Mixing kratom and weed
The negative stigma surrounding kratom is starting to lift, much in the way it did for cannabis. More and more people are rejecting big pharma and turning to natural medicines to treat their ailments. Since kratom and marijuana offer relief from many of the same symptoms, it makes perfect sense that you’d be wondering “can you mix kratom and weed?”
Keep reading to learn more about potential kratom interactions as we uncover the truth about the safety and efficacy of using weed and kratom together.
What is kratom (in a nutshell)?
Kratom is a medicinal and recreational herb used by millions across the globe. The kratom plant is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally, kratom leaves were chewed, smoked or brewed into tea. As the popularity of this herb rises, you can now easily find kratom powders, extracts, and capsules.
Similar to cannabis, kratom comes in a variety of strains which vary in their effects. Kratom strains are classified by vein color which is indicative of plant maturity and thus, changes in the alkaloid content of the plant.
Kratom contains more than forty different alkaloids which act on various receptors throughout the body (including opioid receptors).
Green vein kratom is known for boosting energy levels and alertness. If you’re looking for something to put you to sleep, you’ll want to try out red maeng da kratom pills.
The effects of kratom aren’t just influenced by the strain you choose, but also the dose you consume. Lower doses of kratom (1-5 grams) are generally associated with stimulant effects, whereas higher doses (5-15 grams) will produce sedative effects.
With so many variables at play, kratom is known for its ability to induce a wide range of effects from recreational (euphoria and relaxation) to medicinal (pain relief, stress relief, better sleep, mood improvements, increased energy and more).
Kratom vs weed
At first glance, kratom and weed may appear to be quite similar: they’re both plants, they both offer a wide variety of effects, and they both offer medicinal benefits and recreational uses. As you dig deeper, you’ll find that these substances are actually quite different.
Kratom is known scientifically as Mitragyna speciosa, a species of tropical evergreen whose leaves are utilized for the alkaloids they contain. Kratom’s psychoactive properties are generally limited to either stimulating or sedative effects, depending mainly on the size of the dose.
Cannabis, on the other hand, has three widely available species (indica, sativa, and ruderalis). Their flowers are consumed for the cannabinoids they contain, most notably THC and CBD. THC offers a wider, more dynamic range of recreational effects (euphoria, arousal, appetite increases, reduced stress, etc.), and CBD comes with many medicinal benefits.
The substances themselves are pharmacologically very different, thus functioning very differently within our bodies (more on that later). Despite this, they are used to treat many of the same conditions, such as anxiety, pain and insomnia.
One important similarity between weed and kratom is that these products are not regulated by the FDA, so you have to take your safety into your own hands. It’s critical to do your own research, and only purchase directly from a highly reputable company. Always review third party lab testing results before making any purchase.
When used together, they have similar effect
The drug is metabolized by the endocannabinoid system and regulates immune function. As such, marijuana can inhibit inflammation and kratom has similar effects.
In addition to being effective for reducing inflammation and pain, both kratom and cannabis have many other benefits. In particular, marijuana is better for chronic conditions, while kratom is better for acute pain. The former is a milder, less potent painkiller and does little to support the underlying causes of a person’s pain. During a clinical trial, both substances may be used to treat various ailments.
The substances themselves are pharmacologically very different, thus functioning very differently within our bodies (more on that later). Despite this, they are used to treat many of the same conditions, such as anxiety, pain and insomnia.
One important similarity between weed and kratom is that these products are not regulated by the FDA, so you have to take your safety into your own hands. It’s critical to do your own research, and only purchase directly from a highly reputable company. Always review third party lab testing results before making any purchase.
How marijuana and kratom work in the body
Cannabis works in our bodies by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Kratom, on the other hand, works on the adrenergic and opioid systems.
Because weed and kratom act on different body systems, the risk of unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects from their combination is minimal, so long as they aren’t combined too frequently.
Longer-lasting effects due to metabolic competition
CBD, THC and kratom are all broken down by an enzyme called CYP3A4. This means that cannabis and kratom are in competition for these particular enzymes in the body. Metabolic competition is responsible for the boosted effects when used together, as they will both last longer in the bloodstream than if they had been consumed separately.
Metabolic competition is also why it’s important not to overdo it when mixing cannabis and kratom. If the body does not have enough time to clear both substances from the bloodstream before the next use, levels begin to build and can eventually yield unwanted side effects or even cause an overdose.
There are reports that frequent kratom use can lead to dependence and in worst case scenarios, even fatal overdose, especially in combination with other substances. While use-dependency is a risk with any recreational substance, evidence suggests that cannabis overuse alone does not pose a fatal risk.
Can you mix kratom and cannabis?
Because kratom and weed are used to treat so many of the same symptoms, it’s no surprise that you’d be wondering whether they’re safe to mix. The short answer is yes, they can be taken together, but there are important safety considerations you must take into account when doing so.
It is not recommended to combine these substances regularly. Not only does kratom pose a risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms, but frequent use in conjunction with marijuana can increase the risk of adverse effects and fatal overdose.
While kratom and THC can be taken together, they should be combined sparingly, no more than once a week. Whether you intend to use these substances for recreational or therapeutic benefits, always consult with a medical professional prior to taking any combination of weed and kratom.
Kratom and cannabis: endless combinations
Put simply, when used together, kratom and cannabis can boost each other’s effects or they can balance each other out. It all depends on the types you consume and how much. With such a wide variety of high-quality products now available on the market, you can only imagine how many different effects you can achieve by mixing and matching your strains and doses.
The effects of kratom and marijuana can vary significantly from person to person based on tolerance and personal biochemistry. It will likely take some trial and error to find what combinations work for you. Always start low and go slow. That said, here’s a simplified guide of what you can expect:
- Sativa + low dose kratom = ultimate energy and heightened awareness
- Sativa + high dose kratom = initial boost in focus giving way to serenity
- Indica + low dose kratom = starts off relaxing followed by increased alertness
- Indica + high dose kratom = highly relaxing and pain relieving, sleep-inducing
Despite their rising popularity, there still is not much evidence available about the safety of mixing kratom with weed. Remember to start slow as you learn how your body reacts to these substances together, and consult with your doctor before trying out any combination of the two.
Kratom and marijuana both work to relieve pain
Kratom in high doses is known to produce sedating and pain-relieving effects similar to opioids. Unfortunately, this also means that kratom poses a higher risk of dependence and overdose than cannabis.
As the side effects of long-term kratom use are not well understood, cannabis is considered a safer option for those suffering from chronic pain. Because of its opioid-like effects, kratom is better suited for short-term, acute pain relief.
If you’re seeking relief from any type of pain, it’s important to seek advice from a medical professional about any herbal remedies you’re considering. This is especially true if you take any type of dietary supplement or prescription medication, as some interactions can result in serious side effects.
Kratom interactions you should be aware of
Kratom interacts with a wide variety of substances in the body. The risk of negative side effects might be minimal when kratom is used alone, but when used along with certain substances and medications, dangerous and even deadly interactions could occur.
If you take any type of medication, including cannabis products, it is recommended that you consult with your physician prior to taking kratom in any form (even if your intended use isn’t medical). In particular, kratom should never be taken in combination with narcotics, antipsychotics or alcohol.
