotate out of the normal rotation as the occasion warrants. Keeping track of all that I have is a bit too much even for this normally organized programmer. Sigh).

[SeventhHeaven]

I have been putting off getting an reup through D for too long. In the meantime I have just been getting cheap wholesale from a different vendor. Been wanting to put in a good order for some good quality that is a bit more expensive having D to fall back on was great for that. But now I am a bit lost and don't know where to turn he was the only small batch members only vendor I was able to get a membership from. So any advice where to look would be great. In the past I tried smiley and the trading post both were decent. But the majority of pricier kratom has always been kinda meh for me except for D. I am struggling with paying those prices and not being sure if it is going to be fire. Love yall and burn on!

One public vendor that hasn't been mentioned is Viable - their Maha Kali Red Vein in particular is EXCELLENT, it'll definitely help for pain (and probably anxiety). They're having a sale right now too - you can get 25g for $5.00 (normally $7.50) to take it for a spin and see what you think (plus shipping, unfortunately). Incidentally, MikeEDoesSomething here on DoubleM calls Maha Kali Red his "kidney stone" kratom - which is why I tried it in the first place

Viable's leaf isn't cheap - but that Maha Kali is WAY worth it!

[MikeEdoessomething]

I have been putting off getting an reup through D for too long. In the meantime I have just been getting cheap wholesale from a different vendor. Been wanting to put in a good order for some good quality that is a bit more expensive having D to fall back on was great for that. But now I am a bit lost and don't know where to turn he was the only small batch members only vendor I was able to get a membership from. So any advice where to look would be great. In the past I tried smiley and the trading post both were decent. But the majority of pricier kratom has always been kinda meh for me except for D. I am struggling with paying those prices and not being sure if it is going to be fire. Love yall and burn on!

One public vendor that hasn't been mentioned is Viable - their Maha Kali Red Vein in particular is EXCELLENT, it'll definitely help for pain (and probably anxiety). They're having a sale right now too - you can get 25g for $5.00 (normally $7.50) to take it for a spin and see what you think (plus shipping, unfortunately). Incidentally, MikeEDoesSomething here on DoubleM calls Maha Kali Red his "kidney stone" kratom - which is why I tried it in the first place

Viable's leaf isn't cheap - but that Maha Kali is WAY worth it!

Yup, 100% agree, and so glad it helped you!! I always keep Maha Kali nearby. It's always a consistent pain relieving red for me and my parents. The Maha is more expensive then their regular leaf but they always have coupons and even at the higher price it's worth it for us (The Maha Kali is basically all I buy from Viable, though occasionally I'll get something else). They send a sample ounce with each purchase and some of their reds and other leaf is pretty good (Red Sumatra stood out for me couple months back). Plantation MD is also usually a very good (IMO) energetic blend

But Maha Kali is one batch always in constant rotation for us

**Knock on wood** I haven't had a kidney stone in a while so hope this isn't a jinx

[WhiteAngelica]

Someone might poo on my head for this one, but you don't need a membership and there is a 20% off code. They have become indispensable to me over the last half year. I will tell you that yes, they are pricier. But the consistency is top notch and quality, next level. Entheofarm. They have been around forever, and I had a vague memory of trying them like, 8 years ago and I was a newbie who thought the grind on one particular strain was coarse and I was already married to other vendors anyhow...I read a review that came out of the dark and went, wait. I remember them back from the old days and with my first order, I've started a saga, a love affair if you will. I have tried many, many of their strains. I prefer reds but I cannot deny the excellence of strains that don't fit tidy into a singular box and though I have my solid go-to reds I order from EF, there are some genre benders and others proclaimed green or white that I like very much. My main preference is pain control, but I can objectively vouch for some must-haves to try. Anyway, I can state some of my favorites...that the code is Reddit20...that he is super generous with throwing in extras. In fact, I have so many extras that I have like, enough for God knows how many Entheofarm all-green samplers to make. I bring up EF, which is a bit pricey, yes. I am disabled and poor so I don't flush $ down the crapper, but I have been a kratomite for 9 years or maybe 10 at this point. One might say my tolerance is a little high, so the cost balances out when I need to take less from a vendor like Entheofarm because of its potency. I don't want to rub vendors with memberships in your face, so I won't. I really like Nodfather and membership is loosely defined there...someone vouches for you and there you are. Small batch Goodness. Lonestar Mitra Source is of course excellent and on MeWe, Denette said he was passing the details of one of his farms to Chris at Lonestar, who will likely source from this person, I imagine. I miss Heavenleaf like crazy but at least Mitraman gives us the DRHK series...(Dark Room Hulu Kapuas) and you do not have to be a member to revel in the glory of these--just go to Mitraman's site and put DRHK into the search. If you already know this, good. If you don't, this might help us during a difficult time.

