Before we jump onto this question, what are kratom and weed? Kratom is derived from the Mitragyna Speciosa, a tree grown in SouthEast Asia. This tree has leaves which are large, oval and smooth. The natives use kratom for curing pain and for increased energy and motivation at work.
Weed, on the other hand, comes from the species of plant known as Cannabis Sativa. The chemical content of weed or marijuana depends on the soil property and temperature where it is grown.
The reason for this question that whether kratom is better than weed or not is because both the plants have same uses. Both of them can be utilized for pain-killing effects, and both of them help to relieve the anxiety issues and act as a motivation booster.
So, what is the comparison between these two drugs? We will find out which of them is a better painkiller, serves as an effective anxiety suppressant and is better as a focus booster.
1. Kratom vs Weed — Cognitive Functions
The lower doses of kratom have a positive impact on cognition. The benefits include increased motivation, focus, and productivity. It is beneficial for all individuals.
However, weed, on the other hand, is useful for people who have foggy memory along with the slowing down of the cognitive processes. The same happens with high doses of kratom, but you will feel drowsier and sleepy. Weed has no positive effects on cognition until you want to forget things on purpose.
The Sativa variety of cannabis plants has massive amounts of the active ingredient while Indica is used commonly by users for sedation, foggy head, and forgetfulness. So, weed has a negative effect on cognition.
2. Kratom Vs Weed — Pain-Killing EffectS
It is not concluded from studies but according to the user’s experience both of these plants can be used for treating the chronic pain. The users claim that both of these plants are perfect as painkillers.
You just need to adjust the kratom dosage to utilize it as an effective painkiller for long terms. Weed or cannabis, on the other hand, does not have long-lasting effects as kratom.
However, it is beneficial for anti-inflammatory properties; it helps in treating the pain source along with it promotes healing.
So, weed and kratom have a draw in painkilling effects. As kratom has long-lasting effects while relieving pain and marijuana, on the other hand, has anti-inflammatory properties.
Kratom binds with the mu-opioid receptors resulting in pain relief.
Cannabis or weed on the other hand also acts as a painkiller but for a shorter duration.
3. Kratom Vs Weed — Anxiety Reduction
Kratom and weed, both can combat stress. Both of them have different mechanisms. Kratom treats anxiety by increasing motivation and focus.
Weed, on the other hand, relaxes the user and serves as a sedating agent. Users have experienced anxiety with the use of marijuana. It is a common finding in patients with the use of cannabis that they develop anxiety issues and the user feels paranoid.
Kratom has a dominant effect in reducing the stress, but weed has distinct advantages. Users consume marijuana for pleasant results. You need to use kratom in a moderate dose because it results in adverse effects if used in high doses.
However, weed can be used in high doses for recreational purposes, without the negative consequences. So, both the plants possess the advantages and disadvantages according to the anxiety aspect.
4. Kratom Vs Weed — Motivational Effects
At small doses, kratom is motivating as well as stimulating. Users recommend kratom combination with theanine and coffee for fantastic results.
Weed, on the other hand, does not stimulate or immediately motivate until you use it for the long term and your body develops a tolerance to its incapacitating and dreamier effects. The small doses of Cannabis Sativa work well for motivation.
However, kratom wins by a margin in this aspect.
5. Kratom Vs Weed — Health Effects
Kratom possesses some deleterious effects because of its regulations, design and legal status. It is a potential risk to buy from the sellers who do not sell the quality product which might result in contaminants.
Kratom has a history of use by the natives who have experienced very few adverse effects. Kratom does not have astounding health benefits, but it contains catechins which act as antioxidants.
Cannabis or weed, on the other hand, have cannabinoids which provide the users with a host of health benefits by binding with the cannabinoid receptors. However, weed can also result in side effects which include short-term memory loss, negative factors linked with inhalation and combustion or an increase in blood pressure. The effects might be chronic or acute.
Weed has most potent health benefits when compared to kratom.
6. Kratom Vs Weed — Ingestion Methods
The users have recommended a few methods of intake for kratom which include toss and wash method or consumed in the form of tea. The taste of kratom is very unpleasant and is recommended to drink it on an empty stomach.
Weed, on the other hand, can be ingested by several ways such as eating, smoking, drinking, vaporization, extraction or transdermal.
So weed has better ingestion methods when compared to kratom.
7. Recreational Effects of Weed And Kratom
Weed is accepted as a recreational drug. Many young generations smoke weed for recreational purposes as it has short-term effects and does not pose severe side effects in healthy people if inhaled.
Kratom, on the other hand, is available in extracted or powdered forms which do not result in recreational effects. You need to rotate the dosages and strains to prevent the tolerance buildup along with withdrawal effects.
Weed has a huge win for recreational purpose.
8. Side Effects Of Weed And Kratom
Kratom if consumed daily and in moderate doses will result in unnoticeable side effects. However, if used in extremely high doses, it will lead to serious side effects such as nausea, tolerance buildup which might result in withdrawal effects.
Weed on the other hand, if taken in low or high doses does not lead to severe effects among healthy individuals. The use of marijuana results in few serious side effects which include increased blood pressure and estrogenic activity while smoking. It can also lead to paranoia or anxiety in few individuals.
So, weed is a winner because of few side effects.
9. Drug Testing For Weed And Kratom
Drug tests can quickly check kratom. Drug tests are performed before employment, but these tests look for illegal drugs which have a high profile. So, kratom is safe in this aspect. However, if you buy it from the suppliers who have spiked your supply with expensive opioid drugs, then you might result positive.
Weed, on the other hand, remains in the blood for a long time, i.e., for a month or so, if you are a heavy user. If your drug test for weed is active, then you won’t be employed. It is not ideal for individuals who are looking for jobs to consume marijuana.
Here, the winner is kratom if you undergo drug testing.
10. Long Term Use Of Weed And Kratom
The long-term use of marijuana and kratom is not ideal, money consuming as well as they are not healthy. You need to rotate the strains and dosage. Otherwise, the body develops tolerance. The withdrawal effects occur due to the long-term use of both the drugs.
Both of them have adverse effects on long-term use, so it’s a draw.
11. Restriction And Legal Status Of Weed And Kratom
Marijuana is considered a hallucinogen, i.e., the schedule 1 substance. It is restricted to most parts of the world. However, few states have removed the restrictions on weed use because of its medical applications.
Kratom, on the other hand, has limits in few countries. Kratom is a viable substitute in countries or states where Weed is restricted.
So, both the drugs have restrictions in this aspect which means nobody has a win.
Conclusion
Weed and kratom both have their pros and cons. Bear in mind which advantages you want to prefer before you start using any of these drugs. If you can manage the consumption of both of them, then go for it and educate yourself about both the options.
Find out all about both the drugs and perform your research even about vendors and know all the potential biases. Users prefer that kratom is best for work purposes.
However, weed, on the other hand, can be consumed for fun and recreational purposes. Kratom use is appropriate when marijuana cannot be used and is inappropriate or inconvenient.