Kratom and CBD

CBD is legal in many states in the US and Canada. Europeans are also no stranger to its uses and benefits, and pharmacies now sell CBD oils and infused edibles. On the other hand, Kratom also offers many health benefits such as pain relief but is not legal for consumption. Many users, however, find that is a practical, natural alternative to using prescribed medicine. 

This article looks into how the two substances might work when taken together. Still, before that, it is vital to understand the key differences and some of the risks associated with each treatment.

Also Read: Kratom and Marijuana

What are the similarities and differences between CBD and Kratom?

Both plants have a history of being used for medicinal purposes, so similar; they can both be purchased from Canadian Kratom vendors. CBD (Cannabidiol) originates from several countries, including central china and parts of Europe. Kratom is a tropical tree belonging to the coffee family. It originates from Southeast Asia, from countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. 

CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. According to the WHO, unlike other cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t cause mind-altering psychotropic effects. Due to its high CBD content, hemp is where it is usually derived from, and it is extracted and converted into products such as oils, capsules and edibles. High forms of CBD cannabis strains can be smoked or vaped while in their plant form. Users can consume CBD without getting high, making it very attractive for those who want it purely for treatment purposes. 

Kratom’s chemical compounds are known as alkaloids. The two main alkaloids found are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and the different types of Kratom are broken down into red, green and white veins. The veins are based on the colour that runs through the Kratom leaves, and each type offers different effects when consumed. The leaves are crushed into powder to be mixed into drinks such as tea or taken in capsule form, and the results largely depend on the dosage amount and the strain. 

Although both have different origins, they each offer pain relief in different ways. Kratom affects the brain’s opioid receptors and encourages the release of serotonin and dopamine. CBD also affects the levels of serotonin and dopamine, which can regulate behaviour and cognition.  

What are CBD and Kratom used for?

In comparison, CBD is much more widely used, with research being held to determine what health benefits can be obtained from its use. Kratom, however, lacks analysis, mainly since it isn’t FDA approved. In addition, it arrived in the west fairly recently, compared to the thousands of years that it has been used in Eastasia. Although both affect the receptors in the brain, their uses are different. For example, CBD is often used to treat several health issues such as:

• Joint relief
• Stress reduction
• Improve sleep quality

In addition, CBD is also being studied to see if it can provide effective treatment for:

• Cancer pain relief 
• Epilepsy 
• Schizophrenia 
• Arthritis 
• Diabetes 
• Multiple Sclerosis 

Kratom can be used recreationally to improve mood. It acts as a stimulant which can also cause euphoria. Traditionally, Kratom was used by labourers to increase productivity. However, some users find that Kratom also helps with:

• Chronic pain
• Coughs 
• Diabetes 
• Opioid withdrawal
• Diarrhea and 
• To help improve sexual performance
• Depression and anxiety 

What are the side effects of Kratom and CBD?

Often, the adverse side effects of CBD are generally if the product isn’t as pure as advertised. For example, some products contain more THC than they should, and others may be mixed with other ingredients, especially if the purchase source is unknown and not regulated. In addition to this, CBD can cause side effects such as fatigue, drowsiness, loss of appetite, diarrhea and dry mouth. 

The side effects of Kratom are a lot more severe. From 2011 to 2017, approximately 91 people died with traces of Kratom in their toxicology. However, the vast majority had also taken other substances, so it isn’t clear whether Kratom was the sole cause of death. In addition, compared to CBD, the list of known side effects from taking Kratom are much more extensive. They include[2]:

• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Chills, nausea and vomiting
• Changes in urine and constipation
• Liver damage
• Muscle pain

Kratom also affects the mind and nervous system:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Hallucinations and delusion
• Depression and delusion
• Breathing suppression
• Seizure, coma and death

In addition, Kratom is an addictive substance. Users can quickly become dependent on the substance and even experience withdrawal symptoms when they discontinue use. CBD is not identified as an addictive substance; however, according to a study conducted in 2017, users of cannabis can develop a disorder known as CUD (cannabis use disorder), which can cause withdrawal symptoms. 

Is taking CBD and Kratom together a good idea?

So, should CBD and Kratom be used in conjunction with each other? Some users believe that if consumed simultaneously, they will synergize, which means that the combined effects will be much stronger. One Reddit user claimed that combining both helped with bodily pains, while another mentioned that the combination helped with their IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). [3] This was achieved through taking CBD after Kratom. Taking the two together could help with:

• joint and muscle pain,
• neck, back and knee pain,
• injuries,
• post-surgery pain relief,
• fibromyalgia,
• endometriosis,
• IBS,
• stress, depression, and anxiety relief,
• Fatigue.[4]

Users should approach taking the two together with caution, especially if other substances are also being consumed. There is no scientific evidence to support using both together, and with Kratom being illegal for consumption, unknown side effects could happen based on the individual. 

Alternatively, users might prefer to use one as a substitute for the other when a break is needed. Since Kratom users can quickly build up a tolerance when used regularly, taking intermittent breaks and using CBD in between may provide pain relief without consuming too much of either product.

Also Read:

References:

[1]https://speciosaguide.com/take-cbd-kratom-together/

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/kratom/art-20402171

[3]https://www.reddit.com/r/cbdinfo/comments/7hdzx3/mixing_cbd_and_kratom/

[4]https://speciosaguide.com/take-cbd-kratom-together/