Kratom and CBD are both used to help the body relieve pain, but they work in a couple of different ways. While CBD works directly with the endocannabinoid systems and receptors, kratom works with the brain, specifically your serotonin and the dopamine receptors which are there. CBD normally comes from the hemp plant, while kratom comes from a tree that’s native to southeastern Asia.
All about CBD
CBD is something that’s a cannabinoid, and it ca come from marijuana or hemp plants. The legal amounts are .3% THC. It works similar to other cannabis products. It binds with the different parts of the receptors, not the same as THC, and it also controls anandamide functions, improving serotonin and dopamine levels in the body relax and feel less pain.
CBD oil helps with everything from anxiety to sleep problems, and you can even use pure CBD, which is stronger but works well. It works as treatment for some of the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Depression Parkinson’s
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Traumatic brain injuries and stroke
- Autism
It also is naturally anti-inflammatory, and it can treat other conditions too. CBD does have a couple of drawbacks. They are usually mild, or moderate at worse, such as fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. If you notice severe effects, stop taking this immediately, and take to a doctor.
What about Kratom

Kratom comes from the kratom tree in Asia, and is considered a supplement that’s dietary, and provides the stimulant results in this but without the caffeine. It is part of the coffee family tough, so similar in makeup. The biggest ingredient that’s in kratom is mitragynine, which is something that binds directly to the dopamine along with the serotonin receptors within, which is why it can be quite simulating.
It also does bind directly to the opioid receptors, which is why some people may use this to manage the withdrawal symptoms when getting off of opioids, or also to reduce the pain they’re feeling. It is sedative, but not biphasic like other types of supplements, but it does have some properties that are addictive.
It’s been used in Thailand and other places for centuries to help with fatigue, diarrhea, and also offers stimulant and sedative effects in some cases. it also can be used to manage the withdrawal of opioids.
The benefits also include relief of pain, better energy, and also helps with the addiction to opioids, but there isn’t enough data scientifically to deny this. It can, however, cause some severe results in people, such as increasing one’s blood pressure, hart issues, and also it can cause damage to the liver harm to babies before they’re born, and it can also cause problems similar to the opioid withdrawal.
Similarities and Differences
Both kratom and CBD are psychoactive, but kratom is much more intoxicating. However kratom is more of a stimulant, but CBD is either energizing, or relaxing. Both of these are not FDA approved. While it doesn’t mean it’s dangerous, it does mean it’s not regulated, so you want to get it from a retailer that’s reputable.

It also differs on where it binds. CBD usually binds to the cannabinoid receptors, while kratom goes for the opioid receptors, so they do work differently in the body. There were deaths reported due to the use of kratom within the US, but CBD doesn’t have any deaths reported, so also keep that in mind when choosing each of these, as both of them have their benefits and drawbacks that work for your needs.