Undoubtedly, herbal medication is gaining massive popularity as people turn to convenient, DIY, and in most cases, low-cost solutions to a range of health conditions. CBD is gaining global recognition among health care specialists and consumers. Kratom is another supplement used for relaxation, motivation, and focus.
Nevertheless, the two products have concrete differences in terms of their sources, molecular structure, working, and side effects. Let’s explore the differences between the CBD and Kratom.
Origins of CBD and Kratom
CBD is a cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant, commonly farmed in Asian and European nations. The hemp plant contains 20+% CBD and about 0.03% THC. Manufacturers extract CBD from the hemp plant in the form of oil, which is converted to a variety of products such as edibles, capsules, and tinctures.
On the other hand, Kratom is a plant closely related to the coffee plant and is prevalent in Southeast Asian nations such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The plant is scientifically referred to as Mitraygna Speciosa and is natively used as an opium substitute in the Southeast Asian countries. Nevertheless, Kratom is popular in the global market for its relaxation benefits. At low doses, Kratom acts as a stimulant but have been shown to exhibit characteristics similar to opium when consumed in high doses.
CBD and Kratom’s Active Ingredients
CBD is the main component in CBD products and interacts with the endocannabinoid system. You will find that most of the CBD products are full-spectrum—they contain a certain percentage of all cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. They include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidiol acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinol(THC).
The main ingredients of Kratom are 7-hydroxymitragynine (said to result in intoxication) and mitragynine. Mitragynine is regarded as the core chemical in Kratom responsible for the product’s relieving effects. When consumed, Kratom’s ingredients interact with the body’s opioid receptors.
Uses
Different strains of Kratom produce different effects. Red Vein Kratom can result in narcotic and sedative effects similar to morphine. White Vein kratom or Maeng Da may increase personal drive and focus in some people. It has been suggested that cannabidiol may be effective in treating a range of psychological and physical anomalies, resulting in general relief and well-being. Additionally, the products may assist in dealing with substance withdrawal.
Consumption Methods of CBD and Kratom
There are several ways to consume CBD, which has lead to its massive popularity. The most common technique is the oral consumption of CBD oil. Manufacturers combine extracted CBD with oil to come up with CBD oil, which you can easily take orally. You can also purchase CBD edibles or smoke CBD-rich strains of marijuana to obtain the cannabidiol effects.
Conventionally, people chew the leaves of the energy-inducing type of Kratom, Maeng Da. You can also make tea from the leaves of any of the three strains of Kratom. Moreover, Kratom can be grounded into powder, which can then be mixed with liquids such as warm water or incorporated in foods such as yogurt for easy ingestion. Online Kratom vendors such as Kratom Crazy usually sell the product in the form of powder and capsules.
Side Effects
Cannabidiol is non-psychoactive and non-addictive, so you don’t need to fret over the mild-altering side effects. People who take CBD products may experience diarrhea, drowsiness, mood changes, and dry mouth. It’s advisable to consult a physician if you intend to combine CBD and prescription medications. Some professionals advise against pregnant women taking CBD or any other cannabis product.
Consumers of Kratom might experience side effects similar to those of opioids. It has been suggested that one may develop an addiction after continued use of consumption of Kratom. It’s worth mentioning that the FDA issued an alert concerning the health risks of Kratom consumption. Other side effects of the product include lack of appetite, dry mouth, itching, and nausea.
Legality of CBD and Kratom
CBD is widely recognized as a medical product provided it’s derived from the hemp plant (with a maximum of 0.03% THC). Hence, it’s legal to produce, sell, and use hemp CBD in most countries across the world.
Nevertheless, controversies revolve around the legal status of Kratom because its effects are perceived to be similar to those of banned opioids. Countries such as Malaysia and Australia have banned Kratom, whereas others like New Zealand, Poland, and Germany have declared the products as a controlled substance. Some US states have banned Kratom, but it remains legal at the federal level.
Bottom-line
CBD and Kratom are plant-based products used to relieve a variety of conditions. Some of their effects are similar, but the herbal products have distinct differences in terms of their origin, consumption methods, active ingredients, and legal status as outlined above. Generally, CBD is legal in most countries, but it’s best to understand the statutory provisions surrounding the use and sale of Kratom in your country before purchasing the product.
