Posted by The global wellness market is estimated at around $USD 4-5 trillion. Increase in health awareness and preference for natural, clean-label supplements are two of the main factors fueling this market growth. Kratom and CBD are the most widely used and sought-after supplements across the globe.
Choosing between Kratom and CBD isn’t just about wellness; it’s about finding what truly fits your health goals and lifestyle.
Recent studies show that over 1.2 million people in the US have used one or more Kratom supplements, and 10.5% of the US population reported having used a CBD product in the last 30 days. Both supplements are plant-based but have different effects on the body.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a supplement that is made from Kratom leaves, an evergreen tree that is native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, locals have brewed and chewed the leaves as an energy-booster, pain relief, and even part of cultural rituals.
Kratom contains more than 40 identified alkaloids, though only a handful, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are considered most active, contributing to its health effects, namely;
- When used in small doses, Kratom acts as a stimulant that increases energy levels, alertness, and focus.
- At high doses, it acts as a pain reliever and sedative by creating calming effects, relaxation, and euphoria by influencing dopamine and serotonin pathways.
Today, the leaves are ground into and sold as Kratom powder, capsules, pills, and liquid extract. Check out our guide on how to take Kratom and the right dosage to get the full benefits.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound that is sourced from cannabis and hemp plants. Contrary to popular belief, CBD is not an alkaloid; it’s a non-psychoactive.
Unlike THC, it won’t get you high, but will interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system to;
- Help you sleep better
- Manage inflammation and chronic pain
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Support treatment of epilepsy – One of the CBD drugs approved by the FDA for treating severe seizures is Epidiolex.
Like Kratom, its CBD is a plant extract and that’s sold in the form of tinctures, oils, gummies, and topicals. Its massive popularity is fueled by federal legality in the US, which makes it legal in most states as long as it’s hemp-derived with less than 0.3% THC.
Kratom vs. CBD: What are the Similarities?
Though Kratom and CBD come from different plants and interact with the body differently, there are some glaring similarities.
- Both are natural supplements/remedies and plant-based
- Both have the potential to relieve pain and regulate moods
- Both are used as alternatives to conventional medications for pain and anxiety that contain opioids.
- They are both subject to ongoing debate over their legality, clinical research, and regulation in the USA and abroad.
These parallels encourage people to use either or both for treatment, but as you will soon see, there are differences that you should keep in mind when shopping for Kratom.
Main Differences Between Kratom and CBD
Knowing the key differences between Kratom and CBD will help you decide which one suits you best. To better understand their differences, let’s compare the effects of each.
For Pain Relief
Which is the best: For acute pain, use Kratom and CBD for chronic pain
Kratom helps relieve acute pain by interacting with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Most of the painkillers like oxycodone and morphine, use the same mechanism to relieve pain.
CBD treats chronic pain by targeting receptors in the endocannabinoid system that regulate homeostasis (internal body systems balance). It regulates the degree of pain signals sent to the brain by modulating these receptors.
Note that the two don’t entirely block the receptors from sending pain signals, but they reduce the magnitude, thus changing your perception of pain.
For Improved Focus and Concentration
Which is the best: Kratom
Kratom is more effective in improving focus and concentration than CBD. One of the active alkaloids in Kratom, the mitragynine, stimulates the adrenergic receptors, making you feel more alert. The effects are notable after 30 minutes and can last for up to 3 hours.
On the other hand, CBD can increase your concentration, but this is an indirect benefit, so don’t count on it. That is, CBD influences concentration and emotions by interacting with the serotonin and dopamine receptors.
Concisely, CBD stimulation and the ability to boost focus and concentration are lower than Kratom and other nootropics like caffeine.
Read more about Kratom vs. CBD here.
For Better Sleep and Insomnia
Verdict: It’s a tie
Both CBD and Kratom have equal ability to improve sleep and treat insomnia. Some of the causes of insomnia include anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and poor blood sugar regulation.
That said, using CBD in high doses creates a calming effect that helps with sleep. Evidence of CBD improving sleep patterns is mixed. It helps some users, especially with anxiety-related insomnia, but has not yet been fully proven to induce deep sleep.
Kratom has a slight edge over CBD in that it can work as a stimulant and a sedative, depending on the dosage. We recommend using our 7-hydroxymitragynine and Kratom dosage guide and monitoring the effects to find your sweet spot.
For Anxiety and Depression
Which is the best: Kratom
Kratom and CBD have the ability to treat depression and reduce anxiety, but the latter has a slight edge. CBD helps calm the brain and consequently reduce anxiety by targeting different receptors in the brain, like glutamate, dopamine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and serotonin.
Notably, the mood-uplifting and euphoric effects are stronger after using Kratom, making it an ideal supplement for treating depression. You might have to take a high dose of Kratom to combat anxiety fully, as low doses only temporarily stimulate the brain.
In a nutshell, Kratom is your best bet if you are looking for a safe antidepressant that you can use daily. Its ability to interact with the dopamine receptors to release the happy hormone, dopamine, and other opioid receptors is unmatched.
For Boosting Immunity
Verdict: It’s a tie
Some studies suggest that CBD may boost immunity by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Kratom, on the other hand, supports immunity through its alkaloids such as daukosterol and isopteropodin, which are believed to have direct immunostimulatory effects. There are also studies that indicate that CBD can inhibit the ability of certain bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics.
Safety and Risks of Using Kratom and CBD
When choosing between Kratom and CBD, it’s important to understand the differences in safety and regulation. CBD is widely available in the U.S., though quality can vary, and products aren’t always well-regulated.
Kratom, on the other hand, has faced scrutiny due to misuse and inconsistent sourcing, but when purchased from trusted suppliers, it offers a safe and effective alternative to CBD and conventional medications.
The secret is buying lab-tested, pure Kratom from reputable brands that prioritize transparency, quality, and safety. We, Real Botanicals, are committed to providing high-quality Kratom supplements you can count on to enhance your health and wellness.
Final Verdict: Kratom vs. CBD
CBD has its place, but Kratom simply does more. From boosting focus and energy in small doses to easing pain and promoting deep relaxation in higher doses, Kratom offers a versatility that CBD can’t match.
If you want real results and safe Kratom supplements, choose a reputable Kratom brand like Real Botanicals. Every Kratom product we stock is pure, lab-tested, and specially formulated to deliver the full benefits. Our customer support team is on standby to answer any questions you might have and help you choose a Kratom product that’s right for you
You might be interesting in reading “Real Botanicals vs. CBD Kratom.”