CBD vs. Kratom as a Natural Mood Enhancer

Prescription mood enhancers often come with significant side-effects and high costs. When you go to the doctor, you must trust them to diagnose your condition accurately and to then prescribe the best medication to fit your needs. Doctors are highly trained, and we would be lost without them. Yet, sometimes they may put their own interests ahead of their patients’ interests, and sometimes, they make mistakes. Some people would argue that prescription opioids were responsible for the opioid epidemic in the United States. Doctors prescribed harmful, addictive painkillers to their patients.

People became addicted, and when the prescriptions ran out, they turned to the streets. Eventually, CBD became legal and widely available, and people had another choice. Today, you can buy CBD in every state, from countless suppliers. Many people report great results, but what if there were some alternatives? Kratom powder is one such alternative. It’s made from a tropical tree and has been used by indigenous people for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses. But how does kratom compare to CBD? In this article, you’ll learn about the pros, and cons of CBD vs. kratom. Then, you can make an informed decision on your mood treatment regimen.

Effectiveness

It’s important to note that the opinions of users are not a replacement for peer-reviewed medical studies. It’s also important to note that it’s not in the interests of drug companies to fund peer-reviewed studies on less expensive, readily available products like kratom and CBD. So, do your own research before deciding whether to try a non-prescription mood enhancer and check with your doctor if you have a diagnosed problem like bipolar disorder or clinical depression.

Many people have reported positive results from using CBD to reduce depression and anxiety. Depression can be linked to changes in two neurotransmitters: dopamine and serotonin. CBD is reported to promote the release of these two chemicals in the body. And, since there is virtually no THC in CBD products, it does this without any psychoactive side effects.

Kratom is also reported to produce great results related to anxiety and depression. Its chemical structure is similar to that of opioids like morphine and codeine. The difference is that the active ingredient, mitragynine, is reported to be far less addictive and dangerous. Keep in mind that the dosage size can impact the results. Generally, small doses have a stimulating effect, where larger doses can act as sedatives. It also comes in a variety of strains. White horn kratom is popular among people looking to reduce their anxiety.

Flavor

This is where CBD oil excels, compared to kratom powder. Natural CBD is tolerable, and you can also buy flavored versions, like orange, mint, and other options. By contrast, kratom tastes terrible. You can get used to brewing it in tea, but it takes time. That said, many people consume kratom in capsule format. They’ll buy empty capsules on Amazon or elsewhere, and pack them with the powder. In this way, you don’t have to taste the dried plant leaf powder.

Price

Both CBD oil and kratom powder are relatively affordable compared to prescription alternatives. You can buy a hemp oil tincture for somewhere between $50 and $100. Generally, people report CBD effects as lasting 2-6 hours. A typical dose is around 20-40 drops per day, with higher doses reportedly required for epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other major symptoms. Kratom dosages range from two to eight grams, depending on the desired effects, with 4-5 grams being a common amount. A capsule contains about half a gram of kratom, so a typical dose might be around 8 capsules. With this in mind, you can calculate the number of doses per tincture or powder packet purchased.

Availability

There is no question that CBD is much more widely available than kratom. The main reason for this is federal law. At the time of this writing, CBD is a legal commodity at the federal level, so long as the THC content is below 0.3%. It is also generally legal in all states, though Idaho requires 0.00% THC. By contrast, kratom is legal at the federal level, but it is not legal in some states and jurisdictions. In both cases, neither product is FDA approved as a dietary supplement. Only one prescription drug derived from CBD is actually FDA approved.

Should You Try CBD or Kratom?

It’s up to you whether you want to try one of these products. You will need to consider how they might be helpful, and whether the available information is accurate. Then, decide which one you want to try first. Some people will try both kratom and CBD, and then they’ll stick with the one that they feel provides the best outcomes.