85% of U.S. individuals use CBD in their daily lives, whether it be for pain relief, anxiety management, or overall wellness. But another strong competitor has arrived in the market to challenge CBD’s dominance: Kratom, a natural substance that has gained popularity for its ability to provide pain relief, boost energy levels, and improve mood.
These natural remedies have provided users with alternative options for managing various health concerns, leading to a growing debate over which is more effective. But with a set of benefits comes a new set of associated risks.
To help you make an informed decision, this article will explore the differences between CBD and Kratom in terms of their effects, potential side effects, and legal status. Understanding these key factors can help determine which option suits your needs and preferences.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained significant attention for its diverse effects. Its leaves contain alkaloids, such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with brain receptors. Increasingly popular in the United States, kratom is valued for its potential to alleviate discomfort, induce relaxation, and elevate mood.
In the U.S., kratom remains legal on a federal level, providing individuals with access to this natural remedy. While some states and municipalities have implemented regulations or restrictions, many regions allow its sale and use without issue.
Kratom enthusiasts appreciate kratom’s natural properties, while regulatory bodies emphasize responsible consumption and quality control measures within the industry. Kratom’s effects vary depending on dosage and individual response, with reported benefits including heightened energy and positive mood shifts.
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its counterpart, THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects, meaning it won’t make you feel “high.” CBD has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its potential benefits for health and well-being. It is commonly used to alleviate symptoms such as pain, inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia.
The legal status of CBD varies depending on its source and local regulations, but it is increasingly recognized and accepted for its positive effects on health. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various physiological functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and pain perception.
Overall, CBD offers a promising natural alternative for individuals seeking relief from various ailments without the intoxicating effects associated with THC.
What's The Difference Between Kratom and CBD: Comparison Chart
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Specifications |
CBD (Cannabis Sativa Plant) |
Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) |
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Low dose effects |
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High dose effects |
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Side effects |
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Safety |
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Legality |
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Addiction |
No |
Yes |
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Active ingredients |
CBD, THC, CBC, CBG, CBN, THCV |
Mitragynine, Paynantheine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, Speciogynine |
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Origin |
Asia and the Middle East |
Southeast Asia |
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Product Types |
Oil, capsules, vapes, edibles, hemp flower, topicals, concentrates |
Capsules, Dried leaf powder, raw leaves, tinctures |
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Pharmacology |
CB1 and CB2 receptors |
Opioid receptors |
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Cost |
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What Is the Difference Between Kratom And CBD Oil?
CBD oil and Kratom are both beneficial for managing pain, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. These products are extracted from plants and used to treat various health conditions.
CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, and Kratom is extracted from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. However, though they overlap in usage and benefits, they have different effects. CBD and Kratom both affect the pain sensation, but they do that differently. CBD has active ingredients, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties.
It is becoming very popular in the health and wellness community and among fitness enthusiasts because of its ability to manage chronic pain and inflammation. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), while Kratom stimulates the opioid receptors.
Thus, CBD has a better ability to reduce long-term pain and inflammation and manage depression and anxiety. Kratom produces opioid-like effects at higher doses and acts as a nootropic stimulant at low doses. It is also used for pain relief and to reduce depression and anxiety. If you’re looking for long-term use, CBD is a safer option and is now used as a regular health supplement.
Moreover, CBD relieves neuropathic pain more effectively. On the other hand, Kratom is good at reducing nociceptive pain. Additionally, Kratom can also be addictive and can cause opioid withdrawal, but CBD helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Benefits Of Kratom and CBD
CBD and Kratom offer numerous health benefits, but they do it quite differently from each other. The cannabis sativa plant provides more benefits for long-term uses and is being researched to treat more significant ailments, including cancer, epilepsy, heart diseases, and diabetes.
While CBD has been widely studied and examined for a decade, Kratom is still unstudied, and the benefits are yet to be discovered. Currently, people are using Kratom to improve concentration and for short-term pain relief. Though high dosages of both can cause side effects, Kratom can also cause addiction with long-term usage.
Pain Relief
Kratom and CBD both help alleviate pain symptoms. CBD regulates pain intensity by affecting the endocannabinoid system in the central nervous system. While it doesn’t completely block pain, it effectively reduces its intensity. The ECS minimizes the intensity of pain signals that reach the brain and spinal cord.
On the other hand, Kratom activates the opioid receptors that are in the spinal cord. These opioid pain receptors block the pain signals from reaching the brain, stopping the pain altogether. While it is implied that Kratom is better for pain relief as it completely blocks the pain signals, the main issue with its long-term or regular use is the side effects. Kratom works similarly to morphine and other prescription opioids, and it can cause opiate withdrawal symptoms and be harmful because of its addictive properties.
In short, both CBD and Kratom are good for pain relief, but Kratom produces short-term relief, and CBD can produce more significant pain-relieving effects.
