Sometime in the 2000s, a major change in how people manage their health exploded online. This digital, prevention-focused paradigm shift emphasized alternative means of health and healing, including natural options that allegedly carry less risk of side effects while still providing the same (or even better) results as pharmaceuticals. 

Two of the most prolific wellness products that rose out of this shift are cannabis and kratom. Although arriving at different points of the timeline, cannabis and kratom have often been lumped together because of their similar uses and their botanical background. But are these two super herbs really as similar as they’re made out to be?

Kratom vs Cannabis at a Glance

What is Cannabis? 

Believed to have originated in Central Asia, cannabis today is an $80 billion industry. Ancient records show that unlike many other plants, cannabis has long been used as a multi-purpose botanical remedy for almost everything, as well as a necessity for various religious ceremonies. Its fibers are used in the production of paper, rope, and textiles, while the seeds may be used for food or pressed into oil. 

The most coveted part of the cannabis plant is its flower. Covered in tiny glands called ‘trichomes’ that produce a sticky resin, this part of the plant contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids – a group of organic compounds that is responsible for the effects and benefits that cannabis is known for. 

Some of the most prominent cannabinoids include cannabidiol or CBD which is said to make up over 40% of the plant’s cannabinoid profile. Most companies focus on products that consist mainly of CBD because of its alleged benefits. Another prominent cannabinoid which has become the focal point of controversy is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is mainly responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive effects. Today, THC’s legality is still hotly debated across states and countries, and remains illegal in many locations.

Cannabis vendors advertise cannabis flowers based on cultivars or strains. According to research, a specific flower’s effects can be either relaxing or energizing depending on the strain. Some studies also suggest that cannabis may have pain-relieving benefits as well as possible positive effects in conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s, anxiety disorders, and seizure disorders, but further studies may be necessary to definitively confirm these claims. 

What is Kratom? 

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant in the coffee family. Grown natively in Southeast Asia, this plant has its origins as a supplement of sorts for fisherfolk and farmers who would chew the raw leaves to boost energy and improve performance for manual tasks. 

Most of the kratom you’ll find sold on the market these days comes directly from farms in Southeast Asia. Because production is cheap and most kratom products come from old-growth, the cost of manufacturing and shipping the products is much cheaper than cannabis. This also translates to lower prices overall versus cannabis products. 

The active organic compound found in kratom is called ‘mitragynine’ however there are over 40 other alkaloids that contribute to the plant’s overall effects. While kratom and its derivatives are not universally legal just yet, the plant does not produce the same psychoactive results linked to cannabis. 

On top of that, kratom’s benefits mainly focus on adapting a user’s energy levels. Leveraged by many to either improve energy and mood for work-related tasks or for winding down at the end of the day, kratom’s effects may change depending on the chosen color vein. 

Kratom vs Cannabis: Which One is Better?

When it comes down to choosing the better option of the two, the answer isn’t really set in stone. It all depends on what you’re looking for in your herbal wellness product. 

Here are some things to consider:

• Legality – These two products are not yet legal across all territories and states of the USA, so it’s important to make sure that you’re buying an option that is legal for sale and use in your location. Laws surrounding both cannabis and kratom vary widely depending on what region you’re in, so it pays to brush up on the nuances before deciding what’s best for you. 

• Intended purpose – Knowing your purpose is perhaps the second biggest consideration you need to make. People under a medical cannabis program supervised by a physician would of course be better off choosing cannabis. Kratom is not a substitute for cannabis in this way, and will not provide the same benefits. But if you’re just looking for a simple and straightforward way to boost your productivity or to help you settle in at night, then kratom might be a better alternative.

• Cost – Again, cannabis and kratom sit at entirely different ends of the price spectrum. Cannabis products are generally more expensive because of the unique and delicate conditions required to cultivate viable plants. For individuals hoping to make the herbal product a part of their everyday routine, kratom might be a more economical option. 

• Product type – Both of these botanical products come in a wide range of forms. The rawest form for cannabis is the flower, which arrives as a dried nug that requires heat to activate its chemistry. Kratom, on the other hand, is often sold as a powder that requires nothing more than a toss and wash, allowing users to consume a dose just like any other capsule or tablet.

Kratom or Cannabis? You Decide

While they’re entirely different herbal products with distinct uses and benefits, both kratom and cannabis have their place in the sun. Whatever you end up choosing, it’s important to make sure that you’re buying your product from a reputable source. 

Kratom vendors in particular are a dime a dozen, but New Dawn Kratom has a proven track record and a solid reputation as one of the best kratom vendors on the scene. With fresh kratom products, fair prices, and accessible customer support, New Dawn Kratom takes the guesswork out of the shopping experience. 

Buy kratom online from New Dawn Kratom and discover high-quality kratom products, a wide array of strain choices, and excellent prices.