I have favorite vendors. My tolerance is high. I love Kratom for pain control and depression. I have switched back and forth between ordering leaf from a wide variety of vendors or going through periods of diving deep with a select few. There are many vendors/places and I could say, 'I love their _____.' Then there are those where you could spin a menu around, put your finger on something and it would be great, period. This brings us to Denette. I am not taking the loss of Denette lightly and though I was able to order some before there was no longer, I have remained a) in a consistent state of denial that it is really over and b) flogging myself over and over for not getting a truckload of my favorite Denette offering, Red Bone. Other Red Bone ain't Denette Red Bone. Other vendors ain't Denette and it sucks. I wish I had been more of a D fundamentalist over the last couple of years--before that, it was membership driven and I was not a member.

Let us not forget the kindness and generosity of D. I remember him offering outreach to folks who had difficult circumstances and providing Kratom to those in need. I remember contests that functioned very similarly. He could have charged obscene prices and did not--one of the very best, legendary and deeply ethical vendors in small batch history.

[WhiteAngelica]

The good news is that YOU folks are still around - so you're going to get more business (from me, for sure :>).

I'll have to keep track - I try and buy just about everything but sometimes there's no way of knowing if I've missed something.

We always love to hear from you Kelley. Please share my encouragements with the Mrs. , we have not forgotten her in our prayers.

Thanks. A LOT. Your messages were much appreciated by the two of us.

She's still in pretty dire straits but I remain hopeful (and prayerful). This Friday we are visiting a specialist in pain management for her exact issues and I truly think he might be the One. Time will tell.

And somehow I'll try and make sure I don't miss anything on your menu I already have (it's SO hard - my "normal" rotation now is about 100+ and at least half are yours, plus another 10-30 that rotate out of the normal rotation as the occasion warrants. Keeping track of all that I have is a bit too much even for this normally organized programmer. Sigh).

I really hope things are okay with you and Mrs. Kelley as well. I don't know the fine details. For the last year and a half my partner has been fighting Inflammatory Breast Cancer and I am a caregiver who has a hard time now carving out time for myself at all. My visits to this community have been less frequent and I don't want that. There are amazing folks here. You are one of them and have always made me laugh when I visualize a kratom room that spawns and overflows these capsules of Godliness as you grind away at capping more in the night, 400 at a time, but still so many to go and still so many to take. It's hard to explain that kind of kratom-love to others...my other half has to stick to pharma and I hope I never have to pee in a cup to prove I'm behaving like a good patient should, but our magic green leaf isn't for all of us. Particularly, Pain Management did not seem jazzed when I dropped the K bomb during one of her appointments and realized that there are marvels in modern medicine that are open minded to Kratom and the gift to our health it may offer...but I haven't found a physician open to it quite yet when they still scrutinize tumeric like I'm talking about sprinkling talc on my morning Wheaties or something.

Pulling back my meandering thoughts, I am actually just saying that my meandering thoughts are with you, with you two. Take ...

[gumbyke1]

Hopefully TFH will take in a few new members
Ive been trying for a few years now

WELL.....

We had planned on holding a membership raffle sometime in 2025 since we have been slacking on opening up new spots (its been a few years since we have actually had a raffle). However, we have recently been contacted by a lot of Eric's members asking for advice on where to go. With that, its inspired us to welcome in a specific number of D615's former members instead of holding a raffle next year. It makes sense that those slots go to folks who will greatly appreciate them. We do not plan to make a separate post about it, so I guess it will only be seen by the folks that came here or if it spreads word of mouth.

