With more people it seems opening up to the idea of taking kratom, it’s time to discuss what may happen if you choose to combine kratom with cannabinoids from the hemp plant such as cannabidiol (CBD) and delta 8 THC. All three of these plant derivatives are extremely popular right now, and so it’s no surprise that a lot of people are asking whether or not it’s safe to combine them.
It’s not so surprising, either, that people would like to experiment with combining kratom with CBD or delta 8. After all, these three natural derivatives are associated with similar effects pertaining to mood, energy levels, physical discomfort and more. And, since they’re all plant-based, it seems like each is gentle enough to be taken in combination with one another with no real issue, right? Well, let’s find out.
Cannabinoids and Kratom: Is This an Advisable Combo?
In the most general sense, the answer is yes – you can take kratom with CBD or delta 8 THC. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each of these plant derivatives is for those who aren’t quite sure:
- CBD: Dominant chemical compound of the hemp plant, and it’s non-psychoactive. CBD, as a cannabinoid, attaches to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body to promote equilibrium throughout all of the bodily functions, and may offer a sense of ease both mentally and physically.
- Delta 8 THC: A mild psychoactive compound that causes a uniquely soothing high that’s not associated with any real disruption to mental clarity. Besides that, it may be great for mellowing out the mood and offering analgesic properties.
- Kratom: The leaf of a tree native to Southeast Asia that’s rich in alkaloids. Can offer effects related to energy levels, mood, and physical discomfort, and is somewhat intoxicating, especially in high doses, often causing a feeling of euphoria.
What Happens When You Take CBD or Delta 8 with Kratom?
First, it’s important to point out that everyone’s body is different, and processes both kratom and cannabinoids in a unique way. Therefore, the way one person may feel when combining kratom with cannabinoids may be quite different from how someone else feels. The biggest difference is whether a person is combining kratom with CBD or delta 8, as the latter is intoxicating while the former is not. Obviously, this means that throwing delta 8 into the equation will lead to stronger psychoactive effects than CBD.
The other thing to mention is that there is no known negative interaction between the two substances. In other words, there is no evidence that a combination of hemp and kratom is dangerous in any significant way. Combining them may enhance the desirable effects of each, such as an easier state of mind or a feeling of physical ease in the muscles. However, both of these plant derivatives can cause mild side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness and elevated heartrate, so taking them together can also mean that these effects are stronger.
Try Each Product Separately Before Combining Them
We do recommend that you try each product separately before taking them together. This is practical, since if you take kratom and delta 8 together and feel an effect from none of them that doesn’t agree with you, you won’t be able to isolate which one it is. Besides that, it’s good to know how each type of plant derivative feels in the body on its own to have a better understanding of how it works and how it may be useful in your routine.
Start with a Low Amount of Each
Once you choose to combine kratom with either delta 8 or CBD (or a combination of both), you should start with a lower-than-average dosage of each. Consider half a dosage of kratom and half of the hemp product in the beginning, as this will be much easier on the nervous system since you will likely have a low tolerance. From there, monitor how you feel, and make adjustments to your dosage gradually and as tolerated or desired.
Avoid Alcohol and Other Substances
As a word of caution, you should strictly avoid alcohol and any intoxicating substances or medications if you’re going to be mixing these two products together. In fact, you should always avoid mixing these substances with kratom on its own. But, adding CBD or delta 8 can put you at a greater risk of a negative interaction, since both CBD and delta 8 can slow down the process of processing alcohol, while also suppressing an enzyme known as CYP3A4 that plays a crucial role in metabolizing lots of commonly taken medications.
Pay Attention to the Delivery Methods
Naturally, the delivery methods of each product type will make a difference when it comes to the effect of this combination. Examples of this would be:
- CBD, delta 8, or kratom vapes can be felt within minutes and last for only a couple of hours.
- Gummies/Capsules/Shots can take up to a couple hours to really become active, and last for several hours at a time.
This means that the combination of delivery methods you consume impacts when you’ll feel each product peak in the body, and how long those effects of the combination will generally last.
Mixing and Matching Strains
Another thing worth paying attention to is the strains that you’re consuming. Certain hemp products, like vapes and flower, come in various strains that each produce their own distinctive effects. For instance, indica strains are more mellowing while sativa strains are more uplifting. Kratom, too, comes in different strains that can affect how you feel, with some strains being more energizing and others resulting in feelings of drowsiness. So, the strain of hemp and the strain of kratom you choose can play a major role in how you feel after combining the two product types together.
Overall, You Can Combine Kratom with Cannabinoids
In general, you can combine kratom with cannabinoids like CBD or delta 8 THC. But, once again, it’s always best to slowly build a routine with this type of combination, starting out with taking each product type individually, followed by taking only a small amount of each. From there, you can finetune things like dosage and product type until you find a regimen that works best for you.
Please Note: We always recommend that you talk to your doctor before taking any kratom products or cannabinoid-based products for that matter, especially if you’re currently on any prescription medications.