Can Kratom and CBD Be Taken Together?

Kratom and CBD are some of the most popular herbal substances on the market today. These two plant-based options are becoming more and more appealing to consumers that are tired of trying unnatural, chemical-based products with unknown origins. But, with how popular both of these substances are, it begs the question: can kratom and CBD be taken together?

Here, we’re taking a look at the potential of consuming both kratom and CBD, and whether or not this is something you should try. If you aren’t familiar with what CBD is — or what kratom is — we’ll break down the ins and outs of these unique herbal options and help you decide if you can enjoy them together. Let’s start with understanding what CBD is. 

What is CBD?

As one of many chemical compounds in the cannabis plant (also known as cannabinoids), CBD is short for cannabidiol. Even though CBD comes from cannabis, this cannabinoid doesn’t have the ability to get you high; instead, it is purely a supportive compound. The effects that it produces in the body will vary from person to person, and that has to do with our bodies’ work with CBD.

Inside the body is something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex system of cell signalers that let the body know where it needs support and how. Essentially, if your body is creating too much of a certain chemical, or maybe not enough of it, then the ECS will be triggered, creating endocannabinoids that can help balance out the internal systems. Unfortunately, our bodies don’t always have the support they need to create these endocannabinoids or level ourselves out naturally. And that’s where CBD comes in.

As a cannabinoid, CBD works beautifully alongside the endocannabinoid system in the body. While it doesn’t bind directly with any cannabinoid receptors, it helps to act as a stopgap and give the body the help it needs. Of course, these results are permanent, and they fade once the cannabinoid does, but it creates wonderful effects throughout the duration of consumption. People’s bodies react differently to these effects based on their needs.


Over the past few years, CBD has become increasingly more common and increasingly more popular thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products that followed certain guidelines. Hemp-derived products (like CBD products) are federally legal in the United States as long as they do not contain more than 0.3% THC. If they do, they are considered marijuana — not hemp — and the plants or products are no longer legal. This means that hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC have absolutely exploded in popularity within the past few years.

Today, you can find CBD and CBD products practically anywhere — online, in your local health and wellness shop, and on dispensary shelves. It comes in various forms depending on how you want to consume it. You can find CBD gummies, tinctures, topicals, capsules, drinks, and so much more. Practically anything you think of, you can infuse with CBD to experience soothing, relaxing effects.  

What is Kratom?

Now that you’re familiar with what CBD is, let’s talk about kratom. Kratom is a substance extracted from a, well, kratom tree. Technically called mitragyna speciosa, this plant is native to Southeast Asia, and those in places like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia can find the plant growing naturally throughout.

Starting around the 19th century, people in Southeast Asia began discovering the uses of kratom, and it quickly became popular as herbal medicine. People found that the substance was able to produce nearly opioid-like effects, helping with various circumstances for those living in Southeast Asia. At the time, kratom was made by simply grinding up the leaves of the kratom tree into a fine powder and then consuming it that way. But, today, we have much more advanced, beneficial ways of crafting kratom products.

While we still take the leaves, dry them, and then grind them, we’re able to infuse various other products with kratom extract to create more appealing products. You can easily get your hands on kratom powder that you just add to your food or drink to enjoy; or, you could try something like kratom capsules or even kratom gummies.

Kratom capsules contain kratom powder, while kratom gummies contain an infused version of kratom extract. You may even find liquid kratom products, where you simply drink your kratom-infused beverage and get the dose that way. The way that you consume your kratom is totally up to you and your personal preferences, too: that’s why it’s so wonderful to have various products to choose from.

Kratom and kratom products are currently unregulated in the United States. This makes it widely available in states that haven’t placed regulations on the substance. However, this also means that you need to consume with caution when buying kratom, as it’s important to only purchase kratom products from the most reputable places. Make sure to always check for lab results and see if the brand is cGMP-certified, first. These two factors will tell you everything you need to know about the quality of your kratom. 

What Are the Different Types of Kratom?

When shopping for kratom, you may find yourself coming across different types or strains that you haven’t heard of. In case you aren’t familiar with the different types of kratom, we’ll break them down for you here.

In general, there are three strains of kratom that you’ll come across: White Vein, Red Vein, and Green Vein. Each of these strains has unique profiles that directly impact your kratom experience. So, what are the differences between these types of kratom?

White Vein kratom, or just White kratom, is going to be the best option for those seeking more uplifting, energetic results. This strain is harvested from younger kratom trees that haven’t had as much time to mature as others. Due to this early harvesting, White Vein kratom tends to be some of the most potent, as it has the highest levels of mitragynine of all the strains. So, if you’re new to the world of kratom, you may want to wait to try these strains until you’ve gotten more comfortable with the substance. 

On the other hand, Red Vein kratom is best known for its relaxing, nearly sedative properties. Red kratom is the most popular strain out there, and it’s likely going to be the most abundant at your local shops. This type of strain comes from the most mature kratom trees, and it’s said to be the most calming of all the strains. The more relaxing properties of Red Vein kratom make it great for beginners who want a more mellow introduction to the herb.

Finally, you may also come across Green Vein kratom. You can think of Green Vein as the sort of “hybrid” option, as it has effects that are similar to both Red and White kratom. It has a nice balance of relaxing effects, but it’s also wonderful for boosting energy levels and mental clarity. If you want something that’s not too drowsy but not too stimulating, either, then Green Vein kratom may be the perfect choice for you.

