On Page with Cory Kilheeney: The Responsibilities of Being a Kratom Vendor

Over the past ten years Kratom has been a topic of controversy between the FDA and the some 9 million people who use Kratom for chronic pain, depression, helping people off of painkillers prescribed by doctors and people that have elevated from pills to more serious illegal drugs. A tree from the coffee family creating so much controversy and at the same time saving so many lives. Part of the reason Little Leafs United exists is to help educate the public about Kratom and the community of users as a whole.

In 2016 there were 44 cases where consumers had an interactions adulterated Kratom that were believed to cause their deaths. Adulterated meaning mixed with other drugs or Kratom taken along side of other potent substances some of the cases included illicit drugs, opioids, benzos, alcohol and some over the counter medications such as cough syrup. Among those cases there was not one case that was linked to a pure Kratom death. That is second reason for Little Leafs United; to help consumers meet reputable and responsible vendors so Kratom remains on the map in the United States for availability.

Today we are on page with Cory Kilheeney, owner of #MBC’s presents Kava Bar in Trucksville, Pa and Kratom vendor as well to many throughout the country to talk about the measures of what it takes to be a reputable and responsible vendor.

Me: Tell me how is it that you decided to open a Kava bar?
Cory: Like many people who take Kratom, I struggled with drugs in my younger years. I had been sober almost 10 years when the concept for Kava Korner was born. Like many addicts, I had spent time in Florida and discovered the Kava bar scene on one of my trips to rehab. After settling down in NEPA and having so much sobriety under my belt I saw the opportunity to have a safe place for sober people to go, to have all the comradery of the bar scene without any of the dangers or temptations.

Me: And in addition to #MBC presents Kava Korner bar you sell plain leaf Kratom. How is it that you decided to add Kratom to your Kava business?
Cory: We ran for about 6 months with strictly Kava. To be honest, I like many people were uneducated on Kratom and was nervous about one, getting any type of feeling from something I would digest and two making sure our environment stayed safe and inclusive for everyone. After some education on the plant and feedback from our customers, it seemed like the perfect fit.

Me: As I understand there are a lot of steps that you take to ensure that your Kratom is clean and of quality. Can you tell us a little about these measures that you have put in place to make sure your Kratom is of top shelf quality?
Cory: What is some of the hurdles in getting your business to where it has become today? First and foremost, finding a reputable supplier that carried and clean and potent product. Secondly comes the part of learning how to keep the product safe, logistics and packaging of the product. To this day we continue to examine or processes to constantly keep improving.

Me: As more research is given towards discovering Kratoms other properties, where do you hope to see Kratom in the next few years?
Cory: There’s so many misconceptions about the plant, I would just hope research continues to show the world the truth about this great plant and many of those misconceptions start to fade away so people can try them plant with an open mind. Recently, Johns Hopkins released an article about its potential to help with many ailments while having low potential for abuse. With reputable research like that, I hope the trend continues to open more eyes on the subject.

Me: To new users who are looking to purchase Kratom what are some qualities that a person purchasing Kratom should look for or be aware of?
Cory: I would check out their website for credentials and chat with the owner/employees if possible. Current consumers with testimonials are always a great way to collect honest information. See what steps (clean rooms, packaging, processes, AKA. affiliation, GMP compliant, lab testing etc) they are taking to keep your tea safe.

Me: And advice to new vendors that are entering the space, what are some tips that you could give them so they can help others consume safely and responsibly?
Cory: Do your research into suppliers and understand that this can take a while to get it right. Take the time to build your clean room the right way and develop systems to ensure a clean product. I know it’s tempting to start selling as quickly as possible but these processes are 1. Making sure your customers are staying safe 2. Give you those lifelong customers who have a vendor they love and trust.

Me: And lastly what is your favorite strain of Kratom and how to you take your tea?
Cory: With owning a Kava and Kratom bar I’m lucky enough to have endless brewed tea at my disposal. I have been at the same dose with the same blend for years – I use 50% green, 25% red and 25% white every morning before my coffee. It became so popular we now offer it as its own blend – MBC’s Special Reserve.

About Cory Kilheeney
Cory resides in Dallas, PA With his wife Mary, daughter Kendra (8) and two crazy dogs Sophie and Tiggy. I spent my early professional career in the car business as a general manager before moving into the finance end of things. I’ve always dabbled in entrepreneurship ventures before quitting my job to peruse my dream of Kava Korner/MBC botanicals full time three years ago. 10 years of sobriety under my belt, there’s nothing better than waking up each morning helping and educating others on this wonderful plant that has saved/changed so many lives.

About #MBC presents Kava Korner Kava Korner
#MBC presents Kava Korner is located in Trucksville, PA and is truly one of its kind. Besides offering retail products like Tea, Capsules and CBD products it serves as a Kava and Kratom bar with a full service kitchen. Our business was voted as “Best New Business” in local newspaper as well as earned a slew of awards for the scratch made food it offers. It is a a safe place for a wide demographic in our community to come together and we are looking forward to expanding the business in the future.