Vaping has taken the world by storm, and people use vapes for all kinds of herbs, from nicotine to cannabidiol (CBD). However, one uncommon and unconventional use of vaporizers is Kratom. Many people know about the health benefits of this herb, but not many know that others use it in vapes.
So, is vaping Kratom right for you? Is it as effective as other methods? Are there any drawbacks to vaping Kratom? Can you safely vape Kratom? Luckily, this article will answer your questions.
In this article, we will discuss what Kratom and vaping are, the benefits and drawbacks of vaping Kratom, the methods of taking Kratom, and other Kratom-related topics. Read on to find out more.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tree that belongs to the coffee family. You can typically find Kratom trees in Africa and Southeast Asia. Some of the ways people have used Kratom traditionally include:
- Chewing the leaves
- Using Kratom tea to improve productivity and combat fatigue
- Using the herb for religious purposes
- Using Kratom as a substitute for opium
- Using Kratom as medicine for numerous ailments.
When you take small amounts of Kratom, it can increase your alertness. However, taking it in high doses can cause pleasure, reduced pain, and sedation. You see these results because of two compounds in Kratom that interact with the opioid receptors found in your brain.
Most people use Kratom for pain relief. This is because medical practitioners tend not to use opioids to treat pain, so people have to find alternatives, and Kratom offers similar effects, making it optimal.
You can find Kratom in various forms such as extracts, capsules, resins, powders, tinctures, or drinks. For example, you can find a drink in Thailand made of Kratom leaves, cola, ice, and cough syrup.
Side Effects Of Kratom
Kratom is natural and has some benefits, but it is not entirely safe. Here are some effects you might experience after using the herb.
- Anxiety
- Itching
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Hallucination
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
Seeing as Kratom affects the human body in a similar way to opioids, there is a chance that you can get addicted to it. People suffering from Kratom withdrawal might experience the following:
- Pain
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Muscle spasms
What Is Vaping?
Before we determine whether you can vape Kratom, let’s discuss what vaping is. Vaping is the process of inhaling vapor made by devices called vaporizers or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). These devices are called e-cigarettes because they are shaped like regular cigarettes and basically do the same thing.
A vaporizer works by heating the substance you put inside and turning it to vapor. After the device creates the vapor, you can inhale it.
Most people opt for vaping because there are claims that it is safer and healthier than smoking.For more information you can refer to this guide to know more about vaping vs smoking. A vaporizer heats the substance below the burning point (combustion), so it generates vapor, not smoke. This is why people believe it is safer. However, these claims do not have enough evidence to be considered valid.
How Do People Vape Kratom?
Just like any other botanical herb and tobacco, you can vape Kratom. However, it is essential that you know everything vaping the herb entails, from possible side effects to all the health issues that surround Kratom.
Also, keep in mind that while possible, vaping is not the best method for using Kratom. So, if you must vape Kratom, consult your doctor or physician to ensure it is right for you. After all, your health is one of the most important things.
If you wonder how people vape Kratom, you are not the only one. Most people think the idea of vaping Kratom is absurd and does not make any sense, but it is actually an effective way to introduce some substances into your body. In fact, there are several ways to vape the substance, which are:
Portable Dry Herb Vaporizer
Portable dry herb vaporizer is a type of vaporizer that turns dry herbs into vapor, and works the same way as Kratom. All you need to do is place the Kratom in the vaporizer and press the power button to start the heating process. After a few seconds or minutes, the heating chamber will generate the vapor.
Herbal vaporizers are an alternative to bongs and pipes and are more popular than liquid Kratom vapes because Kratom vape juice is not easy to come by.
Keep in mind that these devices only work with coarse ground herbs, and if you try to use powdered Kratom, you will run into some problems. Using powdered Kratom will clog your vape, and the powder might burn when it touches the heating element. So, if you want to use a dry herb vaporizer, you must use dried Kratom leaf. Luckily, it is easy to find.
Liquid Vaporizer
Liquid vaporizers work a little differently than herbal vapes. These devices do not use dry plants. Instead, they use Kratom extracts which manufacturers mix with a carrier oil to make vape juice (e-liquid). The vape juice is what you load into the vape. Once you do this, you can turn on the battery-powered device and let the heating chamber create vapor using the liquid.
Ensure to buy e-liquids from reputable brands with reports from third-party lab testing. However, you might still end up with products that contain harmful byproducts because of how unregulated Kratom products are.
Benefits Of Vaping Kratom
Vaping kratom offers a way to enjoy the benefits of this herbal supplement in a portable and convenient form. This innovative method allows individuals to feel the effects of kratom in an effective manner.
Rapid Effect
One notable advantage of vaping kratom is how quickly the body absorbs its alkaloids. Users can experience the effects immediately, providing relief from pain, anxiety, or stress. This swift onset particularly appeals to those seeking results, offering comfort and relaxation when needed.
Convenient and Low-key
The discrete nature and convenience of vaping kratom are highly beneficial. Users can benefit from kratom using a vaporizer, allowing them to maintain a consistent wellness routine discreetly wherever they may be. This approach suits individuals who prefer a way of consuming kratom.
