CBD vs. Kratom: Effects, Benefits, and How They Differ

While CBD (cannabis compound cannabidiol) has become very popular over the last few years, kratom isn’t as well known, although that’s rapidly changing. CBD has almost become a household name, and everyone, from college students to grandparents, has been using it.

So how do kratom and CBD compare? If you’ve been asking yourself this question, you’re not alone. Enlightened minds are seeking information about these products, and we’re here to help you understand their benefits, differences, and uses.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, whose scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa, is a tree native to Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. The trees can grow as tall as 70 feet. However, when cultivated, they’re usually pruned to make harvesting their leaves much more manageable since that’s where the magic is.

Used for centuries during ceremonies and for extra energy for field workers, kratom leaves were typically chewed or dried and brewed as tea. Now more popular in the Western world, kratom enthusiasts can purchase capsules, gummies, extracts, and finely ground powders to be used for brewing tea, blending into smoothies or non-alcoholic beverages.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. While it’s one of the active ingredients in the plant, it doesn’t produce the psychoactive effects that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) does. Horticulturalists have perfected the art of growing cannabis plants with increased levels of CBD and almost undetectable amounts of THC.

While THC has been used for centuries in many different cultures for spiritual and medicinal use, CBD use is relatively new. Cultivators are now growing hemp plants that produce high levels of CBD and are quite different from the marijuana plants that most of the world is familiar with.

Kratom and CBD: Benefits Explained

Kratom and CBD are two distinctly different substances with different compounds and different effects. While both are gaining popularity for their benefits, they are not the same. Here, we’ll give you a rundown of both.

The Benefits of Kratom

Fans of kratom have raved about the many benefits this naturally occurring botanical can provide. While more research is needed, it’s shown to be quite beneficial in many ways. Interestingly, different serving sizes of kratom can produce different effects. Devotees have described kratom as:

• Calming
• Soothing
• Relaxing
• Uplifting
• Energy-boosting
• Comforting
• Mood-enhancing

Sometimes referred to as “nature’s cheat code,” smaller serving sizes of kratom have been beneficial for those needing some extra oomph to complete tasks or to get through an intense workout routine. On the contrary, more significant amounts are perfect for a relaxed mood and promoting physical comfort.

The Benefits of CBD

Fans of CBD claim that it provides all the benefits of cannabis without the feeling of getting high. Most often, users of CBD are seeking relaxation, but other potential benefits of CBD include:

• A lessening of anxiety
• Improved sleep
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Seizure management

Still, further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy. Yet, many swear by it and feel much better about using a natural product to calm what ails them.

The Differences Between Kratom and CBD

Sure, both kratom and CBD are botanicals with promising qualities and some similarities in their benefits, but how they affect each person can be quite different. Each has different origins, chemical compositions, and methods of consumption.

Source and Composition

• Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. There are over 50 alkaloids total in kratom, but mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are believed to be the most significant in producing kratom’s effects.
• CBD is derived from cannabidiol that is found in cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana. It’s native to many different parts of the world but is now primarily grown in modern indoor facilities.

Potential Uses and Benefits

• Kratom is typically used for mood enhancement, increased energy, relaxation, and promoting physical comfort. Advocates of kratom believe it can be beneficial for getting things done, maintaining focus, relaxing with friends, and as a pre-workout aid.
• CBD has many uses but is primarily used for issues such as anxiety, inflammation, and sleep problems. It’s also less likely to be used in a group experience.

How It’s Taken

• Kratom comes in many different forms. It can be brewed into tea, mixed into smoothies and other non-alcoholic beverages, chewed as gummies, or taken in capsule form.
• CBD is available in a wide variety of different forms. It can be purchased as a liquid extract, in capsule form, as sublingual drops, gummies, or vape pens that can be inhaled.

Kratom and CBD: Final Thoughts

Perhaps one of the biggest similarities between kratom and CBD is the mistaken belief that they are inherently dangerous substances that are regulated in the same way as prescription medications. Like almost anything, if taken in sufficiently large quantities, there can be adverse effects. However, we believe if you consume kratom responsibly, it can be helpful in working toward your wellness goals. In the end, it’s up to each individual to decide which best suits their needs and preferences.

For Further Reading

Cinosi, Eduardo, et al. “Following the Roots of Kratom.” NIH.gov. 10 November 2015

Swogger, Marc T., et al. “Understanding Kratom Use: A Guide for Healthcare Providers.” NIH.gov. 02 March 2022

Wieckiewicz, Gniewko, et al. “Cannabidiol (CBD) in the Self-Treatment of Depression-Exploratory Study and a New Phenomenon of Concern for Psychiatrists.” NIH.gov. 22 March 2022