Kratom vs. CBD: Discover the Differences

Kratom and CBD are both extremely popular botanicals but have many notable differences. The active compounds in kratom and CBD differ in the ways that they affect the body. These differences will be highlighted in this guide so you can better understand them. 

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a popular botanical that originated in Asia, eventually found a home in the United States. In addition to kratom powder, it is also available in gummies, shots, and capsules. Kratom comes from a tree called Mitragyna speciosa Korth, a relative of the coffee tree found in some parts of Southeast Asia.

In the US, kratom has become popular for its relatively widespread legality and range of accessible products on the market. Each type has its own unique profile, including white vein, green vein, and red vein.

There are also several different stains of kratom across the three types that can further tailor the experience. If you are new to kratom, you should look into the different types and strains to find one that fits your desired experience.

There is still much to be learned about kratom before any concrete claims can be made. Kratom, although present in the US since the early 1990’s, did not see the rise to its place in popularity until around 2011. This means there has been a relatively short amount of time for any research to come to light.

All of our kratom products are produced in the US using high-quality leaves from mature kratom trees. This helps ensure the quality of our products. While little is known as far as confirmed scientific research, all of the information currently available on kratom can be found here. 

What Can Kratom Be Used For?

There is not enough scientific research available to say for sure what kratom can be used for, but people generally report using it for a number of different reasons. These claims are purely anecdotal as not enough research has been done to confirm any of them. 

The type of kratom and the strain have also been known to influence the different uses people have for the popular botanical product. Because of the different compounds present in them, you can have vastly different experiences with different types and strains of kratom because of the different compounds present in them.

Many people choose to use low or moderate amounts of kratom for a less significant experience. Higher amounts of kratom will produce an experience that is much more significant and is not advised for those who are new to kratom products.

Kratom becomes active in the system after it is metabolized by the body, a process which generally takes around thirty-minutes to an hour, depending on the form of kratom used. 

Until more information is known about kratom and its effects, there are no confirmed uses for kratom, but it continues to be one of the most popular botanical products in the world. The widespread legality and ease of use, along with discreet packaging, has made it an extremely popular choice for people who are interested in botanicals. 

It is important that you research any kratom products carefully, especially if you are new to kratom, so that you are aware of all of the currently verified information available. If you would like more information about kratom and our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

All of our kratom products include clear labeling and descriptions so that you know exactly what to expect from your kratom experience. This level of transparency is why we are one of the best places to purchase your kratom products from. 

How Does Kratom Work?

The method chosen to experience kratom will influence how it works. No matter which method you choose, kratom will release the compounds contained in the leaves over time, which are then absorbed by the body.

Kratom shots are one of the most popular forms of kratom. It works by releasing the kratom once it is metabolized in liquid form. This process can take between thirty minutes and an hour, making it one of the fastest acting forms of kratom currently available. 

Kratom capsules containing highly-concentrated kratom powder are also available. These work similar to kratom shots and are metabolized to release the kratom compounds. The capsules take slightly longer to do this, but mask any unpleasant taste associated with kratom. 

Kratom gummies can also be found containing pre-measured amounts of kratom in a variety of flavors. Kratom gummies, once metabolized, will release the kratom compounds, but it can take longer to do so based on your own metabolism. 

It is thought that kratom begins to compound, causing tolerance to go up, meaning the same amounts of kratom will be less effective. This is generally not ideal and should be avoided if possible.

A tolerance break should be considered if this happens, though there are ways to help avoid tolerance buildup to that point. The perfect amount of kratom is the smallest possible amount to achieve your desired effects.

Switching strains can be an effective way to keep your tolerance down, as well as purchasing only high-quality kratom from distributors like us at Topps Kratom.

The science behind how kratom works in the body involves an interaction between over 25 different individual alkaloids and the body’s analgesic functions, as well as certain receptors in the brain. 

It is likely that in the future, more research will come to light that sheds more light on exactly how kratom interacts with the body.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a cannabinoid compound found in both hemp and cannabis plants. It is the second most significant cannabinoid compound found in plants, second only to THC. 

CBD differs from THC in a key way in that it does not produce any psychoactive effects and instead is thought to improve concentration and focus. Due to their higher naturally occurring CBD content, hemp plants are typically used to produce CBD. 

Many different types of CBD products, such as dry flower, vapes, gummies, and capsules, have been released on the market since the legalization of hemp products in 2018. For a better experience, the majority of CBD brands also contain a full spectrum of other cannabinoids and terpenes. 

Although this information has not been verified scientifically, CBD has been reported to have several positive effects on the body. CBD works by interacting and binding with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. These receptors then begin reacting to the effects of CBD.

A full summary of the scientifically verified information currently available on CBD can be found here. 

What Is CBD Used For? 

While there is still much scientific research needed to prove any benefits of CBD, many people who have experience with the cannabinoid claim to use it to increase mental clarity and focus. It is being investigated for several potential benefits that will likely come to light in the future. Until then, CBD has become popular due to its reported stimulating effects and the lack of any psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabinoid products. Alternatively, CBD has also become a popular choice for coupling with other cannabinoid products containing THC to heighten the experience. 

CBD is often mistaken for a cannabinoid that produces a “high.” It is important to emphasise that CBD lacks any psychoactive compounds that are common with other cannabinoids. This makes CBD useful when increased concentration and mental clarity are required. 

The effects of CBD are said to be far less significant than those of kratom products. This has made CBD products popular with people who are looking for a milder experience. 

How Does CBD Work?