You’ll find all three of these strains in different types of kratom products, as we discussed above. Whether you’re looking for kratom gummies, capsules, or shots, you can find the right product with the right strain for you. 

Does Kratom Interact With CBD?

With both kratom and CBD being such popular herbal substances, many people are curious as to whether or not they interact with each other. They actually don’t; however, they do share similar properties that make them “metabolic competitors.” Because they break down in the body in similar ways, this means that it will take longer for the kratom and CBD to work through the body than usual.

To get technical, the body processes kratom and CBD through a similar enzyme. While kratom is processed through CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9 enzymes, CBD is also processed through the CYP3A4 enzyme. Because of this, things get a little tricky.

With the same enzyme attempting to break down two different substances, this affects how well those substances actually get broken down. Essentially, this could lead to a buildup of one of the substances, and that buildup has the potential to cause dangerous effects. When you consume both kratom and CBD together for extended periods of time, you may be unknowingly filling your body with high levels of CBD and kratom. This can create adverse effects, make you feel sick, and can affect your health.

However, as we will discuss in a moment, these results aren’t common and there are still plenty of ways you can consume both kratom and CBD.

Other than that one enzyme, kratom and CBD don’t interact at all. As we mentioned, CBD works with the endocannabinoid system, while kratom works with the body’s opioid receptors. So, the substances work in two very different areas of the body, creating levels of helpful effects. This combination is what makes many people curious about consuming both kratom and CBD. But, is it safe overall? Let’s discuss. 

Is it Safe to Use CBD & Kratom Together?

While kratom and CBD may metabolize in a similar way, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dangerous to use CBD and kratom together. In fact, as long as you’re careful about your consumption, you should be perfectly fine. However, it’s always best to consult with a physician first before mixing the two, especially if you’re on other medications. 

As we mentioned, there is a chance that you can experience an excess buildup of kratom and CBD in the system when taken together. But, this only occurs when you consume the two compounds simultaneously consistently and for the long term. If you are consuming both kratom and CBD every day, then you are putting yourself at a much higher risk of experiencing negative side effects. So, it’s best to take breaks.

If you consumed CBD and kratom today, make sure you don’t do it again tomorrow. Give your body time to process and fully break down the substance before adding more on top of it. That’s how you create the buildup problem. Instead, make sure to wait at least a few days in between consumption before doing it again. When you consume the two substances this way, your body gets a break and can catch up again.

Because CBD and kratom work in two different systems in the body, the effects that they create together can actually be quite synergistic and appealing to many consumers. If both kratom and CBD worked in the same system, then it would be a different story; however, CBD being in the ECS and kratom working with opioid receptors simply creates more full-bodied effects for consumers. It’s also crucial to note that you should never combine alcohol with your mix of kratom and CBD. This can cause extremely dangerous results and puts you at high risk of inhibiting your central nervous system. Make sure to avoid this combination at all costs!

Again, it isn’t smart to consume CBD and kratom together for long periods of time. This will create adverse reactions and you likely won’t feel your best. Instead, you need to take breaks in between consuming them both, allowing your body the chance to break down the substances as needed. However, in general, CBD and kratom do not interact with each other, and you shouldn’t have any issue consuming them together a few times. But, it’s important to remember that there is always a risk in doing so. 

What Should I Dose If I Consume Them Together?

Dosing kratom and CBD is tricky because every person is different in terms of tolerances. However, it is generally best to start with a low dose of kratom and a low dose of CBD to ensure that your body doesn’t get too overwhelmed with both substances. Doing low doses of both helps you experience the effects of both herbs, but you don’t have to worry as much about having any adverse reactions. A “low dose” can vary from person to person, so start with around 5-10 mg of CBD and 1-3 grams of kratom. Of course, if you find that this doesn’t produce the effects you want, you can increase your dose by a little next time. Just make sure you don’t up to your dose too much, and that you wait days in between trying again.

Finding the perfect dose of CBD and kratom may take a bit of trial and error, and that’s okay! You have to take the time to determine what works best for you. But, we must emphasize that you shouldn’t be having this combination every day; instead, you could try different doses once a week or once every two weeks. This is a good way to ensure your body stays happy and you have the best results possible. 

Conclusion

If you’re interested in seeing what CBD and kratom feel like in the body, consult your primary care physician first before making any decisions. Then, once you get the green light, it’s time to purchase your kratom products from Topps Kratom. Topps Kratom offers a huge selection of high-quality kratom products that we can ship right to your door. Whether you’re interested in kratom gummies, kratom capsules, or even liquid kratom shots, our online inventory has you covered. We have something for everyone, and we always sell our products at low, affordable prices. This way, you have the chance to try the kratom products of your dreams without clearing out your wallet.

Along with a huge selection of products, Topps Kratom is one of the best places to buy your kratom because of our quality-control standards and priorities. We make sure to test every single product that we have, and we provide updated lab reports so you can see the purity of the product firsthand. Topps Kratom is also cGMP-certified, meaning we’re of the highest standards in terms of kratom cultivation and curation. With us, you’re always getting the best of the best. 

The next time you have some CBD on your hands and want to see how kratom might mix with it, head over to Topps Kratom. We’ll provide you with the high-quality product you need, and if you place an order before 3 pm EST, we will ship you your product the same day that you order. Don’t wait any longer! Start shopping today and consume responsibly.