We prefer to serve kratom enthusiasts who are a bit selective with their kratom consumption and are eager to assist with consumer research. With that, a small stipulation is that all those inquiring must agree to periodically assist us with our research by completing a private online kratom survey when asked. I'm aware that stipulation might put a bad taste in some folks mouths, but I promise its for the good of the flock. We cant do what we do without constant community feedback. Individual contributions go a long way in providing a great experience for the collective...it really does benefits each person who participates!

If that you, please contact us with proof of you having made purchases with Eric. Thanks!

[BundyMcDiggyDoodles]

This community is the best! It has definitely slowed down on the board over the years, but everyone is so good to each other. I love to see it! I appreciate you all. From Gumby super informative post about the kratom industry, to Kelley hasn't posted in a while. It is nice that people legitimately care about one another. I tend to be more lurky than post heavy, but it is just refreshing to see.

[Kelleytoons]

I really hope things are okay with you and Mrs. Kelley as well. I don't know the fine details. For the last year and a half my partner has been fighting Inflammatory Breast Cancer and I am a caregiver who has a hard time now carving out time for myself at all.

I am actually just saying that my meandering thoughts are with you, with you two. Take ...

Thanks so much for your kind words and I wish the same for you and your loved one. It's tough seeing your best buddy in such a condition, and takes a toll. You and I are in similar circumstances in terms and have been going through it in the same sort of time frame. I hope you at least try and carve out some time for yourself (for me it's getting out on the tennis court, which I should be doing more now that the weather has cooled off. Winter in Florida is one of the more delightful things about living here).

[Kelleytoons]

With that, its inspired us to welcome in a specific number of D615's former members instead of holding a raffle next year.

You guys are the best, Chris! This makes SO much sense and I'm glad it can help so many of those (TFH and Denette ARE essentially my rotation - I think together it's about 95% of the 150+ batches I have).

Now I just have to figure out another order from you - I'm definitely going to get some of this Crown Jewel another was bragging about. Just have to figure out one or three more to make up a kilo. If only I didn't buy so many from you (maybe because you are taking Eric's place I'll just make an effort to concentrate on making sure I have your entire menu again. At one point I printed it out and then ordered it all eventually, but that kind of went by the wayside over the last year or so. I'll start it up again. I DO wish you had at least an asterisk showing what was added in the last month or so, though (which you could remove after a month. But, yeah, a lot more work for you to keep track of).

[7-hydroxymitragynine]

Damn this is absolutely terrible news.
Denettes leaf was some of the best ever. Always been truly professional and such a class act all around. You will be sorely missed. Good luck in your future endeavors wherever they may take you!

[herbalhippie]

With that, its inspired us to welcome in a specific number of D615's former members instead of holding a raffle next year.

You guys are the best, Chris! This makes SO much sense and I'm glad it can help so many of those (TFH and Denette ARE essentially my rotation - I think together it's about 95% of the 150+ batches I have).

Now I just have to figure out another order from you - I'm definitely going to get some of this Crown Jewel another was bragging about. Just have to figure out one or three more to make up a kilo. ).

Get the Jade Hulu SSV: AC-023

[BallzDeep9]

I really hope things are okay with you and Mrs. Kelley as well. I don't know the fine details. For the last year and a half my partner has been fighting Inflammatory Breast Cancer and I am a caregiver who has a hard time now carving out time for myself at all. My visits to this community have been less frequent and I don't want that. There are amazing folks here.

Yes, absolutely, and same here too... great to see Chris posting and what a nice helping hand, for Eric's folks to try TFH... Many changes for kratom in 2024 ~ I may try & summarize what's happening in a new post. Along with Indonesia Export "regulations", this Year has seen major changes for the kratom industry ~ Our Leaf is booming in demand !! Retail sales, a huge variety of new products, And... unfortunately Legal issues ongoing. Probably fair to say ~ 2024 we're seeing a "shakeout" in the business?

