Kratom vs. Marijuana: How the Two Popular Plants Compare

There is no denying the well-researched benefits of marijuana. From chronic and acute pain relief, to boosting your fitness game and post-workout recovery, all the way to treating glaucoma, cannabis has been shown to benefit the lives of healthy individuals as well as those seeking a natural remedy for their illnesses. Nowadays, though, news has been spreading across the cannabis world of an exotic plant hailing from Southeast Asia – kratom.

This is not a story about the benefits of kratom over cannabis, nor is it a story of a “revolutionary new plant” that’s set to replace marijuana. Because it isn’t. Instead, this is a story about the two plants, and how they can be used to treat certain conditions, as well as an insight into the proper use of each for maximum effect. Let’s take a look at how marijuana and kratom compare when it comes to addressing common conditions.

Battling stress and anxiety

Mental issues the likes of stress, anxiety, and depression have become prevalent in our modern society. We are witnessing a rapid increase in these conditions in young generations, while stress has almost become an inextricable part of everyday life. The effects of CBD and cannabis in general in treating these conditions have been widely noted over the years. Marijuana works as a neuro-stimulant rather than a sedative, and thus creates the feeling of happiness and elevated energy levels.

Kratom, on the other hand, might be an effective tool for battling these conditions, albeit as a sedative. The FDA is yet to approve the plant, but cases are mounting in support of the plant’s ability to relieve anxiety and stress through its sedative effects. If anecdotal research is anything to go by, it’s important to note that kratom has been used for centuries throughout Southeast Asia as a natural remedy and mood enhancer. What’s more, it’s important to note that different kratom strains will produce a different effect: some act as a sedative, while others can act as stimulants.

Improving sleep and total-body recovery

Another area where cannabis has proven highly effective is sleep, as well as total-body rest and recovery. This is an important effect for daily cannabis users to keep in mind, as stress has been linked to poor sleep and even insomnia – marijuana being one of the rare natural remedies that can effectively battle the condition. Physical stress as well as emotional stress can cause insomnia, which is why cannabis is particularly beneficial when it comes to post-workout recovery as well.

Now, when it comes to kratom, depending on the strains you use, it too can act as a powerful relaxant and put your body in a relaxed state. Kratom acts in a similar way as THC, and thus alleviates mental angst and helps keep stress at bay in order to ensure a good night’s sleep. Both cannabis and kratom help fight post-workout inflammation and stress, lower mental anxiety, and create the ideal foundation for total-body recovery.

Pain management and reduction

Perhaps the most popular benefit of both marijuana and kratom is pain relief and chronic pain management. That said, as with marijuana, it’s important to find the best kratom strains on the market in order to ensure potency and actually experience the analgesic benefits of the product. Many of the benefits of both products depend on their quality, and if you buy your products from unreliable sources, you can expect to experience subpar results.

Now, dosing is important for both products, but much more important when you’re using kratom. With CBD, you can safely consume the product without experiencing any negative side effects, but with kratom, due to its stimulating effect, you need to take it as prescribed. This will ensure you avoid overconsumption and prevent certain side effects that include dizziness, sweating, and a loss of appetite. 

Alleviating bone-degenerative illnesses

Managing acute pain and inflammation is one thing, but what about chronic pain? What about severe pain, such as the pain caused by bone-degenerative illnesses the likes of arthritis? Anyone who has arthritis can attest to the severity of the pain and discomfort it causes on a daily basis. Luckily though, both cannabis and kratom are effective at chronic pain suppression and management, because they are safe to use over the long term.

Not only can these products help you improve athletic performance, reach your weight loss goals, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but they can also help you minimize severe pain in the process. This includes chronic pain, although you should keep in mind that neither cannabis or kratom are able to treat this condition – there is no cure for arthritis, at least not yet. 

Possible benefits for opiate withdrawal

On a final note, it’s important to address the possible effects of marijuana and kratom to treat opiate withdrawal. As patients tend to get hooked and addicted to prescription medicine, there is a need to introduce a potent withdrawal routine in order to banish addiction and prevent drug overdose or abuse. As cannabis and kratom treat the addiction, they will not cause any new addiction, which is why they are potent agents for opiate withdrawal. 

Wrapping up

Unlike marijuana, kratom is a plant that requires more research and is still awaiting it’s approval by the FDA, but that doesn’t mean that it has not proven itself through the years as a potent agent when it comes to stress relief, pain management, as well as energy production. Now that you have a better understanding of both plants, you can go ahead and choose the right one for you to boost your health and treat certain conditions.