Kratom and Cannabis: How Different Are They?
Cannabis is known not only for its recreational use but for its potential as a natural remedy for a variety of health concerns, as well. That being said, buying cannabis isn’t something that everyone can do legally. While some states may have legalized recreational or medical cannabis use, others have not, causing some to look for similar options that may help them get the relief they’re looking for. If you do live in a state where it’s legalized but not recreational, you may still run into problems.
In this article, we’re going to compare cannabis with a lesser-known natural substance, kratom, to see just how different they are and which one may be right for you.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis, also referred to by other, more familiar names like weed or marijuana, is a plant well-known for the psychoactive properties that it triggers for users. Many states have moved to legalize cannabis as research grows around its various medical uses, and the hemp plant has continued to prove useful as other chemicals found within the plant (cannabinoids) like CBD have emerged and spread as a beneficial health supplement as well. For this article, however, we will strictly be referring to cannabis that features a higher level of THC rather than hemp plants that are CBD dominant.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant that hails from the coffee family of trees and grows in South Asia in areas like Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia. Kratom has become quite popular over the years (despite being illegal in many of the areas where it’s known for growing, as well as in other countries like Australia and some states in the US. Despite its growing popularity, however, it’s not a substance that is as well-known for its effects, preventing some potential users from trying it. This guide will help you understand more about the purported effects of kratom and how these compare to the effects of a more popular and understood substance like cannabis.
Kratom Vs. Cannabis: Purported Effects and Benefits of These Plants
At the most basic level, kratom and cannabis do share some similarities. However, when you look more closely at these two substances, there are some key differences that separate them.
Kratom and cannabis are both said to offer sedative and stimulative effects. Cannabis has two strains, indica and sativa, that offer relaxing or energizing effects, respectively. The same applies to those who take premium kratom. Some may feel more energetic and focused when they take lower doses of kratom and experience a greater sense of relaxation or a release from day-to-day discomfort with a higher dose. There are also multiple strains of kratom and colors of the veins in the leaf, which play a major role in how kratom can affect users as well.
The key difference is the fact that cannabis with THC does have psychoactive effects on the user, whereas kratom is not known for being a psychoactive substance. Additionally, you’ll find that you use kratom and cannabis very differently. Cannabis can be used by rolling the flower up in custom blunt wraps and smoking it, eating edibles with pre-determined doses, or even vaporizing concentrates using a dab rig or a dab pen. Kratom, on the other hand, comes in powder form, meaning that you can take by ingesting capsules, mix it with your favorite drink, or even brew it as a tea.
Another important point to note is that there’s currently limited research on the efficacy or effects of kratom, whereas cannabis has had more time to be studied in a controlled environment so we can better understand how it affects the body and how it can be applied to various health issues.
While kratom and cannabis are said to share similar effects, these distinctions (along with the legality of cannabis or kratom in your state or region) will help you identify which substance you wish to try.
Which Should You Choose: Cannabis or Kratom?
So, should you choose cannabis or kratom in your journey for more natural health support? It all depends on what you’re looking for. First, make sure that cannabis is legal in your region as well as kratom (if you find that one or both are illegal, this will ultimately determine your choice for you). Once you have a better idea of the laws in your area, you may want to start by trying one or even both to learn more about them and see how they affect you personally.
Whether you settle on cannabis or kratom, they may be able to help you experience the effects you’re looking for in your day-to-day life. Start your personal journey into cannabis and kratom with the guide above and see if any offer you the support that you’re looking for in your overall health!