Posted by Kratom is one of the most talked-about natural botanicals today, as evident from the many studies and reports from the FDA and other state health regulators like the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Because of its many benefits when used in the right dose, most people are tempted to potentiate it by combining it with other plant-based products.
A few months ago, someone emailed me a question that keeps popping up in kratom communities and forum discussions. “I use CDB in the evenings and recently started taking kratom capsules. Can I take both on the same day?”
Honestly, I wasn’t surprised owing to the fact that there are hundreds of different CBD-based products online, from oils to gummies, capsules, and even skincare products. Kratom has also become increasingly popular among people looking for plant-based wellness products.
It was only a matter of time before consumers started wondering whether taking CBD and kratom together made sense. Let’s dive in to look at the benefits and safety concerns of combining CBD with kratom.
Key Takeaways
- Combining CBD with kratom remains largely unstudied, so most claims about their combined effects come from user experiences rather than controlled human research.
- People often take CBD and kratom together to support relaxation, reduce tension, and help them unwind, though individual experiences can vary significantly.
- The most commonly reported drawbacks include drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and reduced focus, especially when larger amounts are involved.
- Product quality matters just as much as the ingredients themselves, since both the CBD and kratom markets face issues with inconsistent labeling, purity, and manufacturing standards.
- Anyone taking prescription medications should exercise caution, particularly if they use benzodiazepines, opioids, sleep aids, blood thinners, seizure medications, or other drugs that can affect the central nervous system.
- Current evidence does not confirm that CBD reduces kratom’s effects or side effects, which is why experts recommend starting with small amounts, monitoring your response carefully, and choosing products that undergo third-party testing.
Why Do People Take Kratom and CBD Together?
To best understand what informs the decision to combine kratom and CBD, you need to look at what each of these plant-based alternative medicines is.
CBD comes from hemp, and the main active compounds are referred to as cannabinoids. According to a study by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, these active compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and other biological pathways. These pathways regulate sleep, pain, and anxiety.
Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical tree that is found in abundance in Southeast Asia. Its main active alkaloids, 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine, interact with the opioid receptors that interact with neurotransmitter pathways to alter or change how the body processes pain, mood, and reward.
Now, because the two substances work through different mechanisms, some people believe taking CBD and kratom together may provide a more balanced experience than using either one alone.
What Are The Benefits Of Kratom and CBD Combo
We spent days on kratom and CBD forums reviewing the most reported effects of this combo. Here is a summary of the effects that the majority of the users reported.
- A more relaxed overall experience of either product
- Less tension and anxiety at the end of the day
- Improved ability to unwind or reach a deep relaxation state
- Reduce interest in alcohol and other substances
A select group of people experienced negative effects, which include;
- Slightly dizzy
- Trouble concentrating
- More tired than expected
This variation is normal, as responses vary significantly based on individuals. Based on our experience researching how kratom interacts with other botanicals, adding a second active compound makes predicting the outcomes difficult. That is why we never consider anecdotal reports as scientific proof when writing these kinds of articles.
If you are looking for a plant-based pain relief remedy, check out how kratom compares to CBD.
Safety Concerns of Using Kratom with CBD
This is where this discussion on the effects of kratom and CBD gets interesting. We reckon that the main issue surrounding combining CBD with kratom is not that researchers have identified a specific danger. It is that researchers have not adequately studied the combination.
As we always say, when evidence and data are limited, caution becomes important. Here are four main safety concerns you cannot afford to ignore if you plan to combine these two products.
Increased Drowsiness
Even though some users say this combo increases their concentration, a number of users say they experienced increased drowsiness. So, if you plan to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks requiring concentration, this is something to keep in mind.
Product Quality Problems
Product quality has been a major problem in the kratom space. Turns out even the CBD industry faces the same problem as they two are NOT regulated by the FDA.
The FDA has repeatedly warned consumers about inaccurate labeling and unverified claims involving cannabinoid products. Similar concerns exist in the kratom industry, where quality standards vary from one vendor to another.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recently published a detailed article about the effects of CBD; check it out.
