Kratom vs. Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC: How Do They Measure Up Against One Another?

There is just something of a new wave of natural wellness products hitting the hemp marketplace that’s getting many of us exciting. And, a lot of which have been staples of ancient medicine for hundreds or thousands of years. In fact, we want to compare two products in particular: kratom and hemp-derived delta 9 THC, both of which have been shown to offer relief in various forms, and both of which comes in an enticing array of products. We want to see how these two products measure up against one another in terms of things like benefits, psychoactive properties, side effects, and more.

Contender #1: Kratom

Kratom is the dried and ground leaves of the evergreen Mitragyna speciosa tree which grows in Southeast Asia. These leaves are abundant in alkaloids that possess properties which influence how we feel, both mentally and physically. When kratom absorbs into the body, its alkaloids affect our opioid receptors, which regulate things like pain tolerance, emotional state, and more.

Kratom naturally exists in numerous strains, referring to the specific cultivar of the tree (which varies between different regions). It also comes in three “veins”, referring to the color of the leaf’s vein at the time of harvest. At different periods of maturation, the vein changes color according to its age, and this color tells us how developed specific alkaloids are. This means that the vein of the kratom (the color) informs us of how potent the kratom is, and how strong certain effects are going to be.

Can I Get High off of Kratom?

Kratom can produce intoxicating effects, depending on the dosage, as well as the vein and the strain, but overall, kratom can be intoxicating if you take enough of it, no matter what. Like we said, it interacts with opioid receptors, and one thing we know is that these receptors can cause psychoactive effects, as we’ve seen with certain opiates.

Is Kratom Legal?

Kratom is a federally legal substance, as it’s never been illegal in the United States. However, a small number of states have prohibited it, and they are:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Wisconsin

In addition to that, kratom is banned in a handful of municipalities across the United States, despite being legal in the actual state. Because of that, we urge you to check your state laws and local laws periodically to make sure kratom is still legal where you live, as this can change at any time.

Does Kratom Have Benefits?

Because kratom hasn’t been available on the Western market for long, the medical community hasn’t been studying it for very long. Still, enough scientific papers have been published for us to believe that kratom can potentially:

• Enhance energy, focus, and alertness
• Act as an anxiolytic
• Enhance mood
• Offers analgesic properties
• Improve sleep
• Decrease appetite

Does Kratom Have Side Effects?

Yes, kratom can produce some side effects like any natural substance, especially when not taken as directed, if you take too high of a dose, or if your unique physiology simply doesn’t agree with it. Possible side effects include:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Impaired coordination
• Increased heartrate
• Dry mouth/thirst
• Irritability/confusion
• Potential overdose

What Kinds of Kratom Products are There?

You can buy kratom in various product forms, as it’s not hard to infuse the water-soluble kratom powder into any formula. Now, let’s cover the most popular types of kratom products on the market:

• Kratom Powder: The dried and ground up leaves, which is the pure form of kratom. It can be added to liquids or any other kind of solution you prefer.
• Kratom Liquid Extracts: These are highly concentrated liquid kratom products that are taken like a shot to offer a fast-acting and very potent experience.
• Bottled Kratom Drinks: Bottled kratom beverages include soft drinks, sparkling water, and any other type of drink infused with kratom powder.
• Kratom Teas: Kratom tea is just kratom powder placed inside of a teabag, for an easy way to extract the alkaloids into hot water.
• Kratom Edibles: Kratom gummies and other kratom-infused edibles promote long-lasting effects that come on more gradually.
• Kratom Capsules: Taking kratom in capsule form can be convenient if you’re already used to taking supplements as part of a routine.
• Kratom Vapes: These are still quite new to the marketplace, but just like any vapes, they’re available in bottle E-Liquids to be used in compatible vape pens, as well as pre-filled cartridges that attach to any 510-threaded pen-style system and AIO (All-In-One) Disposable Vapes. Vaping kratom allows you to feel the effects within minutes, but the effects don’t last as long.
• Kratom Topicals: Kratom topicals are applied to the skin, so that the alkaloids absorb transdermally.

Contender #2: Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC

Another major player is delta 9 THC (delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol), a cannabinoid that’s been used therapeutically and recreationally for thousands of years. Delta 9 THC is the dominant cannabinoid in marijuana, but in hemp, it exists in just trace amounts.

