Both kratom and THCJD have a lot to offer, and on the surface at least, they sound very similar to one another. After all, both have the potential to offer a blissful high, not to mention possibly significant benefits to the body and mind. However, these two relatively new plant derivatives are very different in terms of how they deliver their effects to the body. To clear things up, we’re going to compare them today.
Contender #1: Kratom
Kratom is the term for the dried and ground up leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, and is related to coffee. The leaves of the tree are rich in alkaloids that contain properties which can change how we feel, both mentally and physically. Taking kratom means that these alkaloids interact with our brain’s opioid receptors, which regulate processes such as mood, pain sensitivity, and more.
Kratom naturally exists in numerous strains, referring to the specific cultivar of the tree (which varies between different regions). It also comes in three “veins”, referring to the color of the leaf’s vein at the time of harvest. As the leaves grow and mature, the color of the vein transforms, and this indicates the maturity level and prominence of individual alkaloids in the leaf. This means that color of the vein can tell us how potent the product is, and which effects are the most prominent depending on which alkaloids are most prevalent at any given time during the maturation process.
Can I Get High off of Kratom?
Kratom is an intoxicating substance, since it attaches to the brain’s opioid receptors which can cause intoxication, similarly to opiates. How high you can get from kratom, and what kinds of psychoactive effects that you experience (euphoria, sedation, etc.), will depend on the dosage, as well as the vein and the strain of the product.
Is Kratom Legal?
Kratom is protected under federal law, as it’s never been illegal in the United States. However, a few states have made it illegal, and they are:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Also, keep in mind that kratom is prohibited in a handful of municipalities across the United States, even in states where kratom is deemed legal. Because of that, we urge you to check your state laws and local laws periodically to make sure kratom is still legal where you live, as this can change at any time.
Does Kratom Have Benefits?
Kratom hasn’t been on the US market for long, which means that medical researchers are still in the early stages of analyzing its distinctive benefits. Still, there have been published scientific papers for us to know that it has the potential to:
- Enhance energy, focus, and alertness
- Act as an anxiolytic
- Enhance mood
- Offers analgesic properties
- Improve sleep
- Decrease appetite
Does Kratom Have Side Effects?
Basically, kratom use can cause certain side effects, especially when not taken according to the label’s directions, if your dosage is too high, or if your body just doesn’t tolerate it because of the nature of your unique body. Side effects you could experience include:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Increased heartrate
- Dry mouth/thirst
- Irritability/confusion
- Potential overdose
What Kinds of Kratom Products are There?
You can buy kratom in various product forms, as it’s pretty easy to infuse the water-soluble kratom powder into any formula. Now, we’re going to explore the types of products you’re most likely to come across:
- Kratom Powder: The dried and ground up leaves, which is the pure form of kratom. It can be added to liquids or any other kind of solution you prefer.
- Kratom Liquid Extracts: These are highly concentrated liquid kratom products that are taken like a shot to offer a fast-acting and very potent experience.
- Bottled Kratom Drinks: Bottled kratom beverages include soft drinks, sparkling water, and any other type of drink infused with kratom powder.
- Kratom Teas: Kratom tea is just kratom powder placed inside of a teabag, for an easy way to extract the alkaloids into hot water.
- Kratom Edibles: Kratom gummies and other kratom-infused edibles promote long-lasting effects that come on more gradually.
- Kratom Capsules: Taking kratom in capsule form can be convenient if you’re already used to taking supplements as part of a routine.
- Kratom Vapes: These are still quite new to the marketplace, but just like any vapes, they’re available in bottle E-Liquids to be used in compatible vape pens, as well as pre-filled cartridges that attach to any 511-threaded pen-style system and AIO (All-In-One) Disposable Vapes. Vaping kratom allows you to feel the effects within minutes, but the effects don’t last as long.
- Kratom Topicals: Kratom topicals are applied to the skin, so that the alkaloids absorb transdermally.
Contender #2: THCJD
THCJD (tetrahydrocannabioctyl) is a newer discovery that we’re still learning about, although we’ve collected enough anecdotal data to know that it brings huge promise. It’s on the more potent side of things thanks to its 8-link alkyl sidechain which enables it to attach to cannabinoid receptors more efficiently than, say, delta 9 THC.
Like we’ve seen with every cannabinoidin the cannabis plant, THCJD binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors) in the body, which mainly exist within the nervous system, and other bodily systems as well. Cannabinoid receptors require cannabinoids to regulate processes of the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system in every mammal that is tasked with maintaining homeostasis. This is why cannabinoids are associated with so many distinctive properties at the same time.
Can I Get High off of THCJD?
THCJD is intoxicating, and it’s stronger than the high of delta 9 THC. Exactly how it compares to delta 9 THC in terms of its psychoactive potential remains unknown for the time-being, but what we can say is that people describe a very powerful and uniquely sedating high.
Is THCJD Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill made the hemp plant legal under federal law, stating that all hemp derivatives can be sold legally as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight. All cannabinoids except delta 9 THC are therefore legal without restrictions, and that includes THCJD.
Still, states are permitted to prohibit certain cannabis-derived products, and some have banned all psychoactive hemp derivatives:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
Does THCJD Have Benefits?
THCJD has not undergone any real research to understand its benefits, but once again, tetrahydrocannabioctyl is known for being a very potent cannabinoid, so its potential benefits are likely going to be quite bioavailable. And, as we know of many potential benefits associated with delta 9 THC, an isomer of THCJD, not to mention the fact that cannabinoids in general can offer numerous potential benefits, we can guess that tetrahydrocannabioctyl offers properties such as the ability to:
- Reduce stress levels
- Improve mood
- Offer analgesic properties
- Offer anti-inflammatory properties
- Reduce nausea
- Increase appetite
- Aid in sleep
- Support digestive and immune function
- Offer neuroprotective properties
Does THCJD Have Side Effects?
Cannabis has never been shown to cause major adverse events or life-threatening effects. It’s nontoxic, and that includes its individual cannabinoids. However, if you have a low THC tolerance or you take too high of a dose, you can end up with certain side effects. And, there are certain side effects that come with psychoactive cannabinoids, if you get too high. The good news is that side effects reported are mild and short-lived, and include:
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Reduction in blood pressure
- Fatigue/drowsiness
- Increased appetite
- Paranoia/anxiety
- General impairment
- Forgetfulness/fogginess
What Kinds of THCJD Product Types are There?
THCJD can be found in some product types at the moment that are all worth checking out:
- Vapes (Disposables and Cartridges): Vaping THCJD offers a fast-acting and potent way to get in a nice serving of your favorite cannabinoid, along with a nice selection of strains, all while being convenient, travel-friendly, and discreet.
- Edibles: Edibles like gummies produce long-lasting effects with a gradual onset.
- Concentrates (aka “Dabs”): Concentrates are concentrated cannabis products that are dabbed – that is, flash-vaporized at a high temperature using a special “dabbing” device – for an ultra-powerful and fast-acting experience.
- Tinctures: Tinctures are bottled oils that are intended to be taken sublingually (below the tongue) to absorb quickly and offer long-lasting effects. Simple to consume, and they come in a several milligram strengths.
Kratom or THCJD: An Interesting Dilemma to Have
In reality, both kratom and THCJD promise a lot, including a rich array of potential benefits along with the ability to introduce a mood-lifting high. And, interestingly, these effects are achieved through totally different mechanisms in the body. This is why we always recommend giving both a try, since you never know which one is going to suit your needs better. Fortunately, we offer a great selection of both kratom and THCJD products at The Calm Leaf.