Kratom vs CBD: Where You Can Buy

The number of botanical products on the market continues to expand, and many have wondered about kratom vs CBD. The Kratom industry grows bigger each year. When CBD oil—an oil derived from cannabis or hemp—hit the market a few years ago, it became the biggest star in the sector. According to some market analysts, the CBD industry may grow by approximately $30 billion by 2025. Likewise, the Botanical Education Alliance released a conservative estimate that indicated the Kratom industry was worth around $1.13 billion back in 2016. Since then, the industry has hit mainstream attention. 

The federal government has tried to clamp down on both industries, but it has done little to stem the tide of consumer interest. People continue to flock to the botanical industry seeking a more natural selection for daily ailments.

Kratom and CBD products have a loyal customer base. Anecdotal reports indicate both herbal supplements have multiple therapeutic benefits. Some of those benefits overlap, so consumers can choose between both or use them together. 

 

What Is Kratom?

To begin, let’s cover some basic information about Kratom. Since it grows indigenously in Southeast Asia, most people don’t know its background, and that’s fine. We can remedy that quickly.

Kratom is related to the coffee plant. People make a cup of hot tea from its leaves to get their day started. Like coffee, Kratom has a stimulating effect on the consumer. However, Kratom does not contain caffeine. Instead, other compounds are responsible for that boost of energy and those compounds have other therapeutic benefits, too. Some of those include a more uplifting mood and relief from daily discomfort.

There are various types of Kratom products on the market. The most common form is Kratom powder. Suppliers take dried Kratom leaves and crush them up. Consumers can mix it with a beverage or use it to make tea. You can even buy gelatin capsules filled with Kratom powder. There are also Kratom extracts that contain high concentrations of the most potent Kratom alkaloids.

We should probably go over a few of those compounds in detail right now.

 

What Are the Compounds Associated with Kratom?

There are several alkaloids found in Kratom. So far, scientists have discovered over 40 active Kratom alkaloids, but most of them are available in limited concentrations. Any benefits from those compounds are negligible. Scientists haven’t produced any experiments on them. However, there are a few Kratom alkaloids that researchers have investigated. 

Notable Alkaloids in Kratom:

1. Mitragynine — Most Kratom research surrounds this unique alkaloid. In a small amount, it acts as a stimulant. Yet, it has analgesic properties in larger amounts.
2. 7-hydroxymitragynine — Its concentration is limited as a mitragynine derivative. However, this compound produces the most discomfort-relieving effects of all the Kratom alkaloids. 
3. Paynantheine — One of the more abundant Kratom alkaloids, paynantheine has analgesic properties. But it also works as a muscle relaxer and sedative.  
4. Speciociliatine — The speciociliatine compound is one of the more abundant alkaloids. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough scientific studies on it but researchers indicate it’s a milder analgesic compound. And future studies may place more emphasis on its properties.  
5. Mitraphylline — Scientific studies suggest mitraphylline has the potential to act as an anti-inflammatory agent in subjects. But more research is necessary to strengthen the collected data.  

 

How Do the Alkaloids in Kratom Work?

Kratom alkaloids interact with our body’s enzymes in a metabolization process to convert them into more water-soluble metabolites. For instance, mitragynine, the most abundant Kratom alkaloid, gets converted into 7-hydroxymitragynine within our kidneys. Our bodies metabolize Kratom alkaloids to phase I and phase II metabolites.

Once in our bloodstream, the compounds react with several receptors in our central nervous system. That produces various kratom effects on the consumer. The most noticeable reaction occurs with the delta and mu-opioid receptors. The opioid agonistic activity blocks any sensation of discomfort from signaling the brain. As a result, discomfort reduction occurs. But even though Kratom has an affinity for opioid receptors, its alkaloids are not opioids. Instead, the compounds provide opioid-like effects. Fortunately, experiments indicate any addictive nature of Kratom alkaloids is minimal.

Kratom alkaloids also bind with adrenergic, serotonin, and dopamine receptors to a lesser extent. Kratom compounds trigger adrenergic nerve fibers to release epinephrine, noradrenaline, or dopamine.

