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Today, there is a wide variety of kratom strains to choose from, with Maeng Da and Bali standing out as some of the most talked about and popular strains on the market. But what is the difference between the two? Which might be a better one to choose for your needs? And what are the main potential benefits and effects of either strain? This article will help shine some light on both strains so that you can hopefully make a better-informed decision.
Brief Comparision of Maeng Da and Bali
Both Maeng Da and Bali strains are potent and well-known to have a potential range of benefits and effects. Their possible effects come from alkaloids that differ in composition depending on the specific strain and vein color.
| Maeng Da | Bali | |
|---|---|---|
| Origins & Cultivation | Parts of Indonesia & Thailand | Bali and Borneo Indonesia |
| Alkaloids | Over 40 potential alkaloids. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the most abundant & dominant. | More than 35 potential alkaloids. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine composing 60% or more of total alkaloid content. |
| Varieties | Red, Green, White vein colors. Yellow and Gold blends | Red, Green, White vein colors. Yellow and Gold blends |
| Effects | Maeng Da is rich in alkaloids and aroma. May potentially offer stronger and faster onset of effects than Bali, but may have a slightly shorter duration than other strains. Effects depend on color variety or blend | Bali varieties are known to be dependable and predictable. Considered to be good beginner strains and may be less strong than Maeng Da but have consistent, longer lasting duration. Effects can vary based on the color variety. |
Maeng Da: Origin, Effects & Varieties
Maeng Da Kratom is often a preferred strain due to its rich profile, aroma, and potential effects. The strain originally came from Thailand and was not found naturally in the wild like the others. It was bred through grafting, a horticultural process involving two original kratom strains.
Due to a longstanding ban on kratom in Thailand, which was only recently reversed in 2021, the majority of Maeng Da is cultivated and exported from Indonesia. Both Thailand and Indonesia have ideal climates for the cultivation of kratom trees.
Maeng Da Kratom consists of over 40 alkaloids, which are the natural components of kratom that provide potential benefits and effects. The primary alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, compromising over half of the total alkaloid composition in the Maeng Da strain and may vary between the color varieties. Other alkaloids include speciociliatine, speciogynine, isopaynantheine, and more, which can also vary by color variety.
The Maeng Da family includes three color varieties, each known as a vein color. This is because the veins and stems of the leaves will change slightly in color depending on when the Maeng Da leaves are harvested. White Maeng Da leaves are harvested the soonest, green leaves are in the middle, and red leaves are in the latest phase of the growth cycle. When the Maeng Da leaves are picked, changes in the resulting alkaloid profile explain the differing potential effects between Maeng Da color varieties.
1. Green Maeng Da
Green Maeng Da is perhaps one of the most popular color varieties of Maeng Da kratom because it may offer a middle-of-the-road between the cherished White and Red Maeng Da color variants. Many say it does not lean too far towards either stimulation or relaxation and provides the most balance compared to Red and White Maeng Da. However, it is still considered to be a better daytime strain than an evening or nighttime one and is more geared towards activities involving energy and productivity than Red Maeng Da.
Compared to Green Bali, it generally has a slightly stronger aroma and faster effects. The downside for some is that it may be a little too “fast,” and maybe slightly more intense, especially for a beginner. While both Green Bali and Maeng Da are considered to be great starting points, Green Bali might be better suited for beginners new to green veins and those looking for more potentially stable effects.
2. Red Maeng Da
Red Maeng Da leaves are harvested at the latest maturation, allowing them to mature and produce a different aroma, alkaloid profile, and potential benefits and effects compared to Green and White Maeng Da. As a red kratom strain, Red MD is considered to be a more energetic red; however, it still has the potential to be relaxing and calming. It is often said to be good for both daytime and evenings, and the potential relaxation and calming effects may increase with a higher dosage.
Compared to Red Bali, Red Maeng Da potentially provides less sedation. People like Red Maeng Da mainly because it is generally a non-sedating red with strong potential effects and a decent possibility for a mood boost.
3. White Maeng Da
White Maeng Da is considered to be a rather stimulating white. Like its Green and Red cousins, it is known to have a strong and potent mix of alkaloids. The color variety is considered to be a daytime strain with potentially hard-hitting and “fast” effects. Some major reasons people are drawn to the White MD color variety are its strong tendency for stimulation with less jitteriness than coffee and potential calm energy with mood boosts that may help with productivity and concentration.
Its stimulatory and energetic effects are generally more hard and fast-hitting than White Bali but with a slightly shorter duration and less underlying tones of the more calm and slightly longer-lasting White Bali.
4. Yellow & Gold Maeng Da
Both Yellow and Gold Maeng Da are much less well-known or distributed than the traditional Maeng Da color varieties. These two are not actually vein colors but rather blends. Each vendor may mix them differently; however, it usually involves the mixing of Red Maeng Da powder or leaves with White Maeng Da or something both White and Green Maeng together with the Red.
Yellow and Gold Maeng Da are different from each other because the latter has fermented leaves. Generally, Yellow Maeng Da is more of a daytime blend, and Gold Bali leans more toward relaxing and even sedation.
Bali Kratom: Origin, Effects & Varieties
Bali kratom has always been one of the cornerstone strains. As you can guess by the name, it originates from Bali Island in Indonesia. However, today, it is widely cultivated across many parts of Indonesia. Bali kratom varieties are widely popular due to their dependable aromas, alkaloid profiles, and potential benefits and effects.
