Welcome to Kratom Dose, the all-in-one knowledge repository for Kratom.
What is kratom? What are the effects of kratom? What is the correct dose for kratom powder? How many kratom capsules should I take? Is kratom safe? Is kratom an opiate? Is kratom legal?
All of your questions answered here!
What is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) is a plant belonging to the rubiaceae family, the same plant family that the coffee plant belongs to. Kratom has been used for generations as a traditional medicine in its native regions within Southeast Asia. It is an all natural and organic medicine for pain relief, energy and relaxation.
High quality kratom powder is made from the leaves of the kratom plant, which are ground up and sold in powder or capsule form. Kratom leaves contain high levels of alkaloids called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which belong to a class of substances called opioids.
These alkaloids are responsible for the relaxing and pain relieving effects of kratom at high doses. At low doses, these alkaloids have an energizing effect.
What are the Benefits of Kratom?
The effects and benefits of kratom vary depending on the dosage, strain type and vein color. This makes it an extremely versatile medicine. Whatever your ailment is, there is likely to be a way to treat it with kratom.
A low dose of kratom will have energy boosting effects, which is perfect if your condition results in a lot of fatigue and tiredness. Green vein and white vein kratom are also energy boosting strains. These are popular with people who suffer from chronic fatigue, sleeplessness, degenerative diseases, IBS and other digestive issues and diabetes.
A high kratom dose will have pain relieving and relaxing effects. This is ideal for those suffering from conditions that generate a lot of pain or stress. Red vein and Maeng Da kratom strains are especially effective for relaxation and pain relief. They’re popular with people suffering from conditions like chronic pain, bone or muscle injury, stress, insomnia and depression.
For more information about what constitutes a high or low kratom dose, see our dosage guide.
Is Kratom an Opiate?
Kratom is not an opiate, but kratom alkaloids belong to the opioid family. Opioids that occur naturally in the body, like endorphins and dynorphins, are known as endogenous opioids. Manufactured opiates are also known as synthetic opioids. Kratom is neither – an exogenous but natural opioid source.
Kratom’s interaction with opioid receptor cells is the key to its range of effects. Whereas synthetic opioids will bind immediately to mu and kappa opioid receptors, kratom will first bind with the delta opioid receptor.
This mechanism of action makes it much more difficult to become addicted to kratom, compared to synthetic opiates. And because treatment with kratom requires the ingestion of plant matter, it isn’t easy to overdose.
So while kratom isn’t an opiate, it could be the perfect replacement for opiates. And kratom is frequently used by opiate addicts, either as a replacement medicine, or to ease withdrawal symptoms when quitting.
For more information on using kratom as a replacement for opiates, see our dosage guide.
Can Kratom Help with Drug Withdrawal?
Because kratom alkaloids are classed as opioids, kratom can be very beneficial for opiate addicts trying to quit.
Kratom can significantly reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms in opiate addicts.
Kratom has also shown effective application in curbing alcohol abuse and easing withdrawal symptoms caused by alcohol addiction.1
Is Taking Kratom Safe?
Treatment with kratom requires the ingestion of plant matter, which creates a natural precaution against overdose. The amount of kratom required for an overdose would be physically difficult to consume.
That said, it is necessary to use kratom responsibly. Although kratom has less addictive potential than opiates, it is still possible to experience withdrawal effects after prolonged used.
Follow our dosage guide and moderate your kratom use and you’ll be able to safely enjoy kratom without risk.
Is Kratom Addictive?
Kratom can be addictive if misused. However, the addictive potential of kratom is much lower than that of synthetic opiates, to the extent that kratom is often used to wean addicts off of opiates.
In the same way that nicotine patches can be addictive, but are much less addictive than cigarettes, it is possible to become addicted to kratom.
However, as long as you follow the instructions outlined in our dosage guide, there is no risk of becoming physically addicted.
What is the Correct Kratom Dose?
The correct kratom dose varies based on a number of factors. It can be affected by bodyweight, opioid tolerance, kratom strain type and quality. You’ll also be taking different doses depending on your desired effects.
As a general rule of thumb, around 2 grams (1tsp) of powdered kratom is best for energy, 3-4 grams (1.5-2tsp) is best for relaxation and 6-7 grams (2-3tsp/1tbsp) is best for pain relief.
For precise measurements and other useful information, please see our dosage chart.
Is Kratom legal?
Kratom is currently legal to buy in the US and Canada with the exception of the following US states where kratom is currently illegal and cannot be sold:
Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin.
Residents of Asia and Europe should ensure it is legal to import and use kratom in their home countries.
Can you get High off of Kratom?
The sensation of kratom is subtle and non intoxicating. Healthy people taking kratom will experience a lift in mood, extra energy and a sense of relaxation, but will remain perfectly able to go about their day.
The most dramatic sensations will be experienced by ailing people who are experiencing a lot of pain. Kratom is able to turn down the intensity of unpleasant sensations and bring things closer to normality.
Kratom doesn’t generate an elevated experience (or a high), instead it lowers the perception of unpleasant experiences.
Can you Smoke Kratom?
Although possible, this isn’t recommended. The amount of plant material that would need to be burnt would risk damage to the lungs when inhaled. Kratom is usually ingested orally or brewed into a tea.
What Type of Drug is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant that belongs to the rubiaceae plant family, the same family that the coffee plant belongs to. It is a traditional herbal curative.
The alkaloids in kratom leaves are classed as opioids. The effects of kratom are similar to the effects of synthetic opioids.
What are Withdrawal Symptoms of Kratom?
Abrupt cessation of kratom use after period of addiction can cause depression, shakiness, diarrhea, runny nose, pains and jerking. In order to avoid unpleasant side effects, gradually taper your dosage by reducing it by 10% every time you take kratom, until you reach zero.
What are the Side Effects of Kratom?
At high doses, your pupils may restrict (miosis) and it may become difficult to focus your eyes. High doses of kratom can make it hard to move around and you may feel compelled to lay on your back and close your eyes.
When taking a kratom dose this high, it is best to just lay back and relax into it. At moderate doses some users experience nausea, which might be relieved by chewing a natural gum.
Can you Overdose on Kratom?
There is no evidence to suggest it is possible to overdose on kratom. When an extract was tested on rats, researchers were unable to calculate an LD50 (a dose at which 50% of the rats died)2.
Regardless of the dosage, none of the rats died from kratom overdose. Although kratom has been pointed to in a number of accidental death cases in the US, kratom was never the sole factor.3
1. http://www.safeandhealthylife.com/magical-herb-kratom-help-getting-off-alcohol/
2. http://irep.iium.edu.my/340/1/In_utero_effect_of_MS_on_Neural_Tube_Formation_in_Rats.pdf
3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00414-015-1279-y