With the leaps in legislation and perception saw by the cannabis community