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You’re in the right place if you want to answer the question: how long does it take kratom to work? Since kratom is a new herbal supplement in the Western world, it’s a new experience for many people.
But don’t worry.
You can use this guide to understand how long it takes for kratom to kick in, its effects, doses, and more.
How long does it take for kratom to work?
Generally, it takes at least 5 to 10 minutes for kratom to start working. It’s the minimum amount of time your body feels the effects, such as experiencing changes in your consciousness. But this can depend on your body or the strain of kratom you use.
However, some say it can take up to an hour before they can experience kratom’s effects. As such, you can expect anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour to start feeling kratom effects or its benefits.
When does kratom peak?
There aren’t reliable sources or research showing a predictable amount of time for when kratom “peaks” in most people. How long for kratom to kick in and how long it takes to show the full strength of its effects is reported to take various times depending on where you look: some kratom guides say 30 minutes, some say 1 hour, while others say 1-2 hours.
But, generally, you can expect that the time it takes kratom to kick in depends on the strain, dose, body weight, and other factors.
What may affect the time it takes for kratom to work?
For a complete list of what could impact how long it takes to feel kratom’s effects, explore these factors:
1. Prior Food Consumption
Some say that taking kratom on a full or empty stomach can impact how long it takes for kratom to kick in. Most will say an empty stomach makes kratom kick in quicker. If it’s taken after a full meal, it will take longer. Meanwhile, others say that a small amount of food after taking kratom on an empty stomach can amplify its effects.
However, there isn’t any science or research backing these experiences.
2. Kratom Dosage
A larger dose of kratom will make you feel more intense effects sooner. But remember that the larger the dose, the more sedating the result will be (depending on the strain—white vein leaf strains may not be), while smaller doses will mean more energizing or mood-boosting effects.
3. Body Size and Weight
This factor applies to anything one may take, not just kratom. The larger your body size and weight, the more dose you’ll need and the longer it will take to feel the effects.
4. Method of Consumption
How you take the kratom product can also affect how long it’ll take to kick in. Whether you take kratom powder, tea, supplement, extract, or other product will determine how long it takes for the effects to be felt.
Average Time It Takes to Notice Effects of Kratom: A Comparison Table
| Powder | Capsule | Liquid | Edibles | ||
| Prior Food Consumption | Empty stomach | 15-60 minutes | 15-60 minutes | 5-10 minutes | Unknown (most likely longer than other products) |
| Full stomach | 30-120 minutes | 30-120 minutes | 10-20 minutes (possibly longer) | Unknown (most likely longer than other products) | |
| Dosage | High dose | 9 g: | 7 capsules: | 9 ml: | Unknown (most likely longer than other products) |
| 5-60 minutes | 5-60 minutes | 5-10 minutes | |||
| Usual dose | 7 g: | 6 capsules: | 7 ml: | Unknown (most likely longer than other products) | |
| 5-60 minutes | 5-60 minutes | 5-10 minutes | |||
| Low dose | 3 g: | 5 capsules: | 3 ml: | Unknown (most likely longer than other products) | |
| 30-60 minutes | up to 60 minutes | up to 10 minutes, possibly more | |||
| Body Size & Weight | 220 lbs and over | Up to 60 minutes, possibly longer | Up to 60 minutes, possibly longer | 10 minutes, possibly longer | Unknown (most likely longer than other products) |
| 160 to 200 lbs | 30-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes | 5-10 minutes | Unknown (most likely longer than other products) | |
| 140 lbs or less | 15 minutes, possibly less | 15 minutes, possibly less | Around 5 minutes | Unknown (most likely longer than other products) |
Frequently Asked Questions | Kratom FAQ
Do you have to drink water for kratom to work?
You don’t have to, but it can help. Drinking water with any herbal supplement can help support it having better and more potent effects.
We recommend you take lukewarm or room temperature water with your kratom dose for the best effects.
Does food need to be taken for kratom to work?
No. Many kratom users report enjoying it on an empty stomach and may even claim it works faster and more effectively.
Other users say that taking kratom on an empty stomach and eating a small amount of food later (up to 1.5 hours later) is more effective than an empty stomach dose.
This shows that it depends on the person—do what’s most effective for you.
How to know if kratom is working?
Depending on what type of kratom strain you’re taking, the effects you feel will either be a lift in mood, or energy, or a sedating impact if you take red vein kratom or a higher dose. Users report feeling more focused, energetic, sociable, alert, or sometimes calm or even sleepy.
How to make kratom kick in faster?
There is no guaranteed way to make kratom kick in faster, and sources vary in saying what works for taking a “quicker” acting kratom dose. But, taking a higher amount on an empty stomach is the most likely way to make kratom kick in quicker.
Why is it taking so long for kratom to kick in?
There could be a few reasons:
- You may have taken a lower dose.
- You may have eaten too close to taking the kratom dose (especially if it’s a large meal).
- Your body weight may be such that you need more to feel the effects.
If any of this is the case, try adjusting your dose. Or change the time you take kratom after eating, and then try again.
In Summary
It’s only somewhat predictable how long it takes for kratom to kick in or when you can expect kratom to peak. That said, many user experiences and reports can guide you, though there isn’t any exact science yet.
The bottom line: how long kratom kicks in can vary widely depending on the user and several variables, including dosage, kratom strain taken, body weight, food consumption, a form of kratom taken, and more.
