855-813-2105
Take some time to check out the most popular online kratom vendors, and you’ll discover that there are a few kratom strains that almost all of them carry. Two such speciosa varieties that will always have a place on any self-respecting kratom vendor’s shelves will be red Bali and red Maeng Da.
As two of the most prolific fan favorites among the kratom consumer base, red Bali and red Maeng Da might not seem like they’re all that different. And in some respects, that might be true. But there’s a whole lot more to these distinct choices than you might think. And understanding just how different they can be should help you choose the right one the next time you decide to replenish your kratom stash.
What is Maeng Da?
Unlike all the other kratom varieties you might find, Maeng Da isn’t named after a region in Southeast Asia. Instead, the name phrase ‘maeng da’ is a Lao slang term that means ‘pimp grade.’ The variety was named such because of the allegedly more potent chemistry that makes it a stronger alternative to other standard speciosa strains on the market.
Another thing that makes Maeng Da unique is the fact that it wasn’t a naturally occurring variety. The strain first came into existence when farmers in Thailand grafted different kratom varieties to create the ultimate strain.
The resulting plant was thus called ‘Maeng Da’ to distinguish it as the most potent pick available, bringing together the chemistry of every other kratom strain.
When it was first developed, Maeng Da was exclusively available in Thailand. But with time, the plant variety has spread across Southeast Asia, allowing farmers from all over the region to cultivate the Franken-kratom. Today, Maeng Da can come from anywhere in Southeast Asia, with major suppliers located in Indonesia.
What is Bali?
Grown on the lush island of Bali, Indonesia, Bali kratom is considered one of the most popular speciosa varieties you’re likely to find. The strain is available pretty much everywhere, and the reason is simple — most kratom you’ll find in stores in the United States actually comes from Indonesia.
Without any laws restricting the cultivation or sale of kratom in the country (at least, as of writing), Indonesian farmers are free to grow, harvest, and export kratom freely. So it comes as no surprise that one of the most widespread kratom strains is local to the biggest Southeast Asian supplier of kratom products in the United States.
Of course, unlike Maeng Da, Bali is a naturally occurring variety. Most people enjoy the strain for its balanced effects, but the color vein will still play a role in how the variety impacts your system once taken.
Effects of Red Bali vs Red Maeng Da
Some people argue that the only reason why kratom strains even exist is that vendors are trying to increase consumer interest by way of variety. But there’s a lot more to these strains than just a big ol’ marketing ploy.
Slight differences in the climates, soil quality, and cultivation techniques used to grow different kratom varieties can have an effect on its chemistry.
Thus, a Mitragyna speciosa plant that’s cultivated in Bali, Indonesia will be chemically different from the one that’s grown in Thailand. And although these differences might be minuscule, they can have a palpable influence on the effects that you get out of your dose. Other than that, color veins also play a role in the way a specific variety will impact your system.
Red vein kratom in general tends to imbue the body with a sense of relaxation. Ideal for winding down at the end of a tiring day or for clearing the system of undue stress and discomfort, red vein kratom is the go-to for kratom users who might want to take a time out.
And while the experience might be different for everyone, red vein Bali may provide the following effects:
- Improved sleep quality
- Alleviate discomfort and bodily aches
- Stress reduction
- Mental clarity
- Enhanced mood
- General sense of well-being
It’s light, easy, and balanced. Red Bali is a solid choice for kratom users who might want to experience a profound feeling of calm and release from life’s daily woes and worries. It’s great at reducing stress and getting rid of misplaced apprehension. But most of all, it’s a potent agent against physical discomfort.
While it might get you feeling sleepy at larger doses, just the right amount should place you in a totally relaxed headspace, keeping you functional yet subdued and tranquilized.
On the other hand, red Maeng Da might provide a slightly more dynamic experience. Most users who have tried the strain claim that it might provide the following effects:
- Mental clarity
- Increased productivity
- Enhanced mood
- Upbeat, sociable disposition
- Energy boost
- Sedative, palliative effects
Unlike red Bali, red Maeng Da provides a slightly more upbeat experience. While you might still feel calm and slow, this variety inspires a sense of creativity, sociability, and vigor. It might help you power through a mountain of work and chores while keeping your head on straight and your thoughts clear and worry-free.
Mostly, people who enjoy the variety use it to support their performance and help them work through a list of tasks that might have otherwise had them overwhelmed. And while it might induce some sleepiness at larger doses, red Maeng Da’s mental clarity and one-track concentration can help you through a hectic day.
Similarities and Differences of Red Bali vs Red Maeng Da
The main overlap between these two strains is that they both enhance mood, induce sleepiness at certain doses, and soothe the body from discomfort and aches. However, if we’re being specific, red Bali tends to provide a more profound body-centric experience that’s focused on relieving unpleasant physical symptoms.
Differences between the two varieties are pretty pronounced, with the Maeng Da strain being more upbeat and energetic. While it does work to soothe and subdue in some ways, it also imbues the system with a sense of vigor that’s subtle thanks to the red color vein. On the other hand, red Bali is all about relaxation.
In effect, red Maeng Da will have you calm yet productive, providing you a very controlled energy boost. Red Bali however gives the body total relaxation and tranquility. This is the type of stuff you’d take if you were hoping to really just take a break and do absolutely nothing.
Possible Variations and Side Effects
Remember that with any sort of kratom, you’re bound to experience slight variations in effects depending on how your body responds to the strain. While the effects mentioned above are the most common for both red Bali and red Maeng Da, they’re not set in stone. (cruisepassenger.com.au)
Another thing to remember is that while kratom is an herb, it’s still possible to experience side effects especially if you’re unable to properly and accurately measure out the right dose for your system. Taking too much of either red Bali or red Maeng Da could potentially result in the following side effects:
- Agitation and irritability
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness or headaches
- Nausea and upset stomach
- Fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
Again, it depends on your unique body chemistry and response to kratom. If you’re taking either red Bali or red Maeng Da for the first time, see to it that you start off with the lowest dose first and then work your way up to your threshold.
It also helps to make sure that you don’t have any plans after taking the dose, and that you’re in a safe place with people you trust prior to consuming your kratom fix.
Over to You
Both red Bali and red Maeng Da provide distinct effects that can have you feeling better than ever. But despite the similarities, there are differences between these two choices that can affect your satisfaction.
Make sure you know exactly what each variety brings to the table so you can make a choice that’s truly a fit for your kratom needs the next time you go on a speciosa shopping spree.