No doubt, more people are discovering the unique benefits of kratom, which is the dried leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree that grows in Southeast Asia. Kratom is renowned for its potential analgesic, anxiolytic, and focus-enhancing effects, with many people taking it on a regular basis in order to manage all kinds of daily needs. With that being said, kratom has a lot in common with the hemp plant, which also offers a potential plant-based solution to things like physical discomfort, mood dysregulation, and sluggishness. Because of that, it’s no wonder why so many people ask us whether or not it’s okay to take kratom with cannabinoid or hemp-based products, as both can be used to address the same issues.
Is it Safe to Combine Kratom with Cannabinoid Products?
First off, let’s talk a little bit about how both of these substances are metabolized. Kratom is metabolized by 3 key enzymes in the body: CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9. Then, you have cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid that’s metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. On the other side there is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP2C9.
The reason why this matters is because it shows us that kratom and cannabis are metabolic competitors. The body always maintains a finite amount of these enzymes, and so taking two substances that require the same enzymes in order to metabolize means that there’s a risk the metabolization process will fail, as the body runs out of the enzymes required to complete the process.
What Does This Mean Then as Far as Safety is Concerned?
Well, both substances may exist in higher concentrations than normal, for longer than normal, in the bloodstream, as there’s nothing available to help them break down and begin the process of leaving the body. While cannabinoids are nontoxic, kratom can cause damage to the body, and in particular, the kidneys and liver, if too much is present in the bloodstream. So, does this mean that there’s a risk of danger? Well, potentially. It’s very rare, as it would require taking particularly high doses of both substances. Hence, would likely occur more if the person was using both substances in high doses very frequently.
Another thing to consider is that the two substances can, in some cases, work against each other, or potentiate each other. For instance, if you’re taking a kratom strain that gives a boost of energy, and a cannabis strain that’s sedating, you may end up not getting the desired effect you’re looking for. On the other hand, taking a super sedating cannabis strain and kratom strain together could really intensify that sleepy effect, in a way that could cause major impairment.
Psychoactive vs. Nonintoxicating Cannabinoids
Of course, one thing that could really determine the outcome of your experience is the cannabinoid in question. Some cannabinoids are extremely intoxicating – take tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P), which’s 10x stronger than delta 9 THC. Then, we have cannabinoids that carry zero psychoactive properties, like CBD, CBG, and CBN. Because kratom is intoxicating, mixing it with a psychoactive cannabinoid would mean a stronger high, and more risk of an unpleasant high as the substances could potentiate certain possible side effects like anxiety, sedation, or low blood pressure.
Does the Dosage Matter?
Naturally, the dosage is gonna make a big difference when it comes to the way in which both substances affect you, as well as any potential risks associated with mixing them due to being metabolic competitors, as discussed earlier. Taking high doses of both substances means more risk, more potential intoxication, and more likelihood of feeling impaired. Keep in mind again that with kratom, high doses put you at risk for more potentially serious side effects than with cannabinoids.
This is why we always urge you to carefully follow the directions on your product labels, where you’ll find clear information about what dosage is right for you. Many product labels’ dosage info takes into account things like tolerance, body weight, and individual needs, while also clearly stating the limit of what you can take within a 24-hour period. Going outside of those recommendations puts you at a much higher risk of side effects in general, and so, can increase the risk of a harmful interaction between kratom and cannabinoids.
What if You’re Taking Medications?
Now, to make things a little more complicated, there are many people who take medications daily and are also interested in taking both kratom and cannabinoids. This is where the risk factor can really increase. That’s because many medications – in particular, prescription medications like opioids, blood pressure medications, steroid medications, sleep medications, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines – are metabolized by CYP3A4, just like kratom, and a number of cannabinoids. This could mean that you’re really at a risk of accumulating two much of these substances in the blood by taking them all together, and also risking impairment that lasts for several hours longer than it should due to an inability to leave the blood through the metabolic process.
Note: Speak to your doctor if you are taking medications, and have an interest in either kratom or cannabinoids, or both.
Overall, Best to Play it Safe When Mixing Kratom and Cannabinoids
Ultimately, there’s a risk associated with mixing kratom with cannabinoids, but at the same time, the risk is quite low if you’re using both substances properly – like following the directions on the label, and leaving several bours between taking each product. And, again, if you are on medications, then it’s all the more important that you really play things safe, and of course, as we cannot stress this enough, talk to your doctor before mixing any of these substances together.
Luckily, many people have found success by working kratom into their daily routines, to the point that they don’t even feel the need to explore other options. So, if you’re looking for relief through a natural method, the kratom products at Topps Kratom could help provide you with what you need to feel your best.