Epinephrine and noradrenaline have an energizing effect and the dopamine creates a feeling of pleasure. Also, serotonin receptors activate a sensation of happiness. Together, the combination of unique neurotransmitters promotes a sense of joy.

 

Is Kratom Legal?

Fortunately, Kratom is a legal product on the national level. So the federal government has not created any bans or regulations on the plant, but the topic of Kratom legality gets complicated at the state level. Like marijuana laws, a few states have begun implementing Kratom legislation that opposes the federal government’s stance on the plant. Currently, we have six states with a Kratom ban and a few municipalities have joined those ranks as well.

Six States Have Banned Kratom:

1. Alabama
2. Arkansas
3. Indiana
4. Rhode Island
5. Vermont
6. Wisconsin

Some municipalities have Kratom bans in their jurisdictions, too. Local elected officials are responsible for those types of proposals becoming law. Talk with the representatives in your area before elections to know where they stand on kratom legality. So far, municipalities in 6 other states have banned Kratom.

Six States with Municipal Kratom Bans:

1. California: Oceanside and San Diego Country banned kratom products.
2. Colorado: Monument and Parker banned kratom. Denver has labeling restrictions.
3. Florida: Kratom remains illegal in Sarasota County. 
4. Illinois: Jerseyville, Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, and Alton have banned kratom.
5. Mississippi: Several towns and counties have kratom bans.
6. New Hampshire: Franklin County banned kratom. 

Does Kratom Have Any Side Effects?

We have limited scientific research on Kratom available. However, the US government has stepped up and awarded grant money for the sole purpose of funding additional Kratom research. Hopefully, scientists can tell us more about Kratom and its properties in the coming years. So far, most evidence suggests that Kratom is relatively safe to consume. Still, adverse reactions can occur from ingesting heavy serving sizes at one time. Stick to smaller servings. Then side effects shouldn’t be a problem. 

Still, let’s look at a few known common side effects of Kratom usage.

Most Common Kratom Side Effects:

• Dehydration
• Jitters from its stimulation
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Drowsiness

These sides effects typically occur for new users that take too much Kratom. Always follow the recommended serving sizes provided by the company. New users should start with one teaspoon at max. You can always take more later if needed.

Also, stick to reputable Kratom companies that use Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and test the kratom for toxins, heavy metals, and harmful bacteria. The Kratom industry has few regulations. Unfortunately, not all kratom companies abide by customer safety procedures. Kratom contamination can lead to adverse reactions, too. Unlike typical Kratom side effects, those can create health complications if left unchecked, and nobody wants that to happen.

 

What Are the Benefits of Kratom?

Scientific literature claims Kratom contains dose-dependent alkaloids, meaning the size of the serving can change the outcome of the effects produced. At smaller serving sizes, Kratom acts as a stimulant and gives the consumer an energizing feeling like caffeine. However, larger servings have the opposite effect. Too much Kratom can be sedating.

Therapeutic Effects of Kratom: 

• Provides a Boost of Energy — Small servings of Kratom behave like coffee and stimulate the nervous system.
• Acts as a Nootropic — Scientists’ experiments show some compounds in kratom potentially enhance the cognitive functions of Kratom consumers.   
• Mood Stabilizer — Recent studies suggest some Kratom alkaloids may relieve mental overwhelm. Data also indicates its reactions with neurotransmitters help uplift moods.
• Lessens Physical Discomfort — Kratom alkaloids react with opioid receptors in the brain and provide discomfort relief.
• Get Better Rest — Higher serving sizes of Kratom may produce a sedative effect. Consuming it before bedtime can help your overall sleep cycle. 

Each Kratom strain on the market contains a unique alkaloid profile that produces different effects. Some Kratom varieties are more energetic than others. Yet others are more sedative. Consider buying a few different strains to keep in stock. Then you can use a specific Kratom strain for all your needs.

 

Where to Buy Kratom?

