Both Kratom and Delta 8 are relatively new and gaining in popularity. The demand for these substances has increased massively over the last year. We have a lot of customers asking what is the difference between these two and the answer is extensive. Let’s take a look at both separately and then compare them to see how they are similar.
Kratom is native to Southeast Asia. It is a tropical tree known as Mitragyna speciosa. It has been utilized for centuries in Asian culture, as well as for medicinal purposes. Kratom is most prevalent in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea.
Kratom is made up of various alkaloids including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. The leaves of the kratom plant contain a central vein. This vein will change colors as it matures. It starts out white, then transforms into green, and the most mature leaves have a red vein running through them. Yellow is another vein color that is available but it does not occur naturally. This is the product of a specialized drying process.
There are tons of strains and they run across all the vein colors. So, it can be hard for a newbie to know which strains to try. Kratom is offered in many different forms including leaves, powders, capsules, and extracts.
This herb is legal on a federal level, which means every state must decide how they want to handle kratom. Kratom is illegal in many parts of the world. Here in the United States kratom has been banned from the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Delta 8 is hemp-derived but is an isomer of Delta 9 THC which is found in both hemp and cannabis. Let’s define isomer so you can better understand what Delta 8 THC is. An isomer is a term used in chemistry when 2 compounds have the same chemical makeup but the atoms are arranged differently.
Delta 8 THC is less harsh than Delta 9. This has made it more desirable for consumers who are looking for subtle support. Delta 8 sits at the 8th carbon chain whereas Delta 9 sits at the 9th carbon chain. Studies have shown that Delta 8 is more stable than Delta 9.
Delta 8 does possess some psychoactive properties but is less harsh than those seen in Delta 9 THC. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-derived products are legal and this is why Delta 8 can be sold in areas where marijuana (Delta 9 THC) has been banned.
Many people are turning to Delta 8 for wellness support because it works with more systems in the body than Delta 9. Delta 9 only interacts with CB1 receptors. Delta 8 works with CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors include the nervous system, connective tissues, gonads, glands, and organs. CB2 receptors include your immune system.
We cannot go over effects, as we are not medical physicians. We advise all of our customers to seek the advice of their physician before purchasing kratom or any other substance. They are the only ones who can properly give you advice on the support these supplements can offer. So, when it comes to advantages, disadvantages, and effects you will need to visit your doctor to get your answers addressed.
Delta 8 is offered in several different forms including flowers, gummies, and extracts. Kratom is offered in leaves, powders, capsules, and extracts. So, you can see both substances are similar in the forms they are offered in.
Kratom has many different strains to choose from. Delta 8 THC is just that, you will not have a multitude of variants to choose from. We mentioned above, kratom has 4 different vein colors as well. This proves the maturity of the plant and will also determine the alkaloid makeup of the strain. Red vein kratom tends to be the most potent form.
Kratom works with the opioid receptors in the body, whereas Delta 8 works with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This indicates that both work with different parts of the body. People who purchase kratom and Delta 8 are typically seeking overall wellness support.
The only real thing that kratom and Delta 8 have in common is the legal issues that both have. However, Delta 8 does not seem to be banned in as many areas as kratom is. Kratom does not contain the psychoactive properties that are seen in all forms of THC. It is odd that it gets so much backlash from officials who are wanting to ban it in their area.
A lot of our customers have asked if it is safe to mix Delta 8 and Kratom. We do not advise mixing any substance without first consulting with your physician. Your medical doctor is the only one who can offer professional advice on these herbs.
Do not purchase either substance without first consulting with your doctor. They will know your past and present medical history and be able to advise you on rather or not these substances are a good fit for you. If they are not, your doctor will be able to make recommendations for an herb or supplement that will benefit you.
We have already touched on some of the legalities surrounding kratom. You will see that it is illegal in several states including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Other areas have banned kratom including Sarasota County in Florida. You have to be aware of the kratom laws in your area. There are cities and counties within states that have banned kratom. This can make it very confusing for kratom users.
Delta 8 is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Most states allow its use but some have special regulations in place. The laws surrounding Delta 8 can be very confusing. For example, cannabis is allowed in Arizona and Colorado but Delta 8 is illegal. You have to do the research and ensure Delta 8 is legal in your area before you make a purchase.
When it comes to purchasing kratom and Delta 8 you only want to use reputable vendors. Since these substances are not highly regulated you want to ensure you are getting products that are free of contaminants.
The issue with the kratom industry is the lack of regulations. The American Kratom Association is working with officials on the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. This act will take care of several issues including age restrictions, fines, and proper labeling.
It is recommended that consumers only deal with vendors who are AKA approved. This ensures that you are getting the highest quality kratom that the market has to offer. AKA-approved vendors will comply with GMP regulations and test their kratom for quality and purity.
We are an AKA-approved vendor that offers kratom powders, capsules, and extracts. Check out our product line and let us know if you have any questions.
