Are you wondering about the difference between kratom and CBD? You’re not alone. Today, many people turn to these natural products to enhance their wellness, balance their mood, or simply unwind and chill out after a long day. Yet kratom and CBD are often misunderstood.
Kratom and hemp-derived CBD are not illegal drugs in the United States. They are supplements made from plants. Both are used in a variety of ways by people all over the world and have become popular in recent years for their wellness benefits. Researchers believe kratom and CBD both have significant potential for medicinal use, although further studies are needed.
So let’s dig into the basics of CBD and kratom, their key differences and similarities, and how many people use them to improve their quality of life.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. This tree is a relative of the coffee plant and grows in tropical regions in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Since ancient times, kratom has been used in religious rites and folk medicine in these areas. Workers also chewed raw kratom leaves to improve their stamina and vitality while laboring in the tropical heat and humidity.
In recent decades, kratom use has expanded to other parts of the world. Today, it is imported to the United States and other countries in the form of powders, capsules, teas, tinctures, and extracts. Many users enjoy kratom recreationally as a natural alternative to alcohol. Others report that kratom helps boost their mood or soothe physical discomfort.
But how does it work? The answer lies in unique chemical compounds called alkaloids. Kratom leaves are rich in two alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which induce kratom’s effects. When consumed, kratom’s alkaloids activate the opioid receptors in the brain. It’s important to note that kratom itself is not an opioid, but it interacts with similar receptors, potentially leading to a variety of effects reported by users.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for “cannabidiol” and is another natural ingredient derived from plants. Unlike kratom, there are two sources of CBD: cannabis (marijuana) and hemp. Technically, cannabis and hemp are the same species, Cannabis sativa.
However, experts classify them differently because hemp plants contain insignificant levels of THC (0.3% or less by dry volume), which is the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. At such low levels, using hemp won’t result in a “high.” However, it still contains enough CBD to offer benefits.
The hemp plant is also used in manufacturing because its fibers are ideal for textiles, building materials, and paper. Due to its separate classification, hemp is often legal in regions where cannabis is not. Hemp-derived CBD is widely available in many places without restriction.
Whether derived from hemp or marijuana, CBD works due to its effects on the endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS is a “web” of receptive cells that exist throughout the brain and body. It’s believed that the ECS helps regulate mood and pain response. It may also impact other areas of health.
Everyone has an ECS, which plays a role in biological functions whether or not you use CBD. But when people take CBD, it interacts with the ECS. Scientists are still studying how CBD works on this unique network of cells, but it’s believed that CBD may slow ECS degradation and thereby enhance its function.
Kratom vs. CBD: Effects
The effects of kratom and CBD vary. With kratom, variations occur based on the dosage and strain. According to many users, the reported effects of kratom may include:
- Increased focus and alertness
- A greater sense of motivation
- Higher levels of sociability
- Mood balance
- Increased stamina and vitality
- Ease of physical discomfort
- Feeling more grounded
- An easier time “winding down”
CBD’s effects are generally considered more subtle and may include:
- Stress relief and relaxation
- Mood stabilization
- Improved sleep quality
Additionally, researchers believe that CBD may also lower inflammation and help with pain relief when used consistently over time. However, more studies are needed to confirm these claims.
If you are experiencing any medical issues or injuries, always consult your physician prior to using CBD, kratom, or other supplements. Start with the lowest possible dose and be mindful of possible side effects such as dry mouth or upset stomach.
If you are consuming CBD derived from marijuana, rather than hemp, do not drive or operate heavy machinery. Always keep CBD, kratom, and other botanicals out of reach of children and pets.
How to Use Kratom vs. CBD
In the United States, the most popular way to consume kratom is powders and capsules. Users mix kratom powder into their favorite nonalcoholic beverage or simply take a pinch in their mouth and wash it down, a technique known as the “toss-and-wash.”
Others swallow kratom capsules, which may offer greater convenience and dosing precision. Kratom is also available as teas, tinctures, and extracts. Many users embrace their creative side and add kratom to baked goods, DIY gummies, or other recipes. More recently, some in the kratom community are exploring its use in skincare.
CBD use is also varied and creative. In regions where it is not restricted, consumers can purchase commercially-made CBD powders, capsules, chocolates and gummies, drinks, soaps, and more. There are also many pain relief products enhanced with CBD. Many people also purchase pure, concentrated CBD oil, which they add to recipes or simply ingest by placing a few drops in their mouth.
Kratom vs. CBD: Flavor
Flavor is another noteworthy difference between kratom and CBD. Raw kratom powder has an acquired taste. Its flavor is earthy and often described as bitter. When doing a “toss-and-wash,” it’s recommended to wash your kratom down with fruit juice or another flavorful beverage to obscure potential aftertaste.
CBD, on the other hand, has a much subtler flavor compared to kratom. Pure hemp CBD oil is often described as savory, grassy, and slightly nutty. However, oral CBD products are commonly made with added natural flavors like peppermint extract, fruit juices, or vanilla. It’s also easy to “disguise” the flavor of CBD by blending it with other ingredients.
Availability of Kratom vs. CBD
As previously mentioned, kratom and hemp CBD are not federally controlled substances in the United States. This means they are regulated at the local level.
Kratom is currently prohibited in some states and municipalities, but otherwise legally available. To learn more about the latest kratom laws where you live, visit the American Kratom Association.
CBD’s broader legal status depends upon its source. When derived from marijuana plants, CBD is controlled at the federal level and only available in states that have passed laws legalizing marijuana.
However, CBD made from hemp is not a controlled substance. Like kratom, hemp CBD’s legal status varies from state to state. Currently, hemp CBD use is legal or unregulated in most states but banned or restricted in Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Utah, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Washington, D.C.
Choose the Best of Both
If you’re shopping for kratom or CBD, always choose the best products from responsible vendors. At Joe’s Botanicals, our kratom products are lab-tested to guarantee purity, potency, and quality. Shop now!