Before you go out and purchase Kratom, there are a few things you need to understand. All Kratom products are not equal. The Kratom industry—for the most part—remains highly unregulated. No federal agencies are overlooking the manufacturing process of Kratom and that can lead to complications for the consumer.

Since that’s the case, consumers owe it to themselves to investigate Kratom businesses. They need to abide by Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Those companies should have a sterile processing facility to keep out contaminants during the packaging process. They should also send off samples of each Kratom batch to an independent third-party laboratory analysis department. These technicians should test for heavy metals and biological contaminants. Otherwise, you’re taking a risk with your health.

Luckily, members of Kratom Geek went ahead and took the initiative for you. We researched all the Kratom companies around to look for the most promising Kratom products. And out of them all, we came up with a pre-vetted Kratom business that has superb Kratom for sale online.

That company is Happy Hippo Herbals. Happy Hippo follows all safety consumer guidelines and offers the highest quality Kratom by far. Buy your kratom from them if you want the best.

REMEMBER GEEKS! You can use our coupon code GEEK20 to get 20% OFF all Happy Hippo products! 

 

What Is CBD?

In the past few years, CBD advertisements have bombarded the internet. But what is CBD? Well, CBD is short for cannabidiol. It’s a molecular structure found inside Cannabis sativa. CBD is one of many chemical compounds called cannabinoids that cannabis produces. However, CBD does not create an intoxicating feeling in the consumer. Nobody has to worry about getting high from it. Instead, it provides a noticeable calming sensation from the psychoactive properties of the compound.

CBD is the second most prevalent active cannabinoid in cannabis—right under THC. Researchers have taken a keen interest in it, and they weren’t disappointed. It has lots of reported therapeutic effects.

The compound is relatively new to the scientific community. We need more research to understand its properties and how it interacts with our bodies.

There are different varieties of CBD. Cannabidiol is available as a bottled oil or capsule form. You can choose from CBD full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or a CBD isolate. And we’ll go over each of them in detail. 

 

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

The most unadulterated version is full-spectrum CBD. This version of CBD leaves all the other active compounds of industrial hemp in the mixture, and consumers claim it provides the most benefits.

That is to say, all the compounds work together to create an entourage effect. That synergy boosts its overall effects to make it work more efficiently.

However, trace amounts of THC are present in this form of CBD oil. So, you shouldn’t use it if you have to take drug tests for employment. Even though industrial hemp contains less than 0.3% of THC, it’s still possible to register in a urinary analysis.

 

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Another form of CBD is broad-spectrum CBD oil. Broad-spectrum CBD contains all the compounds of the full spectrum except for THC. You can take this version and still get the benefits of the entourage effect without worrying about failing a random drug test at your work. Still, some consumers prefer to purchase a CBD product with one ingredient—the CBD cannabinoid. And that’s available, too.

 

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is the purest CBD product on the market today. Manufacturers use a chemical synthesis process to isolate the CBD compound from the others. Most CBD isolates for sale have a concentration of 99% CBD. So trace amounts of other compounds are present, but not enough to notice. With CBD isolate, you only get the benefits associated with cannabidiol. And some consumers prefer that.

 

What Are the Compounds Associated with Cannabis?

There are more than 400 different chemical compounds found in cannabis. Over 120 are cannabinoids. However, there are approximately 300 additional non-cannabinoid molecular structures that are found in cannabis, too.

The cannabinoid chemical compounds get all the attention, though. They have psychoactive properties.

Cannabinoids react to the endocannabinoid system, so they work to create physiological changes in our bodies. Sometimes, they alter our psychological outlook. In some instances, they perform both functions. Here are a few of the most studied cannabinoids in scientific literature.