I guess I'll piggyback here on Angelica's note, and Kelley's story ~ I've also been missing in action on MM, partly due to family issues... My common law Wife of 40+ years came down with cancer months ago. We moved her locally closer to family, & also better doctors (She'd lived in rural Oregon near coast for many years,) and... they diagnosed, end stage disease & Hospice came. She passed peacefully in her sleep. Our Daughter who now lives back East, with my 2 grand kids, she's been here... we all got through the ordeal together, and Mom's in a better place now. She was an artist, animal lover, and free spirit who worked as a nurse & had many adventures in life... and enjoyed her cannabis & kratom, for sure!

It's taking a while for this to sink in, so... Hug your kids and loved ones, & keep family close!

[herbalhippie]

I really hope things are okay with you and Mrs. Kelley as well. I don't know the fine details. For the last year and a half my partner has been fighting Inflammatory Breast Cancer and I am a caregiver who has a hard time now carving out time for myself at all. My visits to this community have been less frequent and I don't want that. There are amazing folks here.

Yes, absolutely, and same here too... great to see Chris posting and what a nice helping hand, for Eric's folks to try TFH... Many changes for kratom in 2024 ~ I may try & summarize what's happening in a new post. Along with Indonesia Export "regulations", this Year has seen major changes for the kratom industry ~ Our Leaf is booming in demand !! Retail sales, a huge variety of new products, And... unfortunately Legal issues ongoing. Probably fair to say ~ 2024 we're seeing a "shakeout" in the business?

I guess I'll piggyback here on Angelica's note, and Kelley's story ~ I've also been missing in action on MM, partly due to family issues... My common law Wife of 40+ years came down with cancer months ago. We moved her locally closer to family, & also better doctors (She'd lived in rural Oregon near coast for many years,) and... they diagnosed, end stage disease & Hospice came. She passed peacefully in her sleep. Our Daughter who now lives back East, with my 2 grand kids, she's been here... we all got through the ordeal together, and Mom's in a better place now. She was an artist, animal lover, and free spirit who worked as a nurse & had many adventures in life... and enjoyed her cannabis & kratom, for sure!

It's taking a while for this to sink in, so... Hug your kids and loved ones, & keep family close!

Oh no. Ballz, I am so sorry to hear this. This is heartbreaking.

[Kelleytoons]

Sorry, Mr. B. Your own story is far more tragic - while we continue to deal with her pain, Annie is with me and still my entire world. I do not know how I would even go on without her, so I feel for you deeply.

[boureka]

My deep condolences, ballz. Very sorry to hear this. We either leave or are left, it's a brutal aspect to the gift of life.

[e_poison]

I've also been missing in action on MM, partly due to family issues...

Very sorry to hear this, Ballz. And I agree, family is the most important thing in life. They are there for us when nobody else is. Friends come and go, and tend to drift apart over the years, but family is forever. This rings especially true the older I get.

[Ktom]

Chris,

Hats off to you for deciding to help some of Eric’s most important customers as it’s really tough when you support someone for years to see this happen……..both for the vendor and the customer. Eric was a very supportive , honest, responsible and attentive vendor and friend.

I just heard this sad news for the first time, as I’ve been a Denette customer for years ( I actually held the record for the largest order at once according to Eric) but recently took some time off due to personal reasons that you already know about. What a terrible way to start my day.

I’m recently back in the saddle and wondered why I saw almost nothing when I went on his pastebin menu, only to be informed here. To say I was saddened was and is a radical understatement. I still can’t believe it’s true.

Luckily for me, 95% of my business was between you and him, and Ive been blessed with a plethora of great leaf. The best part was you were both sourcing specialists and your leafs were, and still are, very different from each other. I cherished the fact that I could alternate my TFH and Denette and avoid same strain syndrome while enjoying noticeable differences between you both…….luckily I have plenty of his craft put securely away.

As saddened as I am, I am also extremely grateful for having you as my primary vendor through this horrible news, and feel very good that some select others will enjoy the security of knowing they couldn’t be in better hands than TFH and will be able to enjoy some of the FINEST LEAF available anywhere……hands down.

Eric will be missed as a vendor, advocate and community supporter.

Hopefully he is back one day soon…….NEVER SAY NEVER.

In, the meantime I will count my blessings from the past and the future.

Thank you DENETTE and TFH !!!!