If you’re a fan of CBD, you know the benefits it can provide. Likewise, if you are a Kratom enthusiast, you know that it helps boost motivation and enhance feelings of wellness. Those who routinely use these wellness botanicals know they work independently, but the question remains whether CBD and Kratom work well together.
To determine if CBD and Kratom are a good match, it is important to look at what each plant-based aid is, what it does for your body, and the potential interaction of the two together.
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What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical found in the hemp plant. CBD has been shown to interact with the human endocannabinoid system, which regulates digestion, sleep, memory, and immune responses. This system has receptors known as CB1 and CB2 that interact with cannabinoids such as CBD. Although many people think CBD contains THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, most CBD products contain no THC or only trace amounts. This is why CBD oil remains legal in many countries and does not produce the sensation of being “high.”
Those who use CBD report boosted mental clarity, enhanced relaxation, and minimization of bodily discomfort. Retailers offer CBD in many forms. CBD tinctures, capsules, gummies, oils, powders, and topical applications such as creams and lip balms are available.
What is Kratom?
Kratom, known officially as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen plant native to Southeast Asia. Kratom contains alkaloids, specifically mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which have been shown to interact with opioid receptors in the brain. There are three main strands of Kratom: red, white, and green. Green strains are associated with cognition and focus. Red is associated with helping the unwind after a stressful day, while white can provide temporary relief from tense or sore muscles, such as after an intense workout.
The various strains of Kratom are not from different plants; instead, the unique strains are created through the drying and fermenting processes of the leaves after harvest. The plant is gathered at various growth stages and dried in conditions specific to achieving the desired strain. Changes in the drying process alter the levels of alkaloids in the strains, which give each their unique properties.
Avid users of Kratom describe its benefits as promoting an overall sense of wellness, an increased sense of calm, and a general increase in mental awareness and focus. Kratom is most commonly found in powdered and capsule form, but some suppliers are working on how to extract Kratom to give fans high-potency extracts in addition to traditional forms.
Using CBD and Kratom Together
Both Kratom and CBD provide excellent benefits for your sense of wellness and motivation, but do they work together? Most people who use CBD and Kratom believe that these two botanically-based wellness aids work synergistically to increase the benefits you already received from their use when used in tandem. Consider the following general beliefs about using CBD and Kratom together.
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Safe Together
Although you should always consult with a professional before using any botanical product, it is generally considered safe to use CBD and Kratom together. The reason being that Kratom and CBD interact with different systems within the body. The alkaloids in Kratom interact with opioid receptors, while CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This difference means that complications between the two botanicals are unlikely, making them safe to use simultaneously.
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The Strain Matters
The consensus is that what matters most in pairing CBD and Kratom is the strain of Kratom you use. Most CBD oils produce similar feelings of easy relaxation and peacefulness, and when mixed with the various Kratom strains, they produce a slightly varied reaction.
Red Kratom, most associated with feelings of relaxation, will likely heighten CBD’s similar effect. Green Kratom is known for enhancing positivity and motivation; therefore, it will likely result in a calm, positive, motivated feeling when combined with CBD. Lastly, with its reputation for boosting motivation and focus while dulling discomfort, White Kratom may amplify CBD’s relaxation benefits while providing a pick-me-up to get you through a busy day stress-free.
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Pay Attention to Dosage
Most experienced users of Kratom and CBD advise others to pay attention to the dosage they are taking. When combining two natural substances, it is imperative to start at low doses and work your way up to what feels right. Consider familiarizing yourself with CBD and Kratom individually to decipher how the properties of each botanical benefit you before combining them. When you use them together, start at a lower dose of each, note how you feel, and adjust accordingly.
Risks of Mixing CBD and Kratom
When using two botanical products at once, you may have a different experience than you would when using them individually, and this is not to everyone’s benefit. Most often, issues are caused by taking a dose that your body is not accustomed to and are non-life-threatening. However, there may be an issue with CBD or Kratom interacting with another substance in your body or a medical problem in rare cases. Therefore, it is essential to know what signs signal that you need to stop using a product.
If you feel any of the following, take a step back from combining CBD and Kratom and either return to using one of the botanicals or seek the help of a professional to determine what caused the problem. Also, never use CBD or Kratom with illicit substances, as the risk for complications may increase.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe headache
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Excessive sweating
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
CBD and Kratom – A Perfect Match
Due to the different ways CBD and Kratom work in the body, combined with the advice to start with a low dose of each, it is most likely safe for fans of these botanicals to try using them together. They work in tandem to enhance one another’s various properties, such as an increased sense of wellness, positivity, and calm. As long as you give your body time to adjust to the benefits of CBD and Kratom individually before combining them and avoid using either botanical product with other substances, you should be able to discover which combination of CBD and Kratom is the perfect match for you.