Improved Sleep
CBD produces sedative effects, and it helps induce restful sleep with high doses. However, Kratom is both a stimulant and sedative, but the use of the wrong strain can worsen insomnia.
There are a variety of kratom strains, and if you don’t use the right strain for sleep, you’re likely to experience the opposite effect. Plus, if you take a high dose, there is a risk of ‘kratom wobbles.’ which is a cluster of side effects that result from high doses. Some of the symptoms of this condition include motion sickness, uncontrolled movement or twitching of the eyes, vertigo, dizziness, and nausea.
There can be a variety of reasons for insomnia, including chronic pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and diabetes. CBD effectively addresses these symptoms, reduces them, and helps to include sleep. Small doses of CBD for sleep can also help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, as it can suppress stress and anxiety symptoms. It contains compounds that act as muscle relaxants and help promote peaceful sleep without interruptions.
Though Kratom is also a good supplement for sleep, if you use the wrong strains that cause stimulation, it won’t be effective in improving sleep. Also, long-term use of Kratom for sleep can trigger insomnia later.
Anxiety and Depression Relief
CBD is one of the best supplements when it comes to treating anxiety and depression. It is very effective for treating multiple anxiety disorders and can reduce it to a great level with consistent use. The supplement contains compounds that promote relaxation and help you remain calm.
Thus, it reduces depression and anxiety by activating the receptors that promote relaxation. Kratom, on the other hand, is not very practical for relieving stress. It has mild effects on depression and anxiety symptoms, even with high doses. If you take Kratom in low doses, it produces stimulating effects. The stimulating effects are not very helpful in treating stress and anxiety.
High doses can help reduce depression as they increase the production of dopamine. It produces a sense of euphoria, which helps ease the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and various other mental health-related issues. However, CBD is not suitable for short-term and immediate effects on depression because it doesn’t produce a feeling of euphoria as Kratom does.
CBD takes more time and is ideal for long-term use; it improves the link between the different neurological pathways to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Immune System Support
Since CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and affects the immune system’s performance, the compound stimulates the production of white blood cells. It affects allergic responses, T-cell activation and infiltration, and adaptive immunity. It has also been found to suppress the bacteria’s ability to resist antibiotics.
Together with these characteristics, CBD proves to be a good supplement for improving the immune system. Kratom consists of ingredients that boost the immune system. For example, it contains alkaloids called saponin and isopteropodine that have direct immune-enhancing effects.
However, these effects are only found in animals, and more studies are needed to know about Kratom’s effects on the immune system.
Improved Focus And Attention
Kratom can activate the adrenergic receptors directly, and lower doses of this supplement can improve focus and attention. The kratom tree contains compounds that help you feel better by improving brain activity. It further helps to improve focus and concentration and is a better option than CBD in this regard.
The good thing about Kratom is that it will help you stay awake and focus more properly, as the effects appear immediately. On the other hand, CBD is not very helpful in improving concentration, but it creates mental clarity by reducing anxiety and depression.
Though it doesn’t directly improve focus and attention, it helps reduce the symptoms that cause concentration loss.
Kratom vs. CBD: How Does The Cost Compare?
Both Kratom and CBD are affordable, but since they are available in different metrics, it is a bit tricky to compare them. The cost of CBD is measured in dollars per milligram, while that of Kratom is measured in dollars per gram. Some CBD products are expensive because the cost of safety and control procedures adds to the price.
Thus, buying third-party tested and better quality CBD or kratom products will be costly but safer and more effective. CBD and Kratom are both available in concentrated forms; thus, you won’t be using a lot of them. You can buy small quantities of these supplements to treat various health conditions. However, cheap products are not very concentrated and are not effective. Factors that influence the price of CBD and Kratom include quality, ingredients, potency, third-party tests, and legality.
CBD can cost between $0.04 and 3 mg, and CBD oil is the cheapest product, costing between $0.04 and $0.10. Moreover, the recommended dosage for consuming CBD is 20 mg per day. You can get CBD oil for as little as $0.8 to $2 daily. If you’re a beginner, you can buy the oil for a week or two for only $15 to $30, which will be enough for starting.
Kratom is normally available in dollars per gram, but some vendors also charge it on a per-ounce basis. In general, the more you buy Kratom, the less it will cost. In the U.S., the average price of kratom powder is between $0.2 and $1 per gram. If you start with a low dose of Kratom for stimulation, that is, 5g, you’ll get it for $0.5 to $1.
CBD vs. Kratom: What Is The Legality Status?
Understanding the legal status of CBD and kratom is crucial for individuals interested in incorporating these natural remedies into their wellness routines. Both substances offer potential benefits, and knowing their legal status can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Legal Status of CBD
CBD’s legality varies depending on its source and the laws of each jurisdiction. In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC. However, individual states may have additional regulations governing CBD products, so staying informed about local laws is crucial.