Precise Dosage Management
Vaping also enables users to control their kratom dosage accurately. Adjusting the vaporizer settings makes it easier to regulate intake and achieve the desired effects. Whether it’s relaxation or significant pain relief, this control over dosage is essential for both beginners—and experienced users of kratom.
Reduced Respiratory Concerns
When it comes to vaping kratom or smoking, there is a belief that the former carries lower risks for the respiratory system. By heating the kratom through vaporization, its active components are released without undergoing combustion, potentially reducing the intake of any substances.
Diverse Selection of Strains
Vaping offers a range of kratom strains to choose from, each with effects that can range from invigorating to calming. This variety allows users to pick a strain that aligns best with their wellness objectives, providing a personalized approach to experiencing the numerous benefits of kratom.
Drawbacks Of Vaping Kratom
Here are some disadvantages of vaping Kratom, so you can have all the knowledge to decide whether or not to try it.
Can Be Harmful To Your Lungs
Vaping is considered safer than smoking, but it still affects your lungs. The extent of this damage is still unknown, but the damage is definitely real.
After vaping, the residue remains in your lungs and could potentially cause more damage. Furthermore, the residue stays on your teeth, which changes their color and possibly damages them.
Wasteful And Expensive
Vaping can efficiently conserve botanicals, but this is not the same with Kratom. As you burn your botanical, you are wasting most of the plant.
Due to how much Kratom you are vaporizing, you would have to buy the herb constantly. However, using other methods is more practical and cost-effective.
Less Effective Due To Loss Of Active Ingredients
The goal of taking Kratom is to enjoy all the active ingredients it contains. However, there is a chance you might not get these when vaping because too much heat from an e-cigarette can destroy most of the active ingredients.
This makes them less effective; therefore, you do not enjoy the benefits you would if you used other methods. So, you must be careful when heating Kratom.
Potentially Dangerous
Similar to many other substances, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate Kratom. Hence, Kratom vendors are responsible for creating safe, effective, and high-quality products. Sadly, some vendors do not care about all that. Instead, they are out to make a profit, so they prioritize money over the safety of their clients.
In an attempt to create a high quantity of vape juice, a vendor might add unhealthy substances. Alternatively, their manufacturing process could be less than optimal, so their end products would contain impurities and toxins.
So, if you want to vape Kratom, we suggest buying products from trusted brands. Ensure to do proper research and read customer reviews. If the company has a reputation for providing safe and effective products, you can go for it.
Is It Safe To Vape Kratom?
As mentioned earlier, there is not enough scientific research or evidence to prove how safe vaping is. Therefore, we cannot definitively say what the long-term health effects of vaping are, be it positive or negative.
That said, most professionals believe that regardless of the substance you ingest, as long as you inhale it, it will affect your lungs in one way or the other. This means that they believe that both vapor and smoke can cause some type of effect on your lungs.
So, if you want to vape Kratom, it is essential to note that vaping, in general, is too new to determine how it would affect your lungs. Therefore, you should know that it will have an effect.
Here are some known side effects of vaping:
- Lung Edema
- Human carcinogen
- Respiratory irritation
- Increase inflammatory markers
- Tissue hypoxia
- Oxidative stress
- Increased arterial stiffness
- Increased leukocyte and platelet activation
While vaping is potentially safer than smoking cigarettes, it does not make it completely healthy. Numerous adverse side effects of using Kratom inappropriately exist.
What Can You Find In Kratom Vape Juice?
Finding Kratom vaping juice can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Different brands make their products in various ways, so you are unlikely to find two products with the exact same ingredients. That said, there are certain ingredients you are likely to find in Kratom vape juice. These include:
- Kratom alkaloids
- Propylene glycol
- Flavoring
- Nitrosamines
- Vegetable Glycerine
- Acetaldehyde
Keep in mind that using vape juice differs from taking only Kratom, and these additional ingredients may have some side effects, which include:
Nitrosamines – When taken in high amounts for an extended period, nitrosamines can possibly increase the risk of cancer. Furthermore, they can be quite harmful, especially when the manufacturers mix them with impurities.
Acetaldehyde – Acetaldehyde can cause irritation to the skin, respiratory tract, and eyes. Additionally, it can cause symptoms similar to alcoholism if you are exposed to it for a long time.
Propylene Glycol – The FDA generally recognizes propylene glycol as safe. Yet, there are some severe long-term side effects if you are exposed to it in high quantities. Some of these effects include dermatitis, kidney failure, and higher chances of a heart attack.
Vegetable Glycerin – Just like propylene glycol, the FDA also considers vegetable glycerin safe, but it can cause some side effects ranging from mild to severe. These side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Headaches
Optimal Vape Temperature For Kratom
If you want to vape Kratom, you must ensure that the temperature is not too high to avoid losing active ingredients.
The best temperature for vaping Kratom is between 345 °F to 390 °. If you try to increase the temperature, you might end up breaking down the alkaloids in the Kratom, which means you are not gaining anything from it. Therefore, there is no point in vaping.
Most vape pens come with settings ranging from 310 °F to 480 °F. Hence, you can easily adjust your device to prevent it from getting too hot. Always ensure to keep your vape on the lower end of the heat gauge.
