Comparing Kratom And CBD: A Look At Their Benefits

Natural compounds have become wildly popular with the modern consumer, offering alternative treatment options to those who may not enjoy the many negative side effects that often accompany traditional medications. Take, for example, substances like cannabidiol (CBD) and kratom. Both of these plant-based products have become household names.

But how are they alike? How do they differ? When might you incorporate one or the other into your daily lifestyle?

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at kratom and CBD, evaluate their potential benefits, and address some of the questions that most consumers have regarding both of these substances.

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CBD is a substance derived from the hemp plant that belongs to a broader group of compounds known as cannabinoids. Whereas some cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produce psychoactive effects, CBD does not. However, it’s believed to offer many of the same benefits you experience when you take THC, which makes it a potentially valuable substance for a wide range of applications. 

Everyone’s body contains a series of receptors known as the endocannabinoid system. Our bodies actually produce our own cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) that bind to these receptors to regulate mood, manage pain, and beyond so that we can achieve homeostasis.

CBD, which is a phytocannabinoid, can bind to these same receptors. Because of this interaction, it’s believed that CBD can then achieve many of the same functions that endocannabinoids are responsible for. Still, more research is needed to fully understand how CBD functions and what types of benefits it has to offer. 

CBD is touted as an extremely versatile natural substance, offering a wide range of benefits for those looking to target specific conditions or simply enhance overall health and wellness.

A growing body of research is pointing to CBD as a potential natural treatment option for the broad spectrum of anxiety disorders1, feelings of discomfort (many CBD users view CBD positively and believe it serves to relieve chronic pain2), difficulty sleeping, and much more.

The best way to discover what CBD can do for you is to try it for yourself! Shop our collection of organic, non-GMO CBD products today to see how CBD fits into your lifestyle!

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia that belongs to the coffee family and has been used in traditional medicine since the 19th century. Kratom can be consumed orally or brewed as a tea and is available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders.

With all this in mind, it is important to purchase it from a trustworthy source as the FDA does not regulate Kratom.

Whereas CBD binds with endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the brain and body, kratom’s primary compounds bind with opioid receptors found throughout the nervous system.

While opioid receptors have numerous functions, they're most well-known for pain transmission. In fact, you’re likely already familiar with opioid medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine.

However, remember that kratom is not considered an opioid but opioid-like.

More research is needed to fully understand how it functions within the body and the true risk and benefits of the substance. 

Arguably the most well-known and sought-after benefit of kratom is pain relief. Some studies show that taking kratom improves pain tolerance, which makes logical sense given that the substance binds to opioid receptors.

However, users will also ingest kratom as a means to experience numerous other reported benefits of the plant, including: 

• Increased energy and focus
• Increased sociability
• Sedation
• Mood enhancement
• And more…

The reason why benefits are so varied is since there are different strains of kratom, each of which is believed to affect the body in different ways.

• Red strains are said to be more sedating, while white strains are more energizing. 
• Green strains are said to fall somewhere in the middle, leaning either way. 
• Another major factor is dosage, for which lower doses are said to be more energizing and higher doses are said to be more sedating. 

Kratom and CBD might be used to treat similar conditions, but the two interact with two different receptors in the body. CBD binds with endocannabinoid receptors to achieve the desired effects, while kratom binds to opioid receptors.

Legality is another significant difference. CBD is legal across all 50 states, as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent THC. On the other hand, Kratom is illegal in several states and some counties. This may be partly due to public perception and limited knowledge of how kratom functions.

Kratom and CBD may also affect certain users differently. CBD is a non-psychoactive substance that doesn’t produce a high when taken. While kratom does not get users high either, some describe kratom use as euphoric. These differences should be considered if you’re weighing CBD or kratom as potential treatment options for certain conditions. 

Because we don’t know enough about how kratom and CBD function, it’s best to avoid taking both substances at the same time. Always consult with your doctor before taking CBD or kratom to better understand what the potential risks and benefits are as well as whether or not it’s the right fit for you. 

Both Kratom and CBD carry potential side effects, and while they are generally deemed safe, it's crucial to understand these risks to make an informed decision about which one suits you best.

Kratom may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth for some users, along with headaches, dizziness, and confusion. Higher doses are associated with more extreme side effects, so it’s best to start with the lowest possible dose (based on the effects you’re looking for) to see how kratom effects you and whether or not you need to raise your dose to see the desired effects.

CBD is typically considered safe as well, but it also has possible side effects. These include fatigue, diarrhea, and appetite changes. Some users might experience dry mouth, nausea, and mood alterations too. It's worth noting that CBD can interact with specific medications, so it’s important to speak with your doctor before taking it.