Legal Status of Kratom
Kratom’s legal status is multifaceted and varies significantly worldwide. While kratom remains legal on a federal level in the United States, some states and municipalities have imposed restrictions or bans. It’s important to research the specific laws governing kratom in your area to ensure compliance and safe use.
Can I Consume CBD and Kratom Together?
There is a lot of discussion about using CBD and Kratom together because of their similar effects. So many people are using both supplements together to produce more significant effects. This is called synergy, which means that the impact of individual components is less than that of the components.
Both Kratom and CBD are highly potent, and people consume them together to experience the synergy. However, before mixing Kratom with CBD, you must consider the dosage, as an overdose can cause severe side effects. To benefit from botanical supplements, you must be very careful.
Like with any combination of herbal supplements, Kratom and CBD are also safe to combine, but it is good to start with low doses. For example, you should mix 4 grams of kratom powder with 20 mg of CBD oil to begin with. Both of these doses for the supplements are good for beginners and are considered low doses. However, you must avoid other stimulants like coffee because it won’t go well with the combination.
Kratom and CBD are available in a variety of forms, and if you aren’t feeling good with a particular combination, like powder and oil, you can consider other forms. Regarding the safety of this combination, we already mentioned that starting with a low dose is better.
However, everyone is different, and the reaction will vary from person to person. Wait for a few hours after consuming CBD and Kratom together and notice if there are any side effects. A study by the University of Colorado Boulder states that CBD and Kratom have synergic effects when used in combination.
CBD vs. Kratom: Which One is Safer?
There is a big difference between these supplements in terms of safety. CBD has been researched and studied widely, while more research is needed to discover the effects of Kratom. CBD is widely recognized as a daily health supplement; the WHO and other big health organizations have also recognized it.
Plus, CBD is a safe supplement for both animals and humans, and there are studies to prove its safety and efficacy. Though the recommended dosage for CBD is between 5 and 80 mg, higher doses than 80 mg are safe too. The human body can easily tolerate a high dose of 1500 mg of CBD without any severe side effects. Since CBD doesn’t directly trigger the production of dopamine, unlike THC, it doesn’t cause addiction. For this reason, CBD is safer than Kratom, as it doesn’t cause dependency even after long-term use.
However, Kratom can cause addiction and dependency with high doses and long-term use. The risk of habit formation is higher in Kratom than in CBD, and there are lots of side effects because of long-term use. Therefore, you must consume Kratom only four days a week, and that too at a low dosage.
If you think that low doses aren’t very effective, you can increase the dosage, but taking a break of one to two weeks is necessary. Side effects of Kratom include low blood pressure, opioid and adrenergic impact, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and loss of muscle coordination.
FAQs About Kratom vs. CBD
How Does Kratom Compare To Marijuana?
Kratom and marijuana are both natural substances with distinct effects and applications. While marijuana can make you feel high because of a compound called THC, kratom’s alkaloids interact with opioid receptors, offering unique soothing effects.
How to Ingest CBD and Kratom?
CBD and kratom can be ingested in various ways to suit individual preferences and needs. CBD products, such as oils, capsules, edibles, and topical creams, offer convenient options for consumption. Kratom is commonly consumed as a tea or mixed into beverages, while capsules and powder forms are also available.
Is CBD better than Kratom?
CBD is better than Kratom in some aspects. For instance, it is better when it comes to long-term use as it doesn’t cause addiction. However, Kratom is a better option for instant pain relief. Similarly, if you want to treat insomnia, depression, and anxiety, CBD is your answer.
Are kratom and CBD addictive?
Both kratom and CBD have shown minimal addictive potential when used responsibly. Kratom’s alkaloids may cause dependence with prolonged and excessive use, while CBD is non-addictive, offering a safer alternative for those seeking relief.
Can Kratom and CBD be used together?
Yes, Kratom and CBD can complement each other’s effects when used together. Their combined use may provide a synergistic effect, potentially enhancing pain relief, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Can Kratom and CBD be used for managing chronic pain?
Both Kratom and CBD have been reported to offer relief from chronic pain. Kratom’s alkaloids interact with opioid receptors, while CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, providing analgesic effects.
Which is more beneficial for mental health: CBD or kratom?
Both CBD and kratom have demonstrated potential benefits for mental health. CBD’s interaction with serotonin receptors may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, while kratom’s mood-enhancing properties can promote relaxation and a sense of well-being.
Conclusion: Which Kratom vs. CBD Is Best for You?
Wrapping up, we hope you know which natural remedy is best for you. Although kratom and CBD are popular choices, you should know they both have different origins and effects on the body. However, they share a common goal of providing relief and support for various health issues.
Kratom, with its origins in Southeast Asia, and CBD, derived from the hemp plant, have gained popularity for their potential positive effects, ranging from pain management to mood enhancement.
As interest in natural remedies grows, you must educate yourselves on each option’s differences, benefits, and risks. By making informed decisions based on their unique needs and preferences, individuals can confidently integrate kratom or CBD into their wellness routines, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.
