Can You Mix Kratom and Weed?

We’ve heard the question asked many times over the years – can you mix weed and kratom?

Kratom and marijuana have long been thought about in the same vein, but does that mean they can be mixed? To help finally answer this question, we are sharing all the effects these two have when used simultaneously, both positive and negative.

While neither are considered dangerous substances, it is commonly said that the two substances can be mixed. However, this may lead to drug dependency. To better understand how this works and help you decide for yourself, here’s what you need to know about using kratom and cannabis together.

Comparison Summary: Kratom vs Weed

Before diving deeper into kratom vs weed, here’s a brief overview of each substance to base your knowledge on.

What Is Kratom?

Likely the lesser known of kratom and weed, kratom is a substance native to Asia and utilized for its supposed beneficial properties.

Indigenous to countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and other Southeast Asian countries, the leaves from this tree have long been used in medicine. Only recently has this substance emerged in the Western world.

Traditionally, kratom leaves were chewed, brewed into tea, or used in cooking. However, in more modern days, these high-quality Kratom strains are made into powders, capsules, extracts, liquids, or gum to reap their benefits.

What Are the Effects of Kratom?

Although research is still minimal on this substance's benefits, kratom is said to help with everything from pain relief, to appetite control, mood-boosting, and energy benefits. It does this by acting on opioid receptors.

Taken in low doses, the most sought strain of kratom may serve as a stimulant, increasing alertness and energy. However, in higher doses, it is reported to reduce pain and create a euphoric state.

The reported uses for kratom include:

• Addressing opioid withdrawal symptoms
• Fighting fatigue
• Anti-inflammatory benefits
• Lessening symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Preventing muscle aches and pains
• Reducing symptoms of chronic pain
• Sedation
• Suppressing appetite
• Treating diarrhea
• Treating high blood pressure

While users have found benefits in kratom, the FDA does not approve it for medical use, and the substance is unregulated in the US.

Is Kratom Dangerous?

Kratom has not been found to be a dangerous substance, but that doesn’t mean it comes without consideration. Like with any substance, there may be physiological effects on the body that result in potential side effects.

One of the most common side effects of kratom is nausea. However, there are additional considerations when taking long-term or high doses of kratom. These include:

• Breathing suppression
• Constipation
• Dependency
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Extreme weight loss
• Headaches
• Increased urination
• Insomnia
• Liver damage
• Loss of appetite
• Seizures
• High blood pressure

What Is Weed?

On the other side of the kratom and weed debate is marijuana. Likely the better known of the two substances, weed, also known as marijuana, cannabis, and THC, has been legalized in many states across the U.S.

With its increasing legalization, there is a vast range of strains of marijuana offered. This is considered a psychoactive drug used for both recreational and medicinal needs. In fact, it was initially used as herbal medicine, dating as far back as 500 BC.

It is with the mix of dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant that a chemical compound, THC, is found which creates those euphoric effects. When weed is smoked, our bloodstream absorbs the THC to receive effects quickly. However, when it is consumed, weed takes longer to see effects.

With over 700 strains of weed available today, the range of potency and effects varies greatly. Each strain offers various levels of THC, so unless you know exactly what strain you have and how much THC is in it, it’s hard to know how strong of an effect you will feel.

What Is Cannabis Used for?

One of the most widely used drugs today, cannabis is considered one of the most illicitly used drugs in the world.

Unlike other substances, classifying weed is more difficult due to the vast range of strains. However, of the four main drug types, weed can be classified as a depressant, stimulant, or hallucinogen.

Whether used recreationally or medicinally, weed can affect everyone differently. That being said, many consumers use small doses of weed to:

• Fight symptoms of depression
• Generate feelings of euphoria
• Minimize muscle spasms
• Prevent insomnia
• Reduce anxiety

Since it was illegal for so long, research on weed is still limited. Currently, researchers are looking at its potential benefits for more serious ailments, like cancer, although results have yet to prove its benefits.

Is Marijuana Dangerous?

For centuries, cannabis has been used in both medical and recreational settings. And while this substance hasn’t been legal in many states for long, it can have some side effects, although many are considered mild.

The side effects of marijuana include:

• Disorganized thinking and speech
• Dry mouth
• Anxious feelings
• Nausea
• Bloodshot eyes
• Slower reaction time
• Memory loss
• Hallucinations or paranoia
• Impaired judgment and cognitive function
• Increased appetite
• Increased heart rate
• Increased risk of respiratory problems

That being said, many weed users do not experience serious side effects.

Comparing Kratom vs Marijuana

When comparing kratom vs marijuana, there are many similarities between the two.

Both substances are plants that are used as health and wellness supplements. Additionally, they are both said to help with pain control, as well as relieve anxiety and inflammation.

But how else do kratom and THC compare? We are sharing a few more key comparisons between the two substances to help you better understand.

Weed vs Kratom for Pain

Both kratom and cannabis are reportedly beneficial for pain relief.

Cannabis works to alleviate pain indirectly by regulating inflammation, while kratom works more directly through the opiate pain receptors. With this in mind, kratom is reportedly better for addressing acute pain, or pain that only appeared recently. On the other hand, cannabis is said to be better for treating chronic pain.

When looking to address pain, red vein strains of kratom are best, and CBD-rich oils or capsules are ideal when opting for cannabis.

