Kratom Vs. Weed: What Are Their Differences and Benefits

Kratom and weed are two natural substances that are popular across the United States for their health benefits and recreational effects. Despite some similarities, they differ in numerous ways, from their origins and chemical makeup to the ways they affect the mind and body. Here’s a closer look into kratom vs. weed to help you decide which one is right for you.

Origins: Kratom vs. Weed

Kratom and weed are two distinct plants with different origins, uses, and effects. Both have long histories of human use and have recently gained popularity for various therapeutic purposes. Here’s a look into their distinct origins:

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

Kratom is from the tropical evergreen Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asian countries, particularly in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which also includes the gardenia plant and coffee plant. Kratom has been in use for centuries in traditional medicine and cultural practices, with its leaves being the primary focus. 

The leaves contain alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are responsible for their pharmacological effects. Traditionally, the kratom leaves were chewed or brewed into a tea for potential health benefits: to relieve discomfort, increase energy, and combat fatigue. How kratom affects the body in positive ways is the reason for its recent rise in popularity. These days, many kratom products are available, such as kratom powder, capsules, tinctures, and extracts.

Weed (Cannabis)

Cannabis, commonly known as weed or marijuana, is a plant native to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The cannabis plant belongs to the Cannabaceae family, and there are three primary species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The use of cannabis dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its consumption for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes in various cultures.

Cannabis contains a group of compounds called cannabinoids, which affect the brain’s endocannabinoid system. Of these cannabinoids, the most popular are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known to produce psychoactive effects, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has links to various therapeutic benefits.

The exact origins of cannabis are difficult to pinpoint, but historians believe that it has origins in ancient China. Known to produce psychoactive effects in users, cannabis’ function in medicine spread through the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Eventually, cannabis made its way to the Americas, where it continues to be in use for various purposes.

Legal Status: Kratom vs. Weed

The legal status of weed and kratom is a complex issue, especially in the U.S. While both substances are currently legal in most states, there are some important distinctions to be aware of.

Kratom

Kratom isn’t federally regulated in the USA, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considered classifying it as a Schedule I substance, but no action came to fruition.

At the state level, the legal status of kratom varies:

1. Legal: In most states, kratom is legal to buy, sell, possess, and use.
2. Banned or restricted: Some states have active bans on the sale and use of kratom. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Additionally, some cities and counties within states where kratom is otherwise legal have their own bans or restrictions.

Weed

At the federal level, cannabis is a Schedule I substance according to the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it may have a high probability of abuse and no acknowledged medical use. Possession, sale, and circulation of cannabis are illegal under federal law.

However, many states have their own laws regarding marijuana use, creating a patchwork of regulations across the country. These state-level laws are as follows:

1. Medical marijuana legalization: Some states permit the use of cannabis but only for medical purposes, provided there is a doctor’s recommendation. Patients with qualifying medical conditions can possess and use cannabis within the limits specified by the state.
2. Recreational marijuana legalization: Several states have legalized cannabis for recreational use by adults, typically 21 years or older. In these states, individuals can possess and use cannabis within specified limits, and dispensaries can sell cannabis products.
3. Decriminalization: Some states have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis, meaning that individuals caught with cannabis may face civil penalties or fines instead of criminal charges and jail time.
4. Prohibition: In some states, cannabis remains illegal for all purposes, and individuals caught with the substance may face criminal charges, fines, and possible imprisonment.

Kratom Vs. Weed: What Benefits Can You Enjoy

Kratom and weed have been in use for centuries for various purposes, and both have potential benefits. Note that research on these substances, particularly kratom, is still in its infant stages, and more studies are a must to fully understand their effects and potential risks. Here, we will discuss some of the potential benefits of each substance:

Kratom

1. Discomfort relief: Kratom affects the user by potentially providing relief, which may help alleviate mild to moderate discomfort. Kratom’s sedative effects also improve sleep quality.
2. Energy and focus: In low doses, kratom may have stimulating effects, increasing energy levels and improving focus. 
3. Mood improvement: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that kratom may help reduce stress and elevate your mood, although experts need more research to understand its effectiveness. They also need to look into how low doses vs. higher doses impact the effects of the various kratom strains.

Weed

1. Discomfort relief: Medical marijuana may alleviate chronic discomfort associated with different conditions. The cannabinoids present in cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, may have relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Relief from nausea and vomiting: Cannabis has been found to be successful in reducing symptoms that are commonly associated with chemotherapy. 
3. Muscle spasticity: Cannabis has been shown to help reduce muscle spasticity, likely due to its muscle-relaxant and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Mood improvement: Some research has shown that low doses of cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, can help reduce stress and improve your well-being.

Before using either substance, note that the effects of both kratom and weed can vary depending on the individual, dosage, and specific strain or product. Additionally, both substances can have potential adverse effects and risks, so make sure you consult a healthcare professional before using weed or kratom supplements for any medical purpose.

What Are the Drawbacks of Kratom and Weed?

Like any substance, kratom, and weed have potential drawbacks and risks that come with their use. Make sure you are aware of these drawbacks when considering their use for medical or recreational purposes.

Kratom

1. Addiction and dependence: Regular use of kratom can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Over time, users may develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, which can further contribute to dependence and addiction.
2. Side effects: Kratom use can cause a range of side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. In some cases, users may experience more severe side effects, such as respiratory depression and seizures.

Weed 

1. Addiction and dependence: Regular use of cannabis, particularly strains high in THC, can lead to psychological dependence and addiction. While cannabis is considered to have a lower addiction potential than other substances, some users still develop problematic use patterns.
2. Cognitive and psychomotor impairment: Cannabis use can cause cognitive and psychomotor impairment, affecting memory, attention, and coordination. This can be particularly concerning for activities that require full mental and physical alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
3. Mental health effects: In some individuals, cannabis use has links to an elevated risk of mental health issues and symptoms. This is particularly true for strains with high THC content and for individuals with a penchant for mental health ailments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the similarities: kratom vs. weed?

Kratom and weed (cannabis) are two distinct plants with different origins and chemical compositions. However, they share some similarities, particularly in their potential therapeutic uses and how they interact with the body. Some of the similarities between kratom and weed include the ability to provide relief from discomfort and improve your mood.

What are the differences between kratom and weed?

Kratom and weed have some key differences, such as plant origin and classification. Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, which also includes coffee plants. Weed, on the other hand, is a flowering plant originating from Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, belonging to the Cannabaceae family.

Another glaring difference is their chemical composition. The primary active compounds in kratom are alkaloids, mainly mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These alkaloids interact with the receptors in the brain, leading to their effects. In contrast, weed contains cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Which one is better? Kratom or weed?

It’s difficult to determine which substance is “better” between kratom and weed, as this largely depends on individual preferences, needs, and specific circumstances. Both substances have potential therapeutic benefits, but they also come with potential risks and side effects.

Conclusion

In summary, while kratom and weed share some similarities in terms of their therapeutic potential, they differ in their chemical composition, legal status, and potential risks and benefits. It’s important to seek professional medical advice and use caution when using either substance, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications. Moreover, additional research is essential to fully understand the effects of kratom and weed on the mind and body and their long-term consequences.