Bali kratom varieties may contain over 35 different alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine accounting for 60 percent or more of the total alkaloid ratio. Like Maeng Da, the alkaloid composition can vary between the three vein colors: Red, Green, and White. Secondary alkaloids in the Bali strain can include speciogynine, mitraciliatine, and speciociliatine, among many others.
Like Maeng Da kratom, the Bali strain has three leaf vein colors that are determined by the time of harvest and a slightly differing alkaloid profile due to the formation and transformation during the Maeng Da growth cycle. Red Bali has the most potential for relaxation and sedation, whereas White Bali is more stimulating and energetic, and Green Bali finds a sort of middle ground.
Green and White Bali are generally less potentially intense than Green and White Maeng Da but with a slightly longer duration. Red Bali is more potentially relaxing and sedating than Red Maeng Da, which has less potential for energetic aspects.
1. Red Bali
Red Bali is the most popular Bali strain due to its potential to provide recent duration of calming, relaxation, and sedative effects. It is popular because its users are seeking these potential benefits. For these reasons, it’s much better suited as an evening and nighttime strain for potentially unwinding and reducing tensions.
It is generally less fast and energetic than Red Maeng Da and slightly more popular than the latter as a Red variety. Its potential mood-boosting effects are possibly comparable to those of Red Maeng Da or perhaps slightly less, depending on the individual and subjective experiences.
2. Green Bali
Green Bali is a popular green strain, but it is less so than strains like Green Maeng Da and Borneo. It may be a great green variety for a beginner to try because it is slightly less fast than Green Maeng Da, which may have slightly stronger stimulating energetic effects.
Overall, Green Bali has the potential for a moderate energy and mood boost, which may help to lead to calm, productive energy. The strain may also be better for daytime use but may also suit some for evening use, although this will be highly subjective based on the individual.
3. White Bali Kratom
White Bali is the most potentially stimulating and energetic of the three Bali vein colors but generally less so than White Maeng Da. Compared to White Maeng Da, it may be less “fast” and hard-hitting, but it may last slightly longer and be more reliable and predictable.
Overall, White Bali may be suitable for motivation and productivity with a mild level of stimulation and a calmer, relaxed energy, although possibly more so than Green Bali. Many fans of White Bali like it for its potentially stable and predictable effects, and it is often a favorite amongst White Vein strain lovers.
4. Yellow & Gold Bali
As with Yellow and Gold Maeng Da, Yellow and Gold Bali are not vein colors but rather blends of multiple Bali vein colors. Gold Bali is by far the most popular when compared to Yellow Bali, and this is because it is known to potentially provide strong relaxation effects with less sedation than Red Bali. Each vendor may mix their Yellow and Gold Bali slightly differently. However, it is common to mix Red Bali with White Bali or Red, White, and Green Bali together.
Gold Bali and Yellow Bali are different because the former has an added fermentation process, which may help convert alkaloids and potentially provide more relaxation effects.
The Dosage, Side Effects & Risks
Regardless of whether you are taking Maeng Da or Bali kratom, there are a variety of dosage and safety considerations since both strains contain mainly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which could build tolerance and lead to risks. Always start very low with a test dose of under 1 gram if it’s your first time using either Maeng Da or Bali to see how you react. Also, never exceed the recommended dosages, and make sure to discuss kratom with your doctor before use.
| Amount in Grams | General Effects | |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 1 to 2 grams | You might potentially feel a subtle change in your mood and energy. |
| Moderate | 3 to 4 grams | The effects may become more pronounced in this range. |
| High | Above 5 grams | Generally not recommended because the risk of side effects and tolerance increases. |
Here are the most common side effects to look out for with Maeng Da and Bali kratom:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Eye Wobbles
- Lethargy
- Vertigo
- Stomach Discomfort
- Mood Changes
- Blood Pressure Changes
- Tolerance / Habit-Formation
Some rare and severe side effects could appear in some users. However, the majority of these severe side effects are observed in users mixing kratom with certain drugs or medications and in those who have health conditions. It is essential to discuss these risk factors with your doctor before using Bali or Maeng Da or any kratom strain so they can review your history and provide advice.
Also, avoid using high dosages and daily use, as this could lead to tolerance and habit formation, making it difficult to quit. Those who have built a tolerance to either Maeng Da, Bali strains might experience unpleasant effects upon discontinuation, making it more difficult to quit. In addition to the above important safety considerations, make sure to read and understand the FDA warnings about kratom.
Maeng Da vs. Bali: Similarities & Differences
| Red | Green | White | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maeng Da | Possible subtle energy and relaxation effects; generally less sedation | Possibly energetic and good for potential motivation and productivity | Possibly stimulating and energetic without the same jitteriness of coffe. |
| Bali | Potential for relaxation, sedation in higher dosages and a light mood boost. | A potential balance between Red's calm and White's energy effects. | A possibly calmer white for mental clarity with mood boost |
Similarities
Maeng Da and Bali Kratom are both sourced from Southeast Asia, where the tropical climate is ideal for the trees to thrive and grow abundantly. Both strains have alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine comprising 50% or more of the total alkaloid content.
Both Maeng Da and Bali have three vein color varieties, and both are commonly available in Yellow and Gold blends. The last common similarity is they are both the most popular strains, with Red Bali being the most popular Bali color variety and Green Maeng Da being the most popular Maeng Da variety.
Differences
In terms of differences, Maeng Da varieties are generally more hard-hitting, fast, energetic, and intense than Bali varieties but may be less dependable and less predictable. Some people may like these effects in Maeng Da, whereas others may prefer Bali as a more stable and consistent variety. In terms of relaxation and sedation, Red Bali and Gold Bali are potentially more effective than Red and Gold Maeng Da.