Kratom vs THC for Sleep

Another common use of both kratom and delta 8 cannabis is for sleep. These substances are said to not only help you fall asleep faster but stay asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

The key difference between the two substances is what actually causes insomnia, and how they work to address them. Typically, kratom is preferred by those who cannot fall asleep due to pain or withdrawal from opioids or medications. On the other hand, cannabis is ideal for those who cannot sleep due to stress or anxiety.

Keep in mind, that lower doses of kratom have more of an energizing effect, so to get those sleep-inducing properties, you may need to opt for higher doses.

Kratom vs Cannabis for Stress & Anxiety

Kratom and weed are both wonderful for addressing stress and anxiety.

Kratom may be used by those with anxiety, but the dosage is essential in making it a success. In fact, lower doses of kratom may actually make symptoms of anxiety worse. For this reason, it’s important to properly dose kratom at a higher dose to get more relaxing effects and avoid a kratom buzz.

Cannabis is often preferred for stress and anxiety. Typically, CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoid extracts, like delta 8 THC will help best address symptoms of anxiety and stress. However, high doses of THC may have the opposite effect and increase anxiety levels.

Kratom vs Weed: Mechanism of Action

There are various alkaloids in kratom that create its effects.

Their primary action is to affect the opiate receptors and adrenergic receptors. The opiate receptors are what act as a gateway for messages going up the spinal cord to the brain, which can either increase or decrease pain signals before they are perceived by the brain. So, by stimulating these receptors, pain signals are muted. Additionally, the opiate receptors are involved in regulating dopamine in the brain, which is part of the reward system. By activating these, you may create those euphoric and antidepressant effects.

On the other hand, the adrenergic system is involved in fight or flight. Activating these, may make users feel alert and energized, which is most common with lower doses of kratom.

Similar to kratom, the effects of cannabis are due to multiple compounds. A group of compounds, called cannabinoids, include over 100 compounds including THC, CBD, and CBC that produce marijuana’s effects.

THC is the primary ingredient in marijuana that produces a high. It does so by activating the endocannabinoid system, which activates receptors in the brain that release serotonin. Furthermore, CBD and CBD work through this same system but do not have any psychoactive ability. Instead, they help create balancing in the body, reducing inflammation, blocking pain, alleviating anxiety, and more.

Weed vs Kratom: Legality

Weed legality varies based on where you are. Certain countries, as well as each individual state within the U.S., has different rules around possession, distribution, cultivation, and consumption. So, it’s important to look into the laws of your location before consuming weed. Kratom, on the other hand, is not federally regulated and is legal everywhere in the U.S except in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

To understand where weed is legal in the U.S., here is a breakdown by state.

Can You Use Kratom and Cannabis Together?

As of now, there are no current scientific studies looking at the question of “can I use kratom with weed.” While the legalization of weed has led to an increase in studies, there is still quite some time until whether mixing kratom and weed is safe is determined.

That being said, a few studies have looked at CBD and kratom. However, these reports have not looked at kratom mixed with cannabis, but instead, their comparative effects.

While neither substance offers high-risk side effects, it’s best advised to use one or the other. This way, you can receive its full benefits, without impacting it with the use of another substance and mixing kratom and cannabis.

Is It Better to Use Marijuana or Kratom Individually?

We understand - you’re curious about mixing kratom and cannabis. We get it. However, there are potential benefits to just using one or the other.

When choosing just kratom or weed, you can isolate exactly what benefits you’re hoping to get from each plant. For instance, in the kratom vs cannabis debate as it comes to pain control, combining both will hinder your ability to determine which is truly alleviating your pain.

Keep in mind, that all of our bodies react to substances differently. For this reason, we cannot say which substance is better, and especially not whether they are better together. This depends largely on your unique mind and body.

The Dosage of Kratom and THC

When it comes to kratom vs THC and the dosage, this relies largely on your body and your reaction to the substances. The dosage and its effects may have varying effects based on your unique being, so experimenting with the right dose for you is the best route.

No matter which substance you choose, it’s important to measure the dosage correctly. It is best to limit your dosing, keeping watch of how much you take to avoid becoming dependent or seeing negative side effects.

Ultimately, the best way to find your best dose is to experiment. Start with a small amount of each substance, and build up from there to see how it affects your body.

Pro Tip: Proper Timing and Food

Getting the most out of kratom and weed is about more than just the dosage.

Kratom leaves were traditionally chewed or brewed, but now it comes in supplement forms, too. No matter the method you choose, the substance must be digested to see the benefits. With this in mind, the food you eat within a couple of hours of taking it may limit the effects. That being said, a full stomach will help alleviate the side effects, and when the weed begins to kick in, it will help avoid the risk of becoming nauseous.

Recap

No matter if you choose kratom vs cannabis or decide to begin mixing kratom and weed, it’s best to be armed with the knowledge of both substances before trying either one. With a range of benefits, as well as side effects, both kratom and marijuana may help improve your day-to-day life, whether used for recreational or medicinal purposes.

To begin exploring your options, shop for reliable strains of kratom with Payless Kratom today. We will be happy to help you, contact us!

Please note that PaylessKratom.com and all of its subsidiaries, officers, and employees do not make any claims in any shape or form for kratom and all of the claims made within this blog and this site.