You may have heard of kratom. Maybe you’ve even tried it. But for many of us, kratom is an entirely new word for our vocabulary. So what is this mysterious herbal extract? And when it comes to kratom vs CBD, which one is right for you?
Overall, CBD is better for you than kratom, as the FDA has warned people against the use of kratom. While CBD and kratom both come from plants and sometimes have overlapping benefits, they are wildly different substances. Here are key differences between kratom and CBD to illustrate why one is much better than the other!
Table of Contents
What is Kratom?
Kratom, also known as mitragyna speciosa is an herbal extract from the leaves of an evergreen tree grown in Southeast Asia. People chew the leaves, swallow or brew dried kratom, or even drink kratom extract as a liquid product.
Kratom has been making its way into health stores, usually described as a supplement that can boost your energy or mood. It’s also sold as a chronic pain reliever and even an antidote for opioid withdrawal. But kratom has a lot of skeptics. Is the concern warranted?
In short, yes. It’s a natural product that people believe has a variety of natural remedies. At very high doses, it’s said to reduce discomfort and act as a sedative. Some people report feelings of euphoria. This has made it popular as a traditional medicine for some and a recreational product for others.
You’ll experience the effects of kratom within 10 minutes. It will last two to five hours, becoming stronger the more kratom you take. Kratom is often easy to purchase, but should it be this readily accessible? Many experts say it should not, due to a lot of unknown variables surrounding the ingredients.
Is Kratom Legal?
The legal state of kratom is constantly changing in the United States, and it’s currently illegal in some countries. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration is often wondering what to do about kratom’s legality. Some say it should be illegal because it has psychoactive properties and may even become addictive. Others say it battles the nation’s opioid epidemic.
In August of 2016, the DEA decided to list kratom as a Schedule 1 drug, alongside other substances like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. But in October, just two months later, the DEA withdrew the ruling. If it goes back to being a Schedule 1 drug, kratom will become federally illegal.
Some states have their own kratom guidelines:
- Alabama stated in 2016 that kratom is a Schedule 1 drug
- Also in 2016, Arkansas added it to their controlled substance list
- Legal in California except for San Diego
- Legal in Florida except for Sarasota County
- Banned completely in Wisconsin, where it’s classified as a Schedule 1 drug
- Only people 18 and up can buy kratom in New Hampshire and Illinois
Is Kratom Safe?
Another important aspect of kratom vs CBD is safety. Kratom has a steady following of users, but researchers are unsure it’s fully safe to use due to its side effects outweighing the possible benefits.
Poison control centers within the United States have reported 1,800 cases involving kratom from 2011 to 2017, some involving death. Eleven deaths in that time frame occurred while using kratom, nine of which also involved other drugs and substances.
Some of the instances involved kratom being packaged as a dietary supplement, laced with other compounds. And there have also been instances of infants exposed to kratom experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Here are some of the most common side effects of kratom:
- Muscle pain
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Liver damage
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Delusion, hallucinations
- Breathing suppression
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Cannabidiol is non-intoxicating, meaning it won’t have the negative, unwanted side effects of being “high.” It’s one of the most popular phytocannabinoids out of the hundreds found in hemp because of its many health and wellness benefits.
CBD interacts with the receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which controls your balance and well-being (or homeostasis). The ECS includes all of the major systems in your body, including the nervous, digestive, and immune systems.
When CBD interacts with receptors throughout your body and mind, it creates a lot of positive benefits. CBD may help you relax and promotes deeper sleep. You can use CBD to regulate your sleep cycle and feel refreshed the next morning.
CBD can also soothe physical discomfort, reducing aches and soreness. You will feel comforted and may have reduced symptoms of issues like an upset stomach. This can help you feel relaxed at night or promote a healthy diet and exercise throughout the day.
CBD can also reduce negative thoughts and feelings such as nervousness, frustration, and fatigue. You will usually feel clear-minded, creative, and positive after taking CBD.
Is CBD Legal?
Yes! CBD is fully legal in the United States, thanks to the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018. This made manufacturing, selling, buying, and using CBD legal in all 50 states. CBD becoming legal also created regulations, ensuring that the CBD products you purchase within the United States are safe and effective.
While CBD is federally legal, some states have their own laws. Double-check your state’s laws on CBD before purchasing.
To be legal, CBD products must have 0.3% THC or less. THC is a psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant. At levels that low, THC won’t get you high. Instead, it creates an “entourage effect” due to the synergy between CBD, THC, and all of the other phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes that make up full-spectrum CBD products.
