Kratom and CBD are taking the natural medicine market by storm. Are you wondering about the similarities and differences between these two botanicals? You’re in the right place.

First, let’s do a brief round of introductions for the uninitiated.

Kratom comes from the evergreen Mitragyna speciosa tree, a member of the coffee family. You ingest its leaves in tea, powder or capsule form. The effect profile ranges from stimulating to sedating, depending on the dose.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second-most abundant compound of the cannabis plant. It’s either consumed through smoking or extracted into oils, tinctures and topicals. It’s non-intoxicating, anxiety-reducing and pain-relieving.

Both substances grow in demand as we embrace holistic health and alternative remedies. Which should you choose?

Keep reading to compare and contrast Kratom and CBD. We discuss their origins, chemistry, effects, availability and suitability to specific uses. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to make an informed choice.

What are the similarities between CBD and Kratom?

Kratom and CBD are botanicals with the potential for recreational and therapeutic use. They’ve garnered great attention in the natural medicine community. Both products are under scientific scrutiny to confirm the anecdotes about their effects.

Some similarities become evident as soon as you begin exploring these substances:

• Natural origins. CBD and Kratom aren’t engineered but are found naturally-occurring in plants. Their lineage grants them a perception of safety lacking in pharmaceuticals.
• A long history of use. Kratom and cannabis have grown and been used by the local populations for centuries. Both plants have healing, recreational and ceremonial uses.
• Herbal remedy status. We associate CBD and Kratom with the broader alternative medicine movement. Users often take a holistic approach to their health and wellness.
• Strain variation. Kratom has white, green and red strains, the color reflecting leaf age at harvest time. White is the most stimulating and red causes relaxation. Cannabis comes in numerous genetic permutations with terpene blends that tweak the experience.

After their introduction to the US, CBD and Kratom underwent scientific studies. Research and anecdotes found these shared properties between the duo:

• Anxiety and pain relief. People consume these substances for their anxiety-reducing, pain-relieving properties. Kratom only has these effects at higher doses, but both deliver them.
• Sleep improvement. Those struggling to sleep may try either substance. Both might relieve stress, physical discomfort and racing nighttime thoughts. Kratom can make the user feel sleepy if taken in a high dose.
• Weight loss aid. CBD and Kratom suppress appetite and could help people on their fat-shedding journeys. Both induce a burst of energy and relieve pain, supporting your exercise efforts.
• Mild side effects. The substances are generally well-tolerated, with low risk for abuse or side effects. CBD might lead to dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. The same issues, as well as sweating and dry mouth, are short-term adverse reactions to Kratom.

That’s where the similarities between these botanicals end. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and discuss the differences.

What are the differences between CBD and Kratom?

At first glance, there are plenty of shared properties between CBD and Kratom. But the resemblance somewhat disappears upon closer inspection. Here are the key differences:

• Biochemistry. These substances differ on the molecular level. Kratom contains two alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, that bind to neurotransmitters. CBD is a phytocannabinoid that alters the functioning of our endocannabinoid systems (ECS).
• Psychoactive properties. Isolated CBD is non-psychoactive, so it doesn’t get you high. Kratom is intoxicating in higher doses, impairing coordination and lowering inhibitions. It can make it unsafe to drive and perform other motor tasks.
• Dose-dependence. CBD has a similar influence in various quantities. The experience intensifies but doesn’t change the more you take. On the other hand, Kratom’s influence shifts with your dose. The table below outlines its expected effects.

• Stimulation and euphoria. While CBD can uplift the spirits, it isn’t a stimulant that gets you high. It’s more likely to have calming, balancing effects. Kratom stimulates the brain at low doses and makes you euphoric as you consume more.
• Legality. Hemp-derived CBD is legal in the US. When derived from cannabis, its status varies from state to state. Kratom isn’t currently recognized on the federal level. It’s legal in most states and regulated in some. Check your state’s government website for both.
• Production. In the US, we import Kratom leaves from Indonesia. The trees are too large and climate-sensitive to grow in our region. Weed is well-adapted to indoor and outdoor cultivation: most companies source CBD locally.
• Available products. CBD comes in more forms than Kratom. You can smoke, vape, eat, drink or apply it to the skin. Kratom is available in tea, powder, extract and capsule forms. More vendors sell the former, too.

The differences outweigh the similarities. Kratom and CBD both have a place in a healthy lifestyle but suit distinct purposes. Let’s explore when you should consume which.

Which is better, Kratom or CBD?

Given how much they differ, there’s no definitive answer to which substance is better. Kratom has potent, immediate effects, while CBD is better researched and more accessible. Both are affordable and easily accessible in most of the US.

But kratom and CBD do overlap in various uses, giving us a point of comparison. Let’s contrast them in their shared applications.

Which is better for focus?

