You may have heard about kratom and CBD if you’re looking for natural alternatives to prescription drugs. With a wide range of products like powder, shots, edibles, Thai capsules, oils, and tinctures, it may seem tricky to understand the differences between them.
At a glance, both compounds have a lot in common and provide several reported health benefits. Many people use them to relieve pain and manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
While CBD and kratom are plant extracts, they work differently. Let’s explore their characteristics, strengths, and limitations to help you choose the best option for your circumstances.
What Is Kratom?
Is kratom like weed? Yes, in the sense that they’re both botanical-based. The herb (Mitragyna speciosa) is from the Rubiaceae family, linking it to the coffee plant). It’s grown in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Bali, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Natives in these countries traditionally chew the leaves or make them into tea. Due to its stimulating effects, people use kratom to boost energy and improve productivity. It’s an excellent alternative to coffee.
Understanding CBD
A primary difference between kratom and CBD (cannabidiol) is that the latter is a marijuana compound. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it doesn’t have psychoactive effects.
You may find the compound in food, drinks, beauty merchandise, extracts, oils, vaping liquids, and capsules. Epidiolex is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CBD product to treat two types of epilepsy.
It’s vital to buy from a trusted source and select the right store for your CBD products.
Kratom and CBD Benefits
Many people use CBD and kratom to manage pain, insomnia, and anxiety, among other ailments. The results may be similar, but the herbs work differently in the body to achieve them.
CBD regulates the endocannabinoid system (ECS), controlling the severity of our physical discomfort. Kratom’s alkaloids interact with opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cannabidiol is reportedly more effective in reducing inflammation. There are claims that CBD affects sports and physical performance. You can use both compounds to support a healthy immune system.
Although both herbs provide similar outcomes, when comparing CBD vs. kratom, the former has a better safety profile than kratom. You may use it long-term as part of your daily supplementation. It’s reportedly suitable for issues requiring continuous use, including:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Autoimmune diseases
- Neurodegenerative conditions
- Skin disorders
- Epilepsy
Can you use kratom for sleep? Although it’s a stimulant, it has a more soothing effect in higher doses, helping you get better quality sleep. A heavy CBD dosage makes you fall into a deep slumber.
Kratom may be addictive due to its habit-forming traits, so avoid using it over prolonged periods. The herb is more suitable for short-term relief.
Can kratom go bad? When buying kratom, note there’s a shelf life of about three months after grinding the leaves. The plant loses potency after approximately 12 weeks as the chemicals break down. Properly storing the herb can keep it fresh and extend its efficacy for up to a year.
