Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family. It usually grows in Southeast Asia and is also found in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. In all these regions, Kratom has been used as herbal medicine. It is also known as Mitragyna speciosa. Many names are used for Kratom, like Ketum, Thang, Thom, Kakum and Biak.
On the other hand, weed is defined in many ways. One of its descriptions is that it is a plant that negatively interferes with human nature and is competitive and is not intentionally sown; it grows by itself. There are three types of weeds: Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials.
Anyway, many people have a confusion between Kratom and Weed. Are Kratom and Weed the same? What is the composition of both? Are both these legal, and a lot more are the queries that need the answers? We have done some research on our part. Let’s read it all here without any further ado.
Composition of Weed
In nature, weeds are very competitive, and they compete to dominate. Some weed plants need proper conditions for growth, while others can grow even without any favorable conditions. Weeds are also famous as undesirable plants which they say grow in the wrong place. In agriculture, it is very important to control weeds as they may damage the cultivated crops.
Weed is composed of a chemical substance called THC, which means delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is mainly found in the resin produced by the leaves and buds in the early stages of the female plant. Along with THC, weeds also contain CBD, which stands for Cannabidiol. This component of weed is non-euphoric and non-intoxicating. We can also call weeds as cannabis. Weeds or cannabis have up to 120 components in them which are known as cannabinoids.
A weed can be made of THC or CBD, or it may be a combination of both these components. There are 400 chemical entities in weed plants, and more than 60 of these chemical entities are cannabinoid compounds. Some active ingredients of cannabis are Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol, Cannabinol, and Tetrahydrocannabivarin.
Composition of Kratom
The leaves of Kratom contain certain compounds that have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects. Kratom is easily available online. It is also used as a medicinal substitute to cure ailments.
Mitragyna Speciosa structurally has 40 alkaloids, but the main focus has always been on two alkaloids. This is because these two alkaloids are the most active ones. These two are Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
The molecular weight of Mitragynine is 398.50g/mol. Mitragynine is an alkaloid that is mostly found in the leaves of the Kratom plant. It is soluble in acetone, acetic acid, alcohols, chloroform, and diethyl ether. But it is insoluble in water.
7-Hydroxymitragynine is not very much present in the leaves compared to Mitragynine. The molecular weight of this compound is 414.50g/mol.
Legality of Weed
In the United States, weeds are illegal for use. But under the Act of 1970, commercial distribution of cannabis has been legalized for use and possession except in the District of Columbia. The 1970 Controlled Substance Act (CSA) was the very first act that allowed weeds. The medical use of cannabis is legal in 36 states only with a doctor’s recommendation.
In 18 states, recreational use of cannabis is legalized; these states are the District of Columbia, Northern Mariana Island, Virgin Islands, and Guam. In another 13 states and U.S Virgin Islands, the use of cannabis is decriminalized. Except in the District of Columbia, commercial distribution of weed is legalized in all jurisdictions. The use of cannabis is federally illegal, but some of its derivative compounds have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Legality of Kratom
Generally, Kratom is legal in the U.S, but there are some states where Kratom products are prohibited by law. Furthermore, in the states where Kratom is illegal, its use and manufacturing is banned. Anyone who is caught dealing in it can be punished. The states where Kratom is banned include the following:
Alabama:
Kratom was added to the list of controlled substances on May 10, 2016, in Alabama.
Arkansas:
In February 2016, Kratom was scheduled as a controlled substance list in Arkansas.
California:
Except in San Diego, Kratom is legal in California because the locals of San Diego passed an ordinance.
Florida:
Except in Sarasota County, the use and manufacture of Kratom is legal in Florida.
Illinois:
Except for Jerseyville, the use of Kratom is legal in Illinois, but the sale of Kratom products to people under the age of 18 is prohibited by law.
Indiana:
In the state of Indiana, the use of Kratom is banned.
New Hampshire:
The sale of Kratom for people under 18 years is prohibited, but for others, Kratom is legal in New Hampshire.
Tennessee:
All over Tennessee, the use of Kratom is banned and prohibited.
Wisconsin:
Due to the primary alkaloids present in Kratom, the use of Kratom is banned in the state of Wisconsin.
Side Effects of Weed
Everything useful may also have some side effects. Like any other thing, weeds also have some side effects. If taken in excessive amounts, it can affect a person’s body in a bad way. Here we are discussing the side effects of weed. These are explained below:
- By using weed, the heart rate of a person can fluctuate and may increase more than usual.
- It also causes the feeling of nausea and vomiting.
- The use of weed can also cause lung issues.
- Breathing problems like Asthma are also a side effect of weed.
- If weed is being used during pregnancy, it may disrupt fetal development.
Apart from all these issues, the use of weed also affects a person socially. Temporarily, it gives you the feeling of euphoria, but later on, it can seriously affect your body and mind. Furthermore, a person may become highly dependent on it for pleasure and relaxation.
Side Effects of Kratom
Kratom gives a person euphoria, calmness, and relaxation, and 10 to 25 grams of it has a sedative effect. A person can have a peaceful sleep for up to six hours. But the long-term use of Kratom can cause some serious side effects to your body and mind. These side effects are as follows:
- A person can have constipation.
- It can cause restlessness.
- A person can have a lack of appetite.
- Slimming can also be caused by the excessive and long-term use of Kratom products.
- The color of cheeks may also fade due to the extensive and long-term use of Kratom.
Comparison Between Weed And Kratom
When it comes to comparison, both weed and Kratom affect the mind and body differently. First, let’s discuss some facts about Kratom. It is made up of some potent alkaloids, which bind to the receptors in the human brain and help it to reduce the sensation of discomfort. Whereas, when it comes to weed, it eases the severe discomfort and it does this by diverting and dissociating one’s mind and body. It also interferes with the mind’s receptors, which will also help the mind reduce the symptoms that cause discomfort.
Similarities Between Kratom And Weed
Both weed and Kratom are different products, but surprisingly, they have some things in common as well. These are some similarities between both of them:
- Both of them are used as discomfort relief products.
- Both have this ability to cause a euphoric feeling in a user.
- Both of them give calmness.
- Both have some medical usage.
- Both of them have some specific amount of alkaloid in them.
Conclusion
From all the above information, it can be concluded that both Kratom and weed are useful products and positively affect a person’s body. But it can also be seen that excessive use of Kratom and weed may negatively affect the human body.
Both the compounds are legal in some of the states, but they are banned in the majority of the states. They both have some similarities, like the presence of alkaloids.
Kate Freeman is the wellpreneur behind Kratomguides.com, an informative blog focused on spreading the goodness of Mitragyna Speciosa. Kate supports scientific research on this natural tree “Kratom” and believes that this herb can help millions of people to live a healthier life. She works with many kratom vendors to help extend their brand influence online. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, trying new recipes, and locating reliable stores selling kratom on sale.
