Kratom vs. CBD - Comparing Benefits & Risks

Navigating the dynamic landscape of wellness trends can be perplexing. It can sometimes feel like there’s a new “buzz” ingredient every month, and it’s hard to discern truth from hype. One such trend that has gained attention is kratom and how it compares to CBD. Fans of Kratom highlight its potential benefits for boosting energy, managing pain, or alleviating anxiety.

However, amidst the recent excitement surrounding kratom, there are notable concerns and warning signs that can't be overlooked. In stark contrast, CBD has emerged as a dependable choice for individuals seeking a safe and effective solution for a wide range of health issues.

To help you reach your own conclusions about kratom vs. CBD, we breakdown both advantages and disadvantages to both and further explore specific use cases that may be better suited for one versus the other. 

Get to Know CBD – What is It & Benefits

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant.  CBD is a popular remedy for everything from pain relief and anxiety to an effective sleep aid. 

Considering that there is minimal-to-none THC contained in CBD products, there is no “high” feeling or altered mental state when taking CBD. Instead, users can feel relaxed without losing the ability to focus and operate in their daily lives. 

Other benefits of CBD is the that it has minimal side-effects (most which are mild) and presents no known risk of addiction. 

How does CBD interact with the body?

Your body's inherent design is geared toward harnessing the benefits of CBD, thanks to the endocannabinoid system, a vital regulator of inflammation, pain, and sleep. Through its interaction with receptors within the endocannabinoid system, CBD facilitates the transmission of crucial signals between cells, helping to safeguard balance and harmony (known as homeostasis) within your body. 

Potential Benefits of CBD

Studies have shown time and time again that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can provide a plethora of advantages. Physically, it can alleviate pains related to IBS, tight muscles, tennis elbow, and a whole slew of conditions.

Benefits extend beyond the physical pain. CBD can be used to soothe the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic disorders, along with PTSD. Some studies even suggest that CBD can be used to help treat people who are dependent on opioids, thus offering a safe alternative for dealing with withdrawal symptoms. 

Get to Know Kratom – What is It & Benefits

What is Kratom? 

If you are up to date on holistic health news or visit vitamin stores, you may have heard the buzz about kratom, a supplement that is sold as an energy booster, mood enhancer, pain reliever, and antidote for opioid withdrawal. However, the truth about kratom is more complicated, and the safety issues related to its use are concerning.

Kratom is an herbal extract that comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree grown in Southeast Asia. Used for centuries as a natural remedy, kratom is known as a mood enhancer and pain reliever in low doses, and a psychoactive in higher doses, causing drowsiness, relaxation, and a euphoric feeling. 

How does kratom interact with the body?

Kratom contains alkaloids which are nitrogen-rich chemicals found in nature. This may initially sound unfamiliar, but we are all very well acquainted with other naturally occurring stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, codeine, and morphine. 

The active ingredients contained in kratom are absorbed into the digestive system, impacting nerve cells’ messages to inhibt pain signals, and slow down brain activity, breathing, and heart rate. 

Benefits of Kratom

For centuries around the world, kratom has been used to reduce fatigue and pain, address mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and for placate GI problems (not unlike CBD). Current uses also include the usage of kratom for managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioid addiction. Consuming kratom can produce stimulating effects when taken in low doses and sedative effects with high doses. However, the safety of kratom and whether the benefits are worth the risks is very questionable.  

Major Differences Between Kratom and CBD

Unlike CBD, Kratom can be psychoactive if taken in excessive quantities

Take the risks of kratom seriously; there are valid reasons why many health professionals caution against its use. Primarily, there is a possibility of overdose and even death when excessive quantities of kratom are ingested. High doses are taken when the goal is to achieve kratom’s psychoactive effects, which can lead to addiction to the substance. Contrastingly, CBD offers none of the previously mentioned risks of kratom. 

Habitual kratom usage can lead to addiction, dependency, and withdrawal symptoms

Habitual use of kratom leads to the risk of becoming addicted because the body naturally adapts to regular exposure. The risk of dependence increases for those who frequently consume high doses. When someone stops taking kratom in these situations, withdrawal symptoms can emerge such as insomnia, mood swings, pain, feeling nauseous, and irritability.

Kratom is banned in several states

Kratom is legal in four states, banned in six states, and unregulated in the remaining ones. Take note, it is illegal to buy or use kratom in Alabama, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Indiana, Vermont, and Rhode Island. The four states in which kratom is officially legal are Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Georgia.

There has been less research about kratom than about CBD

The scientific community has only begun the long journey of exploring the many wellness benefits of CBD and kratom, as thorough studies take many years to reach their conclusion. However, there has been much more scientific inquiries and studies about CBD than about kratom. And what has been found about kratom hasn't necessarily been positive. To quote the FDA, "FDA has warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder (SUD). In rare cases, deaths have been associated with kratom use, as confirmed by a medical examiner or toxicology reports."

In Summary, When to Use CBD vs Kratom?

CBD is ideal for incorporating into your everyday routine

When considering regular usage, CBD emerges as a safer and more dependable alternative when compared to kratom, primarily due to the risks of dependency associated with the latter. 

CBD can be used for pre- and post-workout recovery, to help combat anxiety, sleep issues, and depression. Pair it with your favorite drink or smoothie to lessen inflammation or apply it directly to the source for pain relief. With endless options and next to no side effects, you can see why CBD has become part of many people's daily routines. 

Use kratom for brief, targeted periods, such as for temporary pain relief

Although some claim that kratom’s healing effects are worth the risks, most experts, including the FDA, strongly advise against kratom use deeming it unsafe. Due to its addictive nature, if you choose to use kratom, it’s best for coping with temporary pain in low doses. However, proceed with caution!

CBD is best suited for relaxation and assisting with sleep

CBD is commonly used to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Whether you're dealing with sleep disorders—like insomnia, restless leg syndrome, pain that interferes with falling and staying asleep—or are simply struggling to achieve a restful state, CBD can help you relax your mind and body to make sleep within reach. 

Unlike many other sleep medications or kratom, CBD doesn't result in inhibition or a "hangover" effect the next morning, and it lacks addictive qualities. Therefore, it is noticeably safer to use for this purpose. 

Kratom has a greater effect on boosting energy and concentration

If taken in small dosages, kratom may increase your energy, alertness, and heart rate. Make sure that you only take a small amount of kratom in order to achieve these results. Larger dosages can produce a sedative and mind-altering outcome. 

Can You Safely Mix Kratom and CBD?

The jury is still out on whether mixing CBD and kratom is safe. The overlap between the potential effects may mean that, when combined, your likelihood of experiencing side effects increases. Therefore, if you choose to experiment with using kratom and CBD simultaneously, it's advisable to exercise caution by opting for lower doses of both.

Trust Botanika life For High-Quality CBD

If you are looking for a clean, natural CBD product with multiple-use healing properties, the Elite Elixir is for you. With pure hemp seed oil and 1500 mg of potent full-spectrum CBD, Botanika Life’s Elite Elixir is made from vegan, gluten-free ingredients that can be ingested and also used topically for full-body relief. 

Botanika Life’s popular CBD Sleep Spray helps control your body’s cortisol levels encouraging relaxation and sleepiness. With powerful ingredients like melatonin, magnesium, and GABA, you will not only fall asleep easily but also sleep more deeply throughout the night. 

By Emily Wegener

With a unique background as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Masters Degree in Teaching and experience in Psychology, Emily spends much of her time researching and trying out new holistic healing modalities.