Kratom and CBD, the Dynamic Duo

With roughly 47,000 opioid related deaths reported in our country in 2017,  we wonder why there is little being done when it comes to researching viable treatment options for those struggling with chronic pain and addiction. As you know, we are huge proponents of CBD for many reasons, but have you heard of Kratom? We’ve come to believe that together, these two plants have amazing potential! 

What is Kratom?

Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has many therapeutic effects, including a good amount that overlap with CBD. Though it is not legal yet in certain states (WI included), it is legal in IL and available at our Roscoe Village location in Chicago, IL. 

Kratom and CBD Together:

Both Kratom and CBD are natural and plant-derived. While Kratom and CBD come from different plants and work in different ways they do have many similarities. Because of this, many people benefit from their use in tandem.

Even though these substances have overlapping effects the user may have different goals with each supplement. 

Kratom is more mentally stimulating than CBD because of the way its alkaloids operate in the body.  The plant is known to have over 20 alkaloids that act on receptors in our brain to give us desired effects.  Kratom can be both stimulating or sedating, depending on the vein and dosage used. It can aid in supporting creativity and inspiration, while relieving pain and calming the mind, or it can enhance the senses and provide a stimulating effect. Users often notice a more immediate effect from kratom, on the other hand, noticing effects from CBD can be more subtle, or can take more time (this is not always the case as some users experience desirable effects from CBD immediately as well). Kratom is typically taken in powder form with a glass of water, which isn’t very discreet or pleasant. (Luckily, we carry a tablet form in store which makes life way easier!).

CBD can be used in various ways: topically, by inhalation, and internally. Discreet access is always a plus with CBD, as opposed to mixing powder with water like many people would with kratom. It’s not hard, just less convenient. CBD has many harmonizing properties that allows the systems of the body to find balance.  To learn more about CBD and what it can do, please read this post. 

Start Low and Go Slow

Together, Kratom and CBD can be a power duo, especially when it comes to supporting the body when dealing with chronic pain and addiction. Since both are natural substances, they may interact differently with people’s individual bodies. While the combination can be excellent for some, it may not work for everyone. Thus, we recommend people start with low doses of each individually, then low doses of the two together, and take note of how they feel. 

Finally, be cautious if you are taking any prescription medication as some may interfere with both remedies. 

We always encourage customers to work alongside their primary care providers when starting a new healthcare regimen, or seek professional help depending on the severity of the problem. But as always, we are happy to guide you however we can.

How to Find Quality Products

Whether hemp or kratom, we want you to know that high quality products will include lab testing that authenticates their safety and potency. Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia have all signed the kratom consumer protection act (KCPA) ensuring safe practices for the industry. Twenty-one other states are rumored to sign on in the coming year. ₃ This will help ensure the safety of kratom users and give credibility to suppliers. Feel free to ask your retailer to see lab reports, understand where your product is coming from and what exactly is in it before you decide to consume it.

Happy Trails Cares

Happy Trails aims to be a leader when it comes to educating our customers about how natural products can support the body and mind. With the introduction of kratom, we realized that our exploration of natural supplements does not end with cannabinoids. Kratom is a therapeutic option we are now excited to offer at our Illinois location. We have partnered with ETHA Natural Botanicals, a kratom supplier who has been recognized by the American Kratom Association as a supplier conducting good manufacturing practices (GMP). ETHA sources their products sustainably from Indonesia and work closely with local farmers to ensure farming practices of the highest level. 

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions by phone, email, or through any of our social media channels! Stay tuned for more updates and education by subscribing to our email list.