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View CartKhat and kratom have some similarities, but they are two different plants with unique effects and legal status. Kratom has diverse effects, such as mood and energy boosts, calming effects, and producing positive feelings of well-being. It is also federally legal in the United States, though state laws vary. Khat’s effects, on the other hand, are more limited than kratom, and its two major compounds are illegal in the United States.
We will explore how khat compares to kratom by looking at their origins, mechanisms of action, effects, potential benefits, and legal status.
Before we go deep into the article, below is a quick comparison table between kratom and khat:
| Khat | Kratom | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | East Africa and Yemen | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam) |
| Main Alkaloids | Cathinone and Cathine | Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine |
| Forms of Use | Fresh leaves are chewed | Dried leaves are brewed as tea, powdered form, and capsules |
| Effects and Benefits | Boosts alertness and sociability, and reduces tiredness | Mood enhancement ans increase energy at low doses, relaxation and ease at high doses |
| Potential risks or side effects | Sleeplessness, mood changes, dependence, faster heart rate | Nausea, constipation, dependence, faster heart rate, dowsiness |
| Onset and Duration | Kicks in within minutes and can last 2-4 hours | Kicks in 10 to 30 minutes and effects can last 3-6 hours |
| Legality | Illegal in most Western countries including the United States. Legal in some East African and Middle Eastern countries | Legal in most US states, but banned in 6 states. |
The Origin of Kratom and Khat
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a Southeast Asian plant that’s been used by locals for centuries to improve general well-being. It grows predominantly in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The leaves are often chewed by laborers to boost energy and fight tiredness. Kratom also has cultural significance in some Southeast Asian countries, where it’s used during social gatherings.
Kratom started becoming popular in the mid-2000s when its use spread to the U.S. and other Western countries.
Khat (Catha edulis), also known as the flower of paradise, is native to East Africa and the Middle East. In Yemen and Ethiopia, chewing khat is a long-standing tradition, especially during social and cultural events.
Like kratom, khat can be chewed or brewed into tea. However, khat is illegal in most Western countries and its active compounds are classified under U.S. federal drug schedules.
How Do They Work?
Both khat and kratom contain alkaloids, which are responsible for their psychoactive effects.
How Does Kratom Work?
Kratom contains over 40 alkaloids, but the major ones that have been extensively studied are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). These two compounds bind to mu receptors, influencing mood, energy, and relaxation.
Mitragynine makes about 60%–70% of the total alkaloids and is associated with mood elevation and alertness. 7-OH makes up just 1%–2% but has significantly greater potency, producing stronger calming effects. Mature red-veined leaves tend to have more 7-OH than younger white or green-veined leaves.
At low doses, kratom may boost energy and mood; at higher doses, it can promote relaxation and ease.
Khat and Its Mechanism of Action
Khat contains more than 40 compounds, but cathinone and cathine are the primary active alkaloids. Cathinone, found in highest concentration in young leaves, stimulates dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine release in the brain, resulting in increased energy, alertness, and sociability.
How Khat Compares to Kratom
When comparing kratom and khat, the key things to know are their effects, potential benefits, and their legal statuses.
Khat Vs.Kratom: Energy and Mood Boosts
Both can enhance energy and mood, but khat’s effects are faster and more intense. Cathinone and cathine act quickly, delivering a burst of alertness, focus, and sociability. Kratom’s effects are dose-dependent — lower doses are stimulating, while higher doses are more relaxing.
Khat Vs. Kratom: The Effect of Making You Feel At Ease
Kratom is known for producing a sense of ease, mainly from 7-OH. This generally requires doses, within the 3–6g range, depending on tolerance. Khat has also been studied to offer some easing effects, but they are typically less pronounced than kratom’s.
Side Effects of Kratom and Khat
Side Effects of Khat
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Dependence
- Faster heart rate
- Sleeplessness
- Anxiety
Side Effects of Kratom
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Dependence
- Faster heart rate
Both can become habit-forming especially if used heavily without breaks. Taking regular breaks and using the lowest effective dose may help reduce thes risks.
Comparing Their Legality
Khat’s primary compounds, cathinone and cathine, are federally classified as Schedule I and Schedule IV drugs in the U.S. Kratom, by contrast, is federally legal but banned in six states. Many other states have passed Kratom Consumer Protection Acts to regulate its sale and labeling. Several cities and counties across the US have also banned kratom locally so it is important to check local laws, which can change frequently.
Final Words
Khat and kratom share some similarities, but kratom is more widely used globally. Both can boost energy and alertness, but kratom’s effects are more flexible depending on the dose. Consistent, heavy use of either can lead to dependence and other side effects.
Always check legality before purchasing, as laws vary worldwide. In the U.S., kratom is readily available in many states, while khat remains prohibited.