Is CBD Safe?
Yes, CBD is non-intoxicating and won’t get you high. It doesn’t create euphoric effects, which means you can’t get addicted. You also won’t experience withdrawal if you stop taking CBD.
The most commonly reported side effects are very mild. They often include a dry mouth, dizziness, and some people may feel queasy.
Make sure you purchase your CBD products from trustworthy companies that know about CBD. Since becoming legal in 2018, the CBD market has exploded, and some companies are simply jumping on the trend and trying to make a quick buck.
What Are the Differences in Kratom Vs CBD?
So when it comes to CBD vs kratom, what are the actual differences? Well, kratom and CBD are both viewed as natural and safe alternatives to marijuana and drugs containing harmful chemicals. But CBD and kratom are very different and shouldn’t be viewed as interchangeable.
The first difference is the research and studies behind them. A lot more is known about CBD, including its benefits and side effects. There is not much trustworthy information about kratom, and its benefits are based on anecdotal evidence, not clinical research.
The second difference is the legality of both kratom and CBD. Kratom has a murky legal status, with it still illegal in certain cities, counties, and states throughout the United States. Meanwhile, CBD is federally legal, and there are many trustworthy companies to choose from.
Another big difference in CBD vs kratom is their side effects. Kratom has a lot more negative side effects that sometimes outweigh the potential benefits for some users. There’s also a possible chance of addiction and withdrawal, unlike CBD.
The benefits of CBD vs kratom are also vastly different. Kratom is said to make people sleepy at high doses. CBD does not affect cognitive ability. Instead, it makes you feel relaxed and comforted (but still clear-minded). A 2014 study of 293 people found that almost all participants showed signs of addiction to kratom after using it for six months.
What Are the Similarities in Kratom Vs CBD?
Kratom and CBD both come from plants and are natural compounds. They can also be consumed in similar ways, including oil, capsules, added to food and drinks, or smoked. Both interact with the body in such a way that they can have a variety of potential benefits, though kratom has far more serious side effects.
Kratom and CBD are both known to soothe physical discomfort, improve sleep, and reduce negative thoughts. They are also both used to fight opioid addictions.
CBD may reduce opioids’ euphoric sensations, making the drugs less effective and the cravings less intense. Kratom can provide a similar feeling to opioids, making it easier to stop taking them and use kratom instead. But users may end up addicted to kratom after regular use.
Which CBD Products Are Best?
There are so many CBD products out there that it can be hard to know which ones to use. At Hollyweed, we have top-of-the-line vegan and organic products with potent, locally grown CBD you can consume in various ways. Below are some of the most popular CBD products on the market.
CBD Flower
Looking for the classic CBD experience? Smoke CBD with Hollyweed’s wide variety of CBD flower strains. These include:
- Northern Lights
- OG Kush
- Sour Space Candy
- Cherry Wine
- And many more!
CBD Oil
Our CBD oil is made with pure hemp seed oil to create a very potent and nutritious experience. Many people love adding it to their diet or simply add a few drops directly into their mouth for a quick and easy way to enjoy CBD.
You’ll get all benefits of CBD and the wellness benefits of hemp seed oil, which is full of essential vitamins and minerals. Hemp seed oil is a highly nutritious superfood that assists and complements a healthy diet. Plus, it doubles as a vegan source of healthy protein while offering a nutty and earthy taste.
CBD Topicals
Topicals are CBD products you apply directly to your skin. From our CBD salves to lotions, topicals allow you to apply CBD directly to an area on your body that is sore or aching.
Because topicals can instantly absorb into your skin and muscle tissues, this is a great option for bodily relief and muscle recovery. Depending on your topical of choice, you can get targeted or general relief to help you relax after a long day.
Most topicals will also help hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. With nourishing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, lotions and creams can reduce blemishes and keep your skin glowing. CBD salve is usually stronger and more potent, perfect for targeting discomfort and soothing muscle/joint fatigue after a long workout or tough day at the office.
Final Thoughts – Kratom Vs CBD
Kratom, CBD, how do they stack up against each other? Addictive and sometimes leading to serious negative side effects, not enough is known about kratom to make it a safe experience for everyone. CBD has seen more research and was even made federally legal in 2018.
You’ll find an abundance of CBD products online. Just make sure you’re purchasing CBD from a trusted seller like Hollyweed. We aim to keep you safe and healthy while you experience your desired benefits, from reducing physical discomfort to improving your mood!