CBD is unique in the way that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Unlike other cannabinoid products, CBD does not bind strongly with the cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Instead, CBD interacts with them indirectly using molecular targets and pathways located throughout the body. Once CBD enters the body, different receptors begin to manipulate the endocannabinoid system. 

The effects of CBD are far less significant than those of kratom products due to its poor binding properties to the cannabinoid receptors. This makes CBD a better choice for someone seeking a mild, stimulating experience. 

How Does Kratom Compare To Marijuana?

Comparing kratom to marijuana is difficult due to the varying strains available for both botanicals. Depending on the strain, they could produce entirely different effects. Red vein kratom strains like Bali and Borneo are more similar to heavy Indica marijuana strains. White vein kratom strains are more similar to Sativa marijuana strains. 

Finally, green vein kratom is similar to hybrid strains of marijuana and produces effects that are a balance between stimulating and relaxing. While the effects and benefits of marijuana are more concretely researched and verified, much less is known about kratom. 

Kratom and marijunnna both have been reported to have similar effects though the method they use to release the compounds. Kratom has more widespread legality than marijuana, giving it a clear advantage as far as accessibility goes. 

It is unlikely that your experience with kratom will be very similar to that of marijuana, as kratom does not have any psychoactive properties that produce a “high” that is typically associated with marijuana. 

Kratom and marijuanna do not have very much in common structurally or in the way of reported effects. Because of this, they should be treated as two totally different botanicals and not used in tandem with each other unless you have prior experience doing so. 

How Does CBD Compare To Kratom?

The key differences between CBD and kratom are mainly molecular and affect the way the botanicals interact with the body once metabolized. While some of the effects have been reported to be similar, they share very few similarities in terms of effect significance.  CBD and kratom are both being studied carefully to more concretely determine their effects. Until more research is done, there is simply not enough information to compare any potential effects and benefits between the two. 

Due to the mild stimulating effects reported from both, CBD most easily compares to white vein kratom strains. Another similarity is the lack of psychoactive or intoxicating effects apparent with both botanicals. 

Where CBD and kratom truly differ is in their effectiveness. CBD’s effects are far less significant than kratom’s. This is because of the difference in the way the two botanicals interact with the body. In the end, it’s difficult to directly compare CBD and kratom because they are designed to serve different purposes. 

While similar properties exist between the two of them, the significance of the effect varies vastly. If you find yourself conflicted about choosing between CBD and kratom, kratom products will likely better suit your needs.

Kratom products are said to provide more significant effects, while CBD is thought to be a much milder experience, more suited for those with no kratom experience. 

Is CBD And Kratom Legal?

CBD and Kratom’s legality will vary by location and are handled very differently in the eyes of the law. CBD products that are derived from hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.

That being said, several states have put into place their own laws regarding hemp-derived products. If you live in one of the states listed below, you should check into the laws regarding hemp products like CBD, as they could differ from the federal laws. 

These states include:

  • Arizona
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Iowa
  • Idaho
  • Louisiana 
  • Massachusets 
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire 
  • Pennsylvania 
  • Utah 
  • Kansas
  • Washington D.C.

Kratom legality also varies by state. Before considering purchasing any kratom products, you need to be well aware of your state’s laws regarding kratom usage and possession. This will help ensure that you do not have any trouble with the law in the future.  Despite the fact that kratom is legal on a federal level, some states have since passed their own regulations on its use and ownership. In some cases, this means heavily regulating the sales of kratom products, while others have outright banned them from being sold or possessed. 

Most states have chosen the latter, and heavily regulate the sale of kratom products, ordering them to be sold with certain labels and specifications and only to certain age groups, most often 21 years of age or older.  There has been considerable pressure to ban kratom on a federal level for some time now, the most recent being in 2016 when kratom was almost listed as a Schedule 1 drug. Luckily, this decision was overturned shortly after and it was left to the states to decide how to deal with kratom.

That being said, this could change at anytime. Because of this, it is important to stay updated on the laws in your area regarding kratom. Some notable states where kratom has been outlawed are Alabama, Arkansas, Rhode Island, Indiana, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

If you live in one of the states mentioned above, kratom is not legal to sell or possess. You will need to stay updated on any developments in your area regarding the future of kratom in your state. 

Outside of the US, the laws regarding kratom are much stricter. Australia, Japan, and South Korea are three notable countries where kratom sale or possession carries extremely steep penalties. If you are planning on traveling with kratom, it is vital that you research the laws regarding kratom for the area that you are traveling to. 

Which Is The Best Place To Buy Kratom Products Online?

We here at ToppsKratom pride ourselves on being the number one online store for purchasing kratom products. Our products are produced in the US to ensure high quality and a standardized production blueprint. 

We also offer fast, reliable shipping, responsive customer service, and affordable prices to ensure a stellar customer experience every time. Please contact us with any questions you may have regarding kratom, and we will match you with a product best suited for your needs. 

We strive to produce only the purest kratom products currently available in response to the sea of low-quality products currently on the market elsewhere. We also ensure that all of our products follow the rules and regulations set to ensure not only legality but a safe experience. 

We offer the best selection of high-quality kratom products currently available. We stock several different types of kratom products in all the main types and strains, including shots, capsules, and gummies. 

Conclusion

While CBD and some kratom strains are said to produce similar effects, they differ on many different levels, including molecular structure and the way they interact with the body. This makes it difficult to compare the two botanicals directly.  Instead, you should consider two entirely different botanical products that each have their own reported benefits and effects. Kratom is better suited for more significant effects and has a variety of different strains available to match your experiential desires. 

Here at ToppsKratom, we offer the widest selection of kratom products currently available. If you are interested in experiencing kratom, you should visit our online store to view our selection of high-quality kratom products.