Kratom vs. CBD
Over the last few years, human beings have had a ‘natural’ attraction towards herbal medicines because we want DIY, convenient, and low-cost solutions to manage a range of health conditions without adverse side effects. Kratom and CBD are both capable of easing or treating various conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and substance abuse. With the popularity of these two compounds increasing in the Western world, users are confused about which one to take to effectively suit their needs, but you don’t have to worry as we are here to help and you can also check kratom library.
What is Kratom?
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen plant that wildly grows in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea, where it has been used as an herbal medicine for ages. At low doses, Kratom produces stimulating effects, which make it an excellent dietary supplement and energy booster. At high doses, it produces characteristics that are similar to those of opiates.
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is among the 100+ cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is typically derived from marijuana strains with a high concentration of CBD content, and because it’s nonpsychoactive, it doesn’t cause the ‘high’ feeling associated with this plant. CBD is extracted in oil form and after that converted into various products such as capsules, vape oils, edibles, and tinctures. High CBD strains can be vaped or smoked in their plant form.
How Kratom works
In its natural form, the leaves of Kratom can be smoked, chewed, or steeped in tea. In most cases, the leaves are sun-dried and then ground into a fine powder which is taken directly with water or encapsulated. Kratom can as well be mixed with foods or drinks to make the ingestion easier and to mask its bitter taste.
More than 25 alkaloids have been isolated in the leaves of Kratom. However, the most dominant alkaloids are Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine, which bind to receptors in the brain to induce both recreational and medicinal effects.
How CBD works
CBD produces various effects through different pathways, and according to scientific studies, there are more than 65 molecular targets as well as pathways of CBD. It works through various non-cannabinoid ion channels and receptors to indirectly act upon CB1 and CB2 receptors instead of binding to them.
CBD produces its effects by triggering receptors such as TRPV1 to manipulate various bodily functions such as inflammation, pain perception, and temperature. Also, CBD exerts some effects by enhancing the amount of anandamide in your body, which eventually affects the response of the brain to motivation and pleasure.
Side effects and risks of Kratom
Kratom has tremendous health benefits, and users have found it effective for their wellbeing. However, it has several side effects that are similar to those of opioids, such as itching, vomiting, stomach pain, lack of appetite, nausea, and dry mouth.
Kratom has also been associated with more severe issues like arrhythmia, seizures, psychosis, and liver damage. Kratom can be dangerous, especially when mixed with mind-altering substances or narcotics, and can easily lead to death.
Effects and side effects of CBD
CBD is non-psychoactive and non-addictive. It is helpful in the treatment of substance abuse as it restricts the release of dopamine. The most common side effects of CBD include diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite or mood. CBD can easily interact with other medications such as epileptic medications and hence advisable to consult your doctor if you wish to use it together with prescription medications.
How does CBD compare to Kratom?
The significant difference between CBD and Kratom exists at the molecular level. Both of these products contain different molecular compounds, and therefore, they differ in the ways they produce their effects in your body. Both can relieve pain, but whereas CBD has been proven to eliminate various kinds of pain such as neuropathic and inflammation pain, there’s no scientific evidence that specifies what types of pain Kratom treats.
Both CBD and Kratom are effective in treating substance withdrawal, but how they treat this condition is very different. For instance, Kratom interacts with opioid receptors directly, whereas CBD doesn’t interact with cannabinoid receptors CB1 & CB2 directly. Therefore, Kratom treats opioid addiction because it has similar properties to opioids, while CBD treats substance abuse due to its antipsychotic, anxiolytic, antidepressive, and pain-relieving effects.
Bottom line
Both Kratom and CBD are plant-based products which have been used to relieve various conditions for ages. Even though they have similar effects, they have distinct differences based on their origin, methods of consumption, and active ingredients. Therefore, it is worth understanding what each can do in your body and buy the one that suits your needs. Whether you want CBD or Kratom, ensure it’s legal in your place of residence.
