One of the most misunderstood, legal products has to be Kratom. This is especially true by governments and countries that are fighting hard to make it illegal. However, there are many benefits from this misunderstood leaf which many people rely on. We’ll be exploring how Kratom is different from other drugs and why it’s something you may want to consider.
There are over 40 Alkaloids in Kratom that provide it with unique effects. This can include stimulation, euphoria, relaxation, and other positive effects. However, there is a downside if you take too much; this can include: nausea, dizziness, constipation, and dependency. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s related to the coffee family. Both, mitragyna speciosa, the kratom plant, and coffea, which is the coffee plant are members of the same family of plants, Rubiaceae. Although they have different Alkaloids you can build a dependency to both over time. This is due to the Alkaloids that are present in both plants.
One of the 40 Alkaloids that are present in Kratom is Mitragynine that acts as an opioid agonist. This is the reason why people prefer Kratom over other opioids; it touches some of the opioid receptors that other heavy opioids touch. However, Mitragynine is not as powerful as other opioid drugs like heroin or oxycodone. Due to the different group of Alkaloids, it doesn’t just act as an opioid agonist. Although Kratom has Alkaloids that act like an opioid agonist, it’s not an opioid substance.
Differences Between CBD and Kratom
There are many differences between CBD and Kratom. For starters, CBD is grown in the U.S while Kratom is grown in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. This is because it grows best in tropical, warm climates. CBD belongs to the Cannabaceae family while Kratom belongs to the coffee bean family. CBD contains rich properties such as CBDA, CBG, CBN, THC etc. Kratom contains different rich properties such as Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Also, CBD is legal in the U.S due to the Farm Bill but Kratom has restrictions in certain states and counties. There are very notable differences in the effects it provides its users as well.
Experiences can vary but we’ve noticed very common differences between Kratom and CBD from both its users. Kratom can have sedative to uplifting effects depending on how much you take. CBD is very similar depending on the type of strain and product you take. With CBD you have the option to choose from Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid strains that provide different experiences. Also, Kratom has different strains that are determined by the color from the vein of the leaf. These strains include White Maeng Da, Red Maeng Da, Green Maeng Da, and other color strains. Just like CBD strains these provide different experiences for the user.
Cannabis and Kratom
There are many similarities between CBD and Cannabis but the major difference is the THC content. People who use Cannabis are looking for its psychoactive effects that come from THC. This is very similar to Kratom in the sense that most users are looking for that euphoric feeling. Both of these products target specific brain receptors in your body. Cannabis binds CB1 and CB2 receptors that are found in your Endocannabinoid System, while Kratom targets your opioid receptors. While mixing Kratom with any type of drug is never a good idea some users create a unique experience when combining these two products.
Many users follow a process known as “KFC” which stands for Kratom, Food, Cannabis. This is the order in which they consume each product to minimize negative side effects. The idea is to first consume Kratom, then after an hour eat something, then take Cannabis. However, whenever you take Kratom on an empty stomach it maximizes the effects that might be too much. We always recommend eating something first or if you do take Kratom on an empty stomach to not take as much. When you eat food afterwards it starts to decrease the effects of Kratom diluting it down. The “KFC” strategy is used by those looking to incorporate cannabis for recreational purposes.
Kratom and Other Drugs
Kratom is often compared to opioid drugs like heroin, morphine, Fentanyl, etc. This is because Kratom is used for its Alkaloid properties that bind to our opioid receptors. It’s important to note that Kratom doesn’t bind to our receptors the same way heroin, morphine, or other opioids drugs do. The fact that these Alkaloids exist in Kratom is the reason why it’s been banned in certain states and countries. However, Kratom is not an opioid but has similar properties to opioids. Therefore, many lawmakers feel that Kratom is dangerous and the fact that not enough research has been conducted leaves it up for debate.
While Kratom may provide Euphoric feelings, it does come with its share of side effects. There are ways to avoid negative side effects such as not mixing Kratom with other drugs and not taking too much. Also, you can develop a dependency to Kratom if taken often; but the same can be true for any other type of drug both legal and illegal. Kratom withdrawal can be difficult to get over if you decide to stop taking Kratom. However, it’s been reported that opioid withdrawals are a lot harsher.
Conclusion
While Kratom comes with its share of positives and negatives – there is still more to discover. When you compare Kratom to CBD or Cannabis you find many similarities. However, when you compare it to drugs like heroin, oxycodone, morphine, or other opioids you see major differences. Kratom can be enjoyable if you follow basic guidelines and take caution when taking it. Otherwise Kratom is enjoyed by thousands all across the world and has been consumed for hundreds of years. Just like any product – there are good things and bad things that are associated with it. The first step would be to determine why you want to start taking Kratom then take it from there.
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