We’ve observed cannabis for long enough to know that all of the cannabinoids in the plant, including delta 9 THC, bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors), mainly found within the nervous system, and to a lesser extent, other systems of the body. Cannabinoid receptors require cannabinoids to regulate processes of the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system that maintains homeostasis within the body. This is why delta 8 and other cannabinoids can introduce so many benefits at once.

Can I Get High off of Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is psychoactive – after all, it’s the reason why marijuana gets us high. Delta 9’s high can be euphoric and also soothing, and it’s known for its “body high”, which can put the muscles at ease. Delta 9 THC is, in fact, the most sought-after natural intoxicants of all time.

Is Delta 9 THC Legal?

The U.S. 2018 Farm Bill legalized the hemp plant. Under this legislative bill, all hemp derivatives can be sold legally as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight. This means that delta 9 products are only legal if they adhere to the “0.3%” rule. However, companies have found ways to offer products that provide a meaningful amount of delta 9 THC legally, by offering large portion sizes (usually in edible form) in which 0.3% THC can work out to be several milligrams per serving.

Does Delta 9 THC Have Benefits?

Delta 9 THC has been researched a lot over the years, as it was discovered decades ago and explored by the medical research community ever since. Because of this, we actually have a good idea of what kinds of benefits it may be able to offer – and keep in mind that the medical marijuana industry in the United States exists because of how substantial these potential benefits are. Overall, delta 9 can likely:

• Reduce stress levels
• Improve mood
• Offer analgesic properties
• Offer anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduce nausea
• Increase appetite
• Aid in sleep
• Support digestive and immune function
• Offer neuroprotective properties

Does Delta 9 THC Have Side Effects?

Cannabinoids are strictly nontoxic to the human body, and cannabis has never been shown to cause major adverse events or life-threatening effects. Still, taking too much of a cannabinoid, or taking a cannabinoid for the first time when your tolerance is low, can cause certain side effects. And, there are certain side effects that come with psychoactive cannabinoids, if you get too high. Thankfully, these side effects are generally mild, and include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Reduction in blood pressure
• Fatigue/drowsiness
• Increased appetite
• Paranoia/anxiety
• General impairment
• Forgetfulness/fogginess

What Kinds of Hem-Derived Delta 9 Product Types are There?

Besides only flower, delta 9 THC comes in other product types including:

• Vapes (Cartridges and Disposable Vape Pens): Vaping delta 9 THC offers a fast-acting and potent way to get in a nice serving of your favorite cannabinoid, along with a nice selection of strains, all while being convenient, travel-friendly, and discreet.
• Edibles: Edibles like gummies produce long-lasting effects with a gradual onset. Like we said, these products also make it easy to consume substantial milligram amounts of delta 9 THC, legally.
• Tinctures: Tinctures are bottled oils that are intended to be taken sublingually (below the tongue) to absorb quickly and offer long-lasting effects. They’re easy to take, and even come in a variety of milligram strengths.
• Concentrates (aka “Dabs”): Concentrates are concentrated cannabis products that are dabbed – that is, flash-vaporized at a high temperature using a special “dabbing” device – for an ultra-powerful and fast-acting experience.
• Beverages: Delta 8-infused beverages offer a faster absorption than edible products, and possibly more potency due to the fact that beverages are water-soluble.
• Capsules: Capsules infused with the cannabinoid are great for those who already take supplements in a capsulated form, and simply want to add cannabinoids to their regimen.
• Topicals: There are applied to the skin, allowing the soothing delta 8 to infuse directly into the deep tissue of the body.

Kratom or Hemp-Derived Delta 9 THC: The Choice is Yours!

Overall, kratom and delta 9 THC share some key things in common. They can both offer relief in both physical and mental forms, and they’re both plant derivatives that were utilized long before the Western market began carrying them. Both of these substances also bring about a psychoactive effect that can be worth experiencing in its own right, even if you don’t have any immediate complaints that you’re trying to address.

So, if you’re wondering which one is best for you, we recommend that you give both a try. And, that’s easy to pull off thanks to our large selection of both kratom and delta 9 THC products available at The Calm Leaf.