Your best bet for getting value for money and avoiding nasty experiences is buying from companies that provide third-party testing and transparent manufacturing information. Real Botanicals is one of the kratom vendors we can vouch for, as their products have stood the test of time. The main positive reviews are enough proof that they care about their customers and are committed to providing the best kratom products.
Lack of Enough Human Research
This remains the main concern in the botanical world. There is limited human research about CBD and kratom effects when used together. Until more research becomes available, consumers have to fly this area blindly and make decisions based on individual experiences rather than scientific certainty.
What Drugs Should Not Be Mixed With Kratom and CBD?
Firstly, you should consult your doctor before using any of these products if you are on medication or have a pre-determined conditions.
That said, avoid using CBD and kratom if you are on the following medications.
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioid medications
- Sleep aids
- Blood thinners
- Seizure medications
- Thyroid medications
- CNS Depressants
- Antipsychotics
- Medications that already cause drowsiness
Also, if you take prescription medication regularly, speaking with a healthcare professional before combining CBD with kratom will cushion you from harsh side effects.
So, Can CBD Reduce The Effects of Kratom?
There is not enough scientific evidence to confirm that CBD reduces the effects of kratom, but some consumers we spoke to say it helps offset the occasional discomfort caused by kratom.
Although this is largely anecdotal, that doesn’t mean some individuals don’t report positive experiences. It simply means we cannot confidently say the effect occurs across a broader population.
So, Is It Safe To Combine Kratom With CBD?
Well, the research findings we found didn’t highlight the specific dangers of combining kratom and CBD, and most of the negative effects listed are user-based.
Our recommendation is that if you decide to experiment with the combination, start conservatively, pay attention to how your body responds, avoid mixing additional substances, and purchase products from reputable companies that provide third-party testing.
If you are looking for a product that provides daily mood and mental support, we recommend checking out Real Botanicals kratom products like their new Acend tablets. These tablets are formulated using advanced ChromaPure technology and offer the full spectrum of mitragynine alkaloids. There are other safe, pure, and potent kratom products on the websites you can try, like the 7-Hydro shot and the mild kratom kava shot.
FAQ
Does CBD interact with kratom?
There is no strong clinical research showing exactly how CBD interacts with kratom in humans. What we do know is that both substances can influence the central nervous system in different ways. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, while kratom’s main alkaloids act on opioid receptors and other pathways linked to mood and perception. Because of these separate mechanisms, people sometimes report combined effects, but those reports are anecdotal and not confirmed by controlled studies. This is why experts advise caution when using CBD and kratom together, especially at higher amounts or when starting out.
Is kratom stronger than CBD?
“Stronger” depends on what you mean. Kratom and CBD work through different biological systems, so they are not directly comparable. Kratom contains active alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors and can produce more noticeable effects for some users. CBD does not produce intoxication and tends to have more subtle effects that vary by person. Because of this, many users perceive kratom as having a more pronounced effect, but this does not make it inherently better or more effective.
What should not be mixed with CBD?
Health agencies caution against combining CBD with substances that can increase drowsiness or affect how the body processes medication. These include alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sleep aids, and some antidepressants. CBD may also affect how the liver metabolizes certain prescription drugs, which can change how those medications work in the body. The CDC notes that CBD can cause side effects such as drowsiness and changes in alertness, which may become more noticeable when combined with other central nervous system depressants.
What cannot be mixed with kratom?
Kratom should not be combined with other substances that depress the central nervous system. This includes alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and sleep medications. Mixing these can increase the risk of sedation, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Health agencies such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse note that kratom acts on multiple receptor systems, which makes interactions with other substances difficult to predict.
Who should avoid CBD?
CBD may not be suitable for everyone. The CDC notes that CBD can cause side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in alertness, and it may interact with certain medications. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, individuals taking prescription medications that affect the liver enzyme system, and those sensitive to drowsiness or sedation should avoid CBD unless guided by a healthcare professional.
Have you tried combining CBD with kratom? Share your experience in the comment section.