You’ve smoked a lot of weed. Enough that it’s maybe even starting to get kind of, well, old, honestly.
And in your weed-smoking circle, just like many others, there’s a lot of talk about other natural herbs that can make you feel good. And maybe you’ve even heard of one of them: it’s called Kratom.
Yeah, you’ve heard of it, but you’re not really sure what it is.
Is it a pill? Is it a powder? Do you smoke it? Do you snort it? You have so many questions.
And beyond everything else, you’re probably wondering: is kratom safe? You know weed and are well-acquainted with the effects it has on you, but you don’t know kratom.
Well, we’re here to help you learn!
In this post, we’ll fill you in on what kratom is, how you can use it, and provide some potential benefits and risks you may encounter if you decide to try it for yourself.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, if you want to get technical and scientific, is an evergreen tree in the coffee family, which is grown in the tropical climates of Southeast Asia and parts of Africa.
Traditionally, kratom has been used to fight fatigue and improve the productivity of farmers in Southeast Asia. It has also been used in traditional medicine for some time and is also a popular treatment for pain relief specific to drug withdrawal symptoms.
Today, kratom is used both for its pain relieving qualities and its other effects we’ll discuss in more depth below – but the availability of it in the United States has been a heavily debated topic.
Is Kratom Legal?
In the United States, kratom is legal everywhere except in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Internationally, kratom is illegal to use in the United Kingdom, Thailand, and Malaysia. In some countries, it is legal, but with limitations.
How Is It Used?
Kratom leaves are typically dried and ground into a powder prior to use. However, it can also be used in the indigenous fashion, in which the user simply chews unprocessed leaves, or leaves can be smoked.
After processing, as mentioned above, most kratom is ground into a fine powder that can be taken in a capsule form or stirred into hot water to create a tea that is of a similar flavor to matcha green tea. In some instances, kratom can be boiled down in water and turned into a paste to be taken orally, or applied directly to an affected area.
The color of the powder or leaves depends on the strain of kratom. There are green, red, yellow, and white variants of kratom available today, with green strains being among the most popular.
What Effects Should I Expect?
Effects of the kratom leaf vary depending on the dosage.
Stimulant Effects
In small doses, kratom has a stimulating, opioid effect. Such doses should be limited to a few grams, with effects taking between 10 and 20 minutes to set in, and lasting up to 1.5 hours, so get your art supplies and take advantage of these stimulant effects:
- Increased sociability
- Increased alertness
- Feelings of giddiness
- Diminished motor coordination
These are a few of the stimulant effects kratom may have on users.
Sedative Effects
In larger doses, ranging anywhere from 10 grams up to 25 grams, kratom is well-known to have a sedative effect. Along with this sedative effect, kratom leaf may provide feelings of euphoria and calmness which may last for up to 6 hours.
If the above effects sound appealing to you, you may be wondering, “is there any kratom near me?” Kratom is sold in stores where it is legal, and also online. Depending on where you live, you may need to make your purchase online, if no stores near you carry it.
Side Effects
In addition to the positive effects mentioned above, kratom also has a few side effects, including:
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Cheek discoloration
However, while they may be uncomfortable, none of these side effects are particularly harmful to users.
Kratom Benefits and Risks: What Are They?
Kratom users often tout its many benefits, such as:
Boosts Energy
At lower doses, kratom has been shown to boost energy and increase productivity in users due to the compounds in its leaves. The energy boost that kratom provides is different than many others and is quite unique to the kratom plant itself.
Relieves Pain
The alkaloids in the leaves from kratom plants can attach to opioid receptors in the users’ brain, which can help to minimize and relieve many different types of pain in the body.
Reduces Anxiety
In lower doses, kratom acts as a stimulant and may increase feelings of sociability, alertness, and giddiness, making anxiety seemingly fade away leaving users feeling great relaxed and confident.
These are only a few of the benefits kratom is known for. Below, we’ll examine some of the risks associated with taking it.
Digestive Problems
One of the few side effects of kratom use is constipation. If it’s used on a regular basis, this side effect could potentially result in further digestive problems.
Addiction
As kratom increases in popularity, so do reports of users becoming addicted to it. The main reason for these addictive properties are the opioid-like effects the leaf provides.
Other risks may include dizziness, nausea, and psychological effects such as delusions, hallucinations, and anxiety.
Is Kratom Safe: Final Thoughts
Many reports touting the benefits of kratom have been made. And, in the future, given some additional research, kratom may be approached as a legitimate form of alternative medicine.
But ultimately, it is legal in many states. And just like any other herb or supplement, the question of “is kratom safe” comes down to whether or not you use it responsibly.
Are you looking for more information, like how to find a great lawyer if you’re being held on drug charges in Miami?
Check out the resources on our website for this information and more.