Higher quality vapes come with settings for much lower temperatures. So, if you must vape Kratom, ensure you invest in a vaporizer with premium quality.
What Are The Other Methods Of Taking Kratom?
Like any other herb, you can vape Kratom, but it is not the most effective option. So, if you want to enjoy all that Kratom offers, we suggest you use another method while ingesting it. Here are some of the most effective ways to take the botanical.
Kratom Capsules
Several people enjoy using Kratom capsules because of how convenient they are. Each capsule contains a specific amount of Kratom powder, and the number of pills you require depends on each capsule’s brand and potency.
These capsules are fantastic for people who do not like the earthy taste of Kratom. This is because Kratom does not touch your taste buds; it just goes straight to your digestive tract. However, you might need to take numerous capsules to get the desired dose of Kratom.
Furthermore, it is important to note that this method is not fast-acting because the capsule needs to dissolve before the Kratom can take effect. However, it is still one of the best ways to take Kratom because of its portability and the lack of bitter taste.
Kratom Tea
Kratom tea is one of the most popular ways to consume Kratom, especially for those who like hot beverages. To make this tea, you simply mix Kratom powder with hot water and stir properly. Some people mix their powder with room temperature or cold water. However, the best and tastiest way to enjoy Kratom powder is with hot water.
Kratom Leaves
Kratom leaves are also effective the way they are. If you do not mind the bitter taste that comes with the leaves, you can simply chew them to enjoy their benefits.
Kratom Extracts
Kratom extracts are obtained from Kratom alkaloids. They are more powerful than the powdered form and offer a higher potency in a smaller size. Furthermore, you can find them in numerous fruity flavors, and some brands even offer Kratom extracts as taffy chews.
Smoking Kratom
Smoking is another method that we do not recommend, and this is because it has similar drawbacks to vaping. However, the disadvantages of smoking Kratom are more. Smoking Kratom is highly ineffective, and finding whole Kratom leaves to smoke is pretty challenging. Hence, we recommend using other methods mentioned in this article.
How To Handle The Earthy, Bitter Taste Of Kratom?
One primary reason people opt for vaping Kratom is to avoid the poor taste of the herb. The truth is Kratom tastes bad, and there isn’t much you can do about it. That said, there are ways you can improve the taste or reduce how uncomfortable it makes you.
Toss And Wash
The “toss and wash” method is the most common method of avoiding the taste of Kratom. You do not necessarily omit the taste, but you can reduce it quickly. In this method, you ingest the Kratom or mix it with water and swallow it.
Immediately after you consume, follow it up with a glass of juice, yogurt, or anything sweet to wash off the taste. This method ensures that the aftertaste of Kratom is negligible, and you don’t feel much discomfort.,
Mix Your Kratom Tea
If you want to take Kratom tea, you can mix it with other herbs, lime, lemon, or anything that can help change the taste of the tea and make it more palatable.
Add Kratom To Your Food
Lastly, you can add Kratom to your food. Mixing it with your smoothie or juice works best, but you can also put the herb in your food. However, if you choose to cook it in your food, be sure not to heat it too much.
We recommend adding the herb to your food at the end of the cooking process. If you overheat it, you risk killing the active ingredients like alkaloids.
Is It Legal To Vape Kratom?
Vaping is legal. However, it depends on what herb you use with it and where you live. The FDA has advised against using Kratom, but it is not illegal in most states. Kratom is illegal in six states, including
- California
- Arkansas
- Wisconsin
- Rhode Island
- Indiana
- Alabama
- Vermont
Furthermore, some states, such as Florida, Colorado, Mississippi, and California, have legalized Kratom, but certain cities, towns, or counties have different rules regarding Kratom. Also, there are several Kratom legislation ongoing in some states.
Outside of the United States, numerous countries have banned or restricted the use of Kratom. These countries include Japan and other parts of Europe. Therefore, you should study the regulations of your area before buying or consuming Kratom.
Where To Buy Kratom?
Due to a lack of regulation, buying Kratom products can be risky. The worst thing you can do is purchase low-quality or contaminated Kratom and mix it with your vape juice. This is why you should always buy from a trusted vendor.
Stay away from roadside sellers that sell “affordable” products. These products might be affordable, but they are mostly poorly made and will cause more harm than good. Look for products with batch numbers and adequate test results. This is the best way to ensure you get the most suitable products on the market.
You might be able to find Kratom products in local stores around, but the chances of this happening are pretty slim due to how unpopular they are. So, the best place to find these herbs is on the internet. There are a few brands that seem to have high-quality products online, but Happy Go Leafy is one of the best Kratom vendors you can find online that offers high-quality Kratom products. They are safe, potent, and affordable.
Conclusion: Is Vaping Kratom Right For You?
Well, there you have it. Vaping Kratom is possible but is not the best option for consuming Kratom. You can find other methods, such as capsules, powders, teas, and others. However, if you are dead set on vaping, it is vital that you look for brands with clean and pure products to ensure you do not buy products filled with impurities and contaminants.
If you are worried about the taste of Kratom using other methods, you can take steps to ensure the bitterness is reduced or does not last long on your taste buds.