 

Most Popular Cannabis Cannabinoids

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): A large portion of the population already knows about THC. It’s the compound in cannabis that gets the user high. There are several variations of THC—most are synthetic. The two found naturally in cannabis are the delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC variants. Delta-9-THC is illegal on the federal level, while its cannabinoid cousin isn’t. 
• Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD has garnered lots of attention in the past few years. The CBD industry exploded recently and other industries have rushed to include it as an active ingredient. The prescription drug Epidiolex is a CBD derivative used to treat seizures linked to a couple of rare diseases.
• Cannabigerol (CBG): Derived from CBGA (the grandfather of all cannabinoids), science suggests CBG has antibacterial and analgesic properties. Consumers claim that CBG has stimulative properties like caffeine. 
• Cannabinol (CBN): CBN has mild sedative properties. In animal studies, the compound produced relief for muscle and joint conditions. Some scientists believe it shows promise in delaying the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), too. 
• Cannabichromene (CBC): Scientists continue to study CBC to identify its therapeutic potential. Results suggest it helps with inflammation and mood stabilization, but we need more research to determine its properties.  

 

How Does CBD Work?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids. These endogenous neurotransmitters bind to cannabinoid receptors in our brains. These endocannabinoids are structurally like cannabinoids found in cannabis. The difference between the two is our bodies produce endocannabinoids naturally. However, cannabinoid compounds can bind with the same receptors. So cannabidiol (CBD) utilizes that vast network of cannabinoid receptors and chemical signals packed into our central nervous system.

To date, scientists have discovered two separate cannabinoid receptors in the ECS. They are the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Most CB1 receptors exist in the central nervous system (CNS). The CB2 receptors are primarily in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

So far, scientists aren’t completely sure how CBD works. Studies have identified over 65 molecular targets for the compound. According to research, CBD has little affinity for binding with either cannabinoid receptor. Instead, it primarily modifies transport protein and enzyme activity, producing a higher concentration of anandamide in our bodies. That influences several of our body’s physiological systems—the regulation of pain, appetite, and pleasure/reward.

CBD also reacts with several other receptors in our brains. They include serotonin, vanilloid, orphan, and nuclear receptors. We should have a better understanding of CBD through future studies.

 

Is CBD Legal?

On the federal level, cannabidiol (CBD) is legal. President Trump signed the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 into law and removed industrial hemp from the Scheduled List of Controlled Substances. As a result, that bill differentiated industrial hemp from marijuana plants.

Industrial hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa that produces less than 0.3% of THC (a federally controlled substance). In such a small concentration, it’s impossible to get high from smoking industrial hemp flowers.

Purchasing CBD products derived from industrial hemp is legal in all 50 states. However, there are different CBD products on the market. Recreational and medicinal marijuana states can sell CBD products with higher concentrations of THC. Currently, 18 states allow recreational cannabis consumption and 36 states allow medicinal marijuana. Take the time to research the different CBD products in your state and then educate yourself on their effects.

Still, even though CBD and industrial hemp are legal on the federal level, the law enforcement agencies of some states have made it difficult for consumers. There are countless reports across the nation where officers have confiscated CBD and industrial hemp products in the past couple of years. Make sure you leave your CBD in its original packaging to stay safe.

 

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?

All herbal supplements can produce unwanted side effects. Luckily, CBD is relatively safe when consumed in proper serving sizes. Still, apply a drop to your tongue to check for an allergic reaction. CBD allergies do happen in rare instances. Besides, full-spectrum products contain all cannabinoids and compounds from the plant. There are over 400 compounds that can act as an allergen.

After managing an allergen test, use the suggested serving sizes provided on the package. But understand, other side effects are still possible. Here are a few of the most common listed below.

• Dry Mouth
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Reduced Appetite
• Fatigue

Other complications can occur from CBD interacting with different herbal supplements or medications. For starters, combining CBD with a product that has overlapping effects can lead to overbearing sensations.

 

Special Note: Mixing CBD with some prescription medications can cause serious health problems. If you’re taking any of the following, discontinue CBD use immediately until you speak with a licensed doctor.

• Blood thinners
• Heart rhythm medications
• Prescriptions for seizures
• Thyroid medications

Discuss with your physician before adding CBD oil to your supplement regimen.