CBD and Kratom are popular natural remedies, but there are other options for those who prefer not to use them.

For alternatives to CBD, consider herbal remedies like ashwagandha, turmeric, and chamomile, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory, calming, and pain-relieving properties to alleviate symptoms related to various health conditions.

If seeking a Kratom alternative, Mitragyna javanica, a close relative to Kratom, offers similar effects, such as pain relief and relaxation. Other options include passion flower, kava, and valerian root, all known for their calming, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving benefits.

There are also holistic approaches like acupuncture, massage, and yoga that can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Selecting the ideal natural remedy can be challenging due to the numerous available options. Kratom and CBD, both popular choices, have unique benefits and drawbacks, making it crucial to consider your individual needs and preferences.

Kratom is primarily used for pain relief and energy improvement, and it may be more habit-forming for some users. Because it’s less regulated it can be difficult to know whether or not you’re buying kratom from a reliable source. However, it may be a more suitable alternative to CBD for some users.

CBD, on the other hand, is a more versatile remedy that could be leveraged for feelings of nervousness, feelings of discomfort, and more. It’s much easier to find authoritative CBD companies that produce high-quality CBD products, and it may be less confusing to find the right CBD products for your needs.

Weigh these advantages and disadvantages when shopping for CBD or kratom. You could always try both to see which one is the best fit for your specific needs. 

Kratom and CBD are two popular natural remedies that are often used to target similar health issues. However, while their benefits overlap, how they affect users can differ greatly, and so can the quality of products. CBD may be a preferable option for those who are interested in addressing various symptoms without euphoria or similar effects.

But when you’re ready to try CBD out for yourself, where do you turn? BATCH is here to help you get started! We offer a wide range of CBD products derived from organic, non-GMO hemp farmed right in Wisconsin. We prioritize transparency and control every step of the process from seed to doorstep to make sure that you’re getting products that are pure, effective, and lack any additives and fillers.

Better yet, we offer free shipping on all orders over $25 and subscription options that allow you to save 25 percent on every order. Ready to get started? Shop now or reach out to us with any questions you have.

Interested in learning more about CBD? Check out some of our other informative articles below!

• How Does CBD Oil Make You Feel: CBD Daily Use Guide
• Online CBD Store: Where To Buy CBD Oil Online?
• Best CBD Oil Of 2023: Match Our Products To Your Problems

Sources:

1. Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015, October). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics. Retrieved May from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/ 
2. Schilling, J. M., Hughes, C. G., Wallace, M. S., Sexton, M., Backonja, M., & Moeller-Bertram, T. (2021, May 5). Cannabidiol as a treatment for chronic pain: A survey of patients' perspectives and attitudes. Journal of pain research. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8107012/ 
3. Vicknasingam B;Chooi WT;Rahim AA;Ramachandram D;Singh D;Ramanathan S;Yusof NSM;Zainal H;Murugaiyah V;Gueorguieva R;Mansor SM;Chawarski MC; (n.d.). Kratom and pain tolerance: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. The Yale journal of biology and medicine. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32607084/

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that kratom can help fight or prevent Covid-19. Always conduct independent research into any substance you wish to take and speak with your doctor to get a professional opinion about how it may benefit you.

Kratom is associated with numerous benefits, including pain relief, improved mood, increased energy, and improved sleep. However, more research needs to be conducted to fully understand how kratom interacts with the body and definitively draw conclusions about its effectiveness in treating certain conditions. 

The effects of CBD can vary depending on the individual, the dose, and the method of consumption. Generally, the effects of CBD may last up to 6 hours. However, if CBD is taken sublingually, or under the tongue, the effects may last up to 8 hours.

The amount of time that CBD stays in your system can vary depending on the individual and the method of consumption. Generally, it can take anywhere from 1 to 2  days for CBD to be completely eliminated from your system.

The type of CBD that is best for arthritis pain depends on the individual and the severity of the pain. Generally, a full-spectrum CBD product is recommended, as it contains all the beneficial compounds of the hemp plant. However, it’s dependent on which products seem to offer you the strongest effects.

CBD may be beneficial for back pain, but it’s not necessarily a substitute for pain medications or alternative therapies that can address your symptoms. Work with your doctor to determine if CBD would be helpful for your back pain.

The type of CBD that is most effective depends on the individual and their specific needs. Generally, a full-spectrum CBD product is recommended, as it contains all the beneficial compounds of the hemp plant. However, users can also choose broad-spectrum (THC-free) and CBD isolate products.