The spark of Kratom’s popularity, which initially started from the Southeast Asian region, has spread like a wildfire and quickly made its way to the west. Now millions of fans from the US, Europe, and North America use it to feel the amazing effects produced by this herb. Mitragyna is known for its magical relaxing and soothing abilities. It is Kratom’s properties that led to the rumors that the herb is psychoactive. A few people on the internet went ahead and claimed to get high on kratom. A lot of people ask, “Is Kratom Psychoactive?”.
Well, the simple answer is no. Didn’t expect to hear this?
To understand whether Kratom is psychoactive/psychotropic or not you need to first understand, “what does psychoactive actually mean?”.
What Is Your Understanding Of The Term Psychoactive?
Psychoactive, in layman’s terms, means any substance that has the ability to alter a person’s mental processes or behavior. Never put kratom on the same list as other intoxicating drugs. This magical herb, in any way, does not have mind-altering capabilities. It cannot produce hallucinations.
Then What Is Kratom And What Makes It So Special?
You will be surprised to know that Kratom has existed for thousands of years and was used as a medicinal herb widely in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Mitragyna comes from an evergreen tree of the coffee family grown primarily in the region of Southeast Asia. To understand what makes this herb so special, let us dig down further into kratom leaves. The leaves are made up of alkaloids which produce incredible soothing effects. Different strains vary slightly in the type and quantity of these alkaloids and thus produce slightly different effects.
So, Which are those strains?
To put it simply there are mainly three kratom strains i.e red, white, and green. These strains vary in potency and strength according to the alkaloid content. For example, the red strain is known for its strong sedative effects, whereas the white strain is famous for its rejuvenating properties. Fortunately, none of the strains is psychoactive.
Is Kratom Psychoactive?
As we have already spilled the beans earlier, kratom is not psychoactive. It cannot alter your senses in any way. But then how are so many people claiming that they felt high after using Kratom?
The comments and feedback of some people led everyone to believe that our favorite innocent herb is like any other psychoactive drug, like marijuana. The use of Mitragyna actually dates to hundreds of years, the herb is relatively new for people in the west, particularly the US. Therefore, many people confuse other effects with getting high. At higher doses, kratom has the ability to induce euphoria and sedation. I can calm the toughest of storms wandering around your brain. If you think that is ‘high,’ so be it!
Can Kratom Get You High?
Kratom is usually compared with other psychoactive drugs. However, let us tell you that it is not psychoactive, meaning it cannot get you high. However, in rare cases, it can produce some side effects like dizziness. Nevertheless, let us assure you that Mitragyna cannot get you high. Even at high doses, the max it can give you is a high-like feeling. At most, it can induce euphoria, soothe your nerves, and make you happy and active.
So, what is the ideal dosage for taking Kratom?
Many people ask how to avoid the unwanted side effects of kratom. Well, the answer is simple. Avoid overdosing on the herb!
Everything good is beneficial and healthy if taken in moderation. The ideal dosage is around 5-6 grams. Anything above 9 grams is considered a high dosage and is not recommended even for habitual users.
One thing you may not know is that different kratom strains, and even sometimes the same strains from different vendors may have different potency. Thus, it is recommended to take less kratom than the usual amount when changing vendor or strain. Make sure your body is comfortable with the new type of Mitragyna.
The effects of kratom are not strong enough to classify it as psychoactive. Nevertheless, the herb does produce such extensive and impactful effects that you are bound to ask, “how does kratom work”?
You ask it and we answer it; Let us discuss how kratom affects your brain and body!
How Does Kratom Affect Your Brain?
Kratom is made up of alkaloids mainly mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These alkaloids interact with the receptors in the brain which soothe you and give you a pleasant feeling. The compound also reacts with other receptor systems that produce stimulant-like effects.
Can I Use Kratom Yet Avoid Psychoactive Effects?
You can avail all the benefits of kratom by taking it in moderation. In fact, many people keep capsules in their pockets to take them on the go whenever they need to boost their productivity and stay active. We know you are worried about the potential negative effects of kratom. Let us tell you a few things to take care of to ensure that you never have the unwanted side effects of kratom.
1) Have proper meals. Many kratom users start munching Mitragyna and simply skip their meals. Not eating sufficient healthy food is detrimental to your health whether or not you are a kratom user.
2) If you are a habitual user, you may have developed tolerance. In that case, a lot of people take higher doses to feel the same effects. However, let us warn you that higher doses can lead to unwanted side effects. It is crucial you do not abuse this herb.
3) Different vendors utilize a slightly different production technique. This often ends up resulting in a slightly varying potency of kratom. If a strain or vendor does not suit you, do not hesitate to change it.
What Are Some Of The Effects Produced By Kratom?
Mitragyna, due to the presence of alkaloids, often produces stimulant-like effects. People struggling with discomfort take it to help them better. But to put a limit on kratom’s amazing effects by just telling its medicinal use is to underestimate its true potential. The herb is commonly used for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. People from all walks of life whether professionals, athletes, students, or academicians use it to stay active and fresh throughout the day.
What Is The Legal Status Of Kratom?
Apart from a few countries like Australia and Malaysia, Kratom is legal in the majority of the world. This is because this natural herb has made its way to the hearts of the people to the extent that people started protesting just after hearing that the FDA is planning to ban it. No fatality has ever been recorded due to kratom alone. Even the higher doses of Mitragyna do not cause any permanent harm and will only produce temporary side effects.
Why Is The FDA Confused About The Status Of Kratom? `
The legality of kratom in the U.S. is an ongoing debatable topic. FDA claims that kratom has similar effects to substances and thus should be banned. However, no negative consequences of kratom are found like other psychotropic drugs. On this bumpy ride of kratom legality, some US states have cleared the debate by giving a single verdict, while others have been hopping from legal to illegal to legal again over the past few years. As of now, the possession of Mitragyna is legal in most of the states of the US.
Are You A New Kratom User?
If you are a new user, let us warn you that you may feel that kratom can get you high. This is because your body is not habitual to this herb and may cause heavy-headedness. If you are a rookie to the world of Mitragyna, it is highly recommended to not take more than 2 grams. Beginners should start low and go slow. Remember slow, and steady wins the race!
So, what are you worrying about? You know the dos and don’ts of kratom. Enjoy the miracle herb and make your life marvelous.
