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CBD and kratom have emerged as two natural remedies growing rapidly in popularity for their purported health benefits. CBD is derived from cannabis plants, while kratom comes from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia.
Interest in both has skyrocketed in recent years. Searches for “CBD” and “kratom” have steadily increased over the past decade as people look to manage conditions like pain, anxiety, depression and more naturally.
However, CBD and kratom have key differences in their legality, potential drug interactions, safety profiles and effects. This article provides a complete side-by-side comparison of CBD vs kratom - from their origins and chemical makeups to firsthand experiences from users. Read on to learn more about discerning between these two trending remedies.
CBD is derived from cannabis plants, including both marijuana and hemp varieties. The most abundant compound in cannabis, CBD, does not produce the “high” effects associated with marijuana due to low levels of THC. CBD has roots tracing back thousands of years as a medicinal plant, but has surged in popularity recently due to new scientific research and changing attitudes.
Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Kratom has a long history in traditional medicine as a replacement for opium, a stimulant to combat fatigue, and an herbal remedy for pain, diarrhea, and opioid withdrawal. Only recently introduced to the West, kratom has gained attention as an alternative to prescription painkillers.
The main active compound in CBD products is cannabidiol, commonly abbreviated as CBD. This is one of over 100 identified cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. In contrast to THC, the cannabinoid responsible for marijuana’s high, CBD is non-intoxicating while still providing potential therapeutic effects.
Kratom contains a variety of active alkaloids, with the primary psychoactive compounds being mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids bind to opioid receptors in the brain, providing pain relief, euphoric feelings and sedation, especially at higher doses. The balance of alkaloids determines the effects of different kratom strains.
CBD and kratom each have a variety of options for consumption, from traditional uses to the latest product innovations.
Oils - CBD oils and tinctures can be dropped under the tongue or mixed into food and drinks. This is one of the most common ways to take CBD.
Edibles - CBD is increasingly found in gummy bears, chocolates, baked goods and snack foods. However, ingestion leads to slower onset than oils.
Vaping - CBD vape products allow rapid absorption into the bloodstream when inhaled. But the long-term safety of vaping is still uncertain.
Topicals - Lotions, balms and creams infused with CBD are applied directly to the skin. CBD’s benefits are limited to localized areas.
Chewing or Brewing Leaves - The traditional method of chewing kratom leaves or brewing tea provides milder stimulant effects.
Powders - Most commonly mixed with water or smoothies, kratom powder offers greater convenience and potency.
Capsules - Much like CBD, kratom capsules contain pre-measured powder doses and are easy to swallow.
Enhanced Extracts - Isolating kratom’s alkaloids into concentrated extracts can enhance potency but may increase side effects.
Both CBD and kratom show promise for several health conditions, though more research is still needed. Here are some of the leading therapeutic uses suggested by current science:
Chronic Pain - CBD may disrupt pain signals and act as an anti-inflammatory. Early research indicates it may help with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy pain.
Anxiety - Studies show CBD can reduce anxiety behaviors and help with PTSD, social anxiety, OCD and panic disorder. It calms the nervous system.
Epilepsy - CBD has been shown to reduce seizure frequency in epilepsy disorders like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Neuroprotection - CBD is an antioxidant that may help delay neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Opiate Withdrawal - Kratom activates opioid receptors, helping curb withdrawal symptoms during addiction treatment.
Enhanced Focus - In small doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, improving concentration, motivation and mental clarity.
Relaxation - Higher kratom doses have sedative effects, reducing anxiety, promoting calm and aiding sleep.
Pain Relief - Mitragynine in kratom is thought to alter pain perception in the brain, elevating comfort.
While interest is growing, CBD and kratom both have some potential safety concerns and side effects to consider:
Diarrhea and Upset Stomach - Especially when ingesting CBD oil or edibles. This usually resolves with dosage reduction.
Changes in Appetite - CBD may suppress appetite initially but increase it over time. This may lead to weight changes.
Fatigue - Some reports of CBD causing drowsiness, especially when combined with other sedatives like benzodiazepines.
Drug interactions - CBD can inhibit certain liver enzymes, delaying metabolism of pharmaceuticals like blood thinners and antidepressants.
Constipation - One of the most frequently reported issues with regular kratom use due to its effects on stomach transit time. Staying hydrated can help.
Nausea and Vomiting - Occurs most often at moderate to high doses. Lowering dosage or trying a different kratom strain usually helps.
Respiratory Depression - Rarely, very high doses slow down breathing rates substantially. This risk is heightened when combining kratom with other substances.
Dependence - With continued use, kratom may cause withdrawal symptoms if suddenly discontinued. This includes muscle aches, irritability, and insomnia.
When comparing CBD vs kratom, there are several factors to consider in determining which (if either) is better suited for your needs:
- Legal in most states and non-intoxicating
- Generally well-tolerated by most users
- Promising for a wide range of health conditions
- Available in many product types and flavors
- Effects can be subtle and variable
- Relatively expensive compared to kratom
- Quality and purity varies between products
- Fewer consumption options for non-smokers
- Provides more noticeable stimulant or sedative effects
- Typically cheaper and easier to obtain than CBD
- Established history of traditional use in native regions
- Single doses can last for several hours
- Legality is ambiguous and changing in the US
- Side effects like nausea more likely at moderate-high doses
- Risk of dependence and withdrawal with repeated use
- Quality control lacking for many kratom products
For those new to both, it may be worth trying CBD first given the favorable legal status and low side effect risks with most products. However, kratom’s more pronounced effects may be desirable for some depending on individual circumstances and needs. Speaking to an informed doctor can help weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of each substance.
An important consideration when selling CBD and kratom products is choosing the right packaging. The packaging should keep your products safe and fresh while also attracting customers with appealing design.
One recommended option for small businesses and startups is The Box Packaging. This company specializes in custom printed boxes, bags, pouches and other packaging suited for the CBD and kratom industry.
- Free shipping and free design support for all orders
- No minimum order quantity - they can produce runs as small as 50 boxes
- Fast turnaround of 6 business days from order to delivery
- FDA-compliant packaging materials safe for CBD, kratom and other wellness products
- Custom box sizes, shapes, printing and inserts to showcase your brand
With low order minimums and quick production/shipping times, The Box Packaging makes it easy for new CBD kratom businesses to launch with quality packaging right away. Their dedicated account managers can assist with creating packaging that protects your products while catching eyes on store shelves.
