CBD or cannabidiol is the second-most dominant component of cannabis. The most psychoactive ingredient of cannabis is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. CBD is a derivative of hemp, a relative of marijuana. According to WHO, CBD has no effects indicative of a potential for abuse and dependence. In effect, CBD does not cause a “high” by itself.
On the other hand, kratom or mitragyna speciosa is a plant of Southeast Asian origin belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Its leaves contain the alkaloids mitragynine and 7 hydroxymitragynine, which are highly potent, making kratom effective in pain relief and stimulation.
Like CBD, surveys done on users indicate that as a natural herb, kratom has therapeutic effects and low potential for abuse and harm. Both CBD and kratom are legal substances available in stores and online, making it possible for users to obtain CBD products or kratom products through kratom retailers.
Here, we’ll make a case-by-case comparison of the psychoactive abilities of CBD and Kratom.
As A Stimulant and Energy Booster
Our bodies have a complex system made of neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system which helps in learning, metabolism, and memory.
Although CBD has a low affinity to bind with the cannabinoid receptors, it can antagonize the receptors in the abundance of THC. Through this, CBD stimulates effects when taken in small doses and a sedating effect when administered in large doses.
Kratom is an effective stimulant and is effective in fighting off fatigue, increasing sociability, and enhancing alertness when taken in small doses. When taken in large amounts, it produces opioid-like effects like sedation. When taken in low doses, it asserts stimulating effects, leading to alertness, increased talkativeness, and physical energy.
Pain Relief and Management
CBD is an efficient pain relief agent that works on several biological functions in our bodies. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-analgesic, and antioxidant capabilities, enabling it to work on chronic pain effectively.
As a cannabinoid, CBD binds with cannabinoid receptors in the body to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides from the synaptic nerve endings. This, in effect, gives CBD its analgesic property in dealing with neuropathic, inflammatory, rheumatic, and chronic pain.
The alkaloid-rich leaves are the repository for mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are the medicinal agents of kratom. With 7-hydroxymitragynine being the more potent of the two, kratom relieves the most severe pain compared to other conventional pain relievers like morphine.
Opioid Addiction Withdrawal Assistance
Patients recovering from opioid drugs like oxycontin experience diarrhea, lack of sleep, and muscle pain in their withdrawal. CBD makes it easy for patients to deal with withdrawal symptoms. It also reduces the cravings to the level that significantly decreases the chance of relapse.
Kratom anecdotal studies show success in using it for opioid withdrawal. A patient recovering from the abuse of hydromorphone injections reported using kratom to successfully manage the withdrawal symptoms and pain. This success is credited to mitragynine’s ability to bind with the opioid receptors and its additional receptor affinity that enhances its effectiveness at enabling opioid withdrawal.
Sedation
CBD, when administered at higher doses, is an effective mild sedative. This presents CBD’s biphasic characteristic as a stimulant in low doses and a sedative in large amounts. So, an ideal dose depends on a user’s needs.
Kratom presents the same biphasic attributes when it comes to sedation. At lower doses, kratom delivers a stimulating effect and a sedating effect at higher doses. Larger amounts of 10-25 grams can give sedative effects with euphoria and calmness lasting up to six hours.
CBD or Kratom: Which One is Better?
CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound; as such, it is non-intoxicating and has mild psychoactive effects. That means users can use it without risking the debilitating effects. Its non-addictive characteristic makes it more acceptable compared to kratom.
So, if you are considering buying a less psychoactive substance, then CBD makes a great choice. Kratom’s psychoactive nature makes it ideal for treating certain health conditions. Depending on your purpose, kratom might be the right choice.
Conclusion
Both CBD and kratom pack many therapeutic effects. However, it’s important to know that research is still in the baby stages. There is a need for more research to understand these substances and how they work to release various therapeutic effects.
Different dosages can be prescribed for varied results depending on the user because there is no standard dosage. Although they share some similarities in treating health conditions, CBD and kratom are distinct with unique effects.
This guide looks into the psychoactive effects of CBD and kratom to help you decide on which option is the best for you. You can now order them from online channels and brick-and-mortar stores with knowledge on how they work.
