Yes, it was to be expected, kratom is listed as a new psychoactive and therapeutic plant. But is it the same as CBD, the cannabidiol derived from cannabis plants? Internet users are panicking and want to know the similarities and differences between these two substances. Find out all you need to know by reading this article.
CBD and kratom, the similarities
Cannabis is the hemp plant from which a clean and harmless molecule called diol is extracted. The molecule is composed of oxygen and hydrogen atoms giving it reactions identical to alcohol molecules. Cannabidiol is extracted as an essential oil and then distilled into several products. As for kratom, it is a stimulating, soothing, aphrodisiac and euphoric plant. It contains mitragynine (MG) and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG), two molecules that act in the leaves, which are compared to CBD and THC in cannabis plants. MG corresponds to CBD and has therapeutic properties, while 7-HMG like THC has psychoactive properties. You can find more information here http://www.what-do-you-know.com/.
Thus, from a therapeutic and medical point of view, CBD and kratom are similar plants, as cannabidiol has healing and relaxing properties. Similarly, kratom leaves are used as a pain medication.
CBD and kratom, the differences
The first point of difference is on the legal front. CBD is authorised in countries because of its curative properties. On the other hand, kratom is a plant that is forbidden to be marketed in Thailand, for example. Moreover, cannabidiol is a harmless molecule with no addictive properties for consumers, unlike kratom leaves, which produce effects identical to a small dose of cocaine or a large dose of opium. This plant also contains mitragynine, an alkaloid that produces a sensation similar to THC when consumed in large quantities.
It should be noted that most of the molecules in kratom are harmful to human health, body and mind.