Many botanicals enhance learning and memory, empowering you to breeze through your tasks. Kratom and CBD support cognitive functions, but not to the same degree.

CBD has indirect effects on focus and concentration. It reduces anxiety and physical discomfort, removing distractions from your mental state. But these effects are subtle and only aid folks with heavy stress or pain.

Kratom in small doses improves productivity and alertness. Most folks notice the effects within 30 minutes. As a bonus, the stimulant influence ensures the energy to work.

Kratom takes the gold in this round. It’s a known nootropic with properties that improve your cognition. CBD is helpful for those struggling to focus due to secondary reasons.

Which is better for relaxation?

Kratom and CBD can help you unwind after a long day, uplifting the mood while relaxing the body. Their effects vary in intensity and intoxication, making them suitable for different purposes.

At low to moderate doses, Kratom improves the mood and leaves you relaxed. Users describe the experience as a total sense of well-being. There’s a mild buzz accompanying the sensation, leaving you giggly and carefree.

We don’t generally consider CBD a mood-altering substance. It doesn’t cause euphoria or a high, but it is associated with relaxation. Consuming it creates a sense of calm without altering the mood.

Kratom is a more potent relaxer, but CBD keeps you in possession of your faculties. Use CBD in your day-to-day and save Kratom for at-home evenings when you can let loose.

Which is better for pain relief?

Pain relief is the most prominent similarity between CBD and Kratom. Both substances are effective at soothing physical discomfort, although in different ways.

CBD affects the ECS. This system contains a series of receptors that maintain homeostasis (physical balance). By modulating them, it regulates the strength of pain signals sent to the brain. It doesn’t completely block pain, but it diminishes the severity.

Kratom activates the opioid receptors located in the brain and spinal cord. It closes the gate for pain transmission, preventing it from reaching our perception. This way, it mimics the activity of prescription painkillers.

Kratom offers better short-term relief, but it’s not ideal for prolonged use. You could develop a tolerance and keep needing more for the same effects. CBD suits people with chronic pain because it’s more sustainable. It might also address inflammation as the underlying issue.

Which is better for sleep?

Insomnia occurs due to many causes. They include everything from dysregulated blood sugar and sleep-wake cycles to stress or discomfort. Neither substance can fix an underlying issue on its own. Still, both address secondary causes of poor sleep.

CBD can help us get restful sleep by calming the central nervous system. It may relieve anxiety and agitation, letting you ease into relaxation. It’s also a potent pain reliever, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout the night.

Beyond anxiety and pain reduction, Kratom is an excellent sleep aid. It causes drowsiness in higher doses, helping you doze off. Just be sure not to take a stimulating amount, as it’ll have the opposite effect.

Generally, CBD is the ideal solution for people with chronic insomnia. It eases inflammation and stress, healing its causes. Research suggests it may address REM sleep behavior disorder, too. Kratom is more of a quick fix with no known long-term benefits.

Which is better for anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression go hand-in-hand and pharmaceuticals don’t always do the trick. CBD and Kratom may soothe the symptoms of these conditions, if only temporarily. The former even shows promise as a longer-term treatment.

CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety-related behaviors related to various conditions. It could aid folks with generalized and social anxiety, OCD and PTSD. It affects several mechanisms of this condition, including GABA and dopamine.

With its mechanism relying on homeostasis, CBD could also help people living with depression. In the long run, it might restore your neurotransmitters and regulate brain function. But besides a slight mood boost, it offers no immediate symptom relief.

Kratom has moderately potent anxiety-busting effects, but only in higher doses. The stimulation that comes at lower ones could trigger anxiety in many individuals. It’s also excellent at inducing euphoria, offering short-term depression relief.

It seems CBD beats Kratom in the anxiety and depression department. It’s well-rounded, addressing the manifestations and causes of these disorders. Kratom is an aid for temporary symptom relief.

Kratom and CBD: key takeaways

Kratom and CBD are prominent options in the ever-evolving landscape of natural remedies. They’re ideal for individuals seeking alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals. But they’re not the same: both have unique characteristics, uses, and benefits.

Here are the key takeaways from our comparison:

• Similarities and origins. Both substances are naturally occurring and have centuries of use to back them up. They’re generally safe and well-tolerated, with primary applications being pain and anxiety reduction.
• Adjustable influence. CBD has similar effects at lower and higher doses, and Kratom flips the script as you consume more. Keep this in mind as you consider your intended use.
• Psychoactive properties. CBD is suitable for day-to-day consumption and Kratom is intoxicating. Don’t take it before work or activities that demand coordination.

Remember that everybody has a unique reaction to these products. Try both and see what works best for your situation and needs.

CBD is common enough that you can likely get it from a local dispensary. Reputable Kratom vendors are few and far between, so purchase with care. Stay safe by buying our lab-tested products with guaranteed freshness and quality.