 

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

Online, you’re sure to hear some CBD advocates claiming cannabidiol works for every health complication under the sun (some cannabis advocates act the same way). That’s far from the truth. Currently, CBD has no FDA-approved uses. Yet, recent scientific studies suggest the CBD compound shows promise for several health complications. We’ll go over a few of them right now.

• Possible Anxiety Relief: Preclinical evidence shows CBD reduces anxiety for patients with several disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
• May Help Manage for Physical Discomfort: Some studies indicate that CBD has discomfort-relieving effects. However, the cannabinoid THC would be better suited for such.
• Possible Neuroprotective Properties: Scientists have investigated some of the neuroprotective properties of CBD. A few researchers show promising preliminary results for using CBD to restore the functions of two proteins that help reduce beta-amyloid plaque—Alzheimer’s disease patients have high levels. 
• May Help Maintain a Healthy Heart: CBD has both antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. We already know studies indicate a link between anti-inflammatory diets and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Adding CBD as a supplement can bolster that effect. 
• May Help Improve Sleep: The preliminary results of a few sleep studies suggest CBD is potentially helpful with several sleep disorders and anecdotal reports back up those claims.

Where to Buy CBD?

CBD is legal in all 50 states, so it’s relatively easy to find. Lots of health food stores stock it on their shelves, and vitamin and supplement shops carry it.

Some pharmacies are starting to sell CBD topical products. They stock them around other lotions, creams, and topical solutions. Also, your local tobacco or vape shop most likely has CBD products.

The pandemic hit local businesses hard. Likewise, it’s best to buy from stores in your community if possible.

You won’t find traditional CBD products in larger venues like Wal-Mart. Right now, those types of companies refuse to carry CBD oil because of banking restrictions surrounding marijuana products. Even though regular CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC, merchant accounts continue to label CBD as a high-risk product. And that increases the overall cost of the product to sell it.

Several companies sell CBD online. A quick Google search will give you a wide selection. Investigate and determine which one suits your needs.

 

Kratom vs CBD Can They Be Taken Together?

Customers purchase natural supplements for various purposes. Each botanical product has potential therapeutic benefits for consumers. Some of them overlap while others don’t. Mixing compounds, whether natural or not, can cause adverse reactions. Individuals must familiarize themselves with any product they consume before taking them. It’s their responsibility.

According to a Gallup poll, 14% of Americans use CBD products. That poll was conducted back in 2019, right after industrial hemp was made legal. I’m sure that number has increased in the past three years. There are several million Kratom users in the US alone. However, an overlap of the two supplements undoubtedly exists. Sometimes, mixing herbal products can have disastrous results. 

Let’s investigate to determine if it’s safe to take Kratom and CBD together.

So far, scientists have not performed any research on combining CBD and Kratom. But lots of consumers have provided anecdotal accounts of their experiences, and according to those reports, mixing CBD and Kratom doesn’t appear to cause any complications. However, adhere to mixing CBD with Kratom strains that produce biologically different results. Try a Kratom variety with energizing effects since some studies suggest CBD can act as a sedative. You don’t want to start dozing off at work.

 

Take Advantage of Both Kratom and CBD Products

Multiple companies online offer extensive selections of high-quality CBD and Kratom products. You can even find Kratom and CBD products locally in your area. Each supplement has its advantages and disadvantages.

Out of both products, in our opinion, Kratom works better at relieving discomfort. However, CBD has shown promise in preventing some types of rare seizures. The FDA even approved a CBD-derived drug for that purpose. (But the FDA doesn’t show the same consideration to CBD in general.) However, some states have legalized high concentrations of CBD oils for medicinal purposes. State governments see the potential of CBD oil for patients.

Still, both herbal products have disadvantages associated with them as well. For example, take Kratom, consumers that use Kratom products all the time in high concentrations can build up a tolerance to it. That creates the need to use higher serving sizes to get the same effects. On the other hand, investigations have shown that some CBD products don’t even contain the concentration listed on the container. Taking some CBD products might not have any reported effects at all. 

That’s why it’s important to buy CBD and Kratom from a reputable source.

You take herbal supplements to support a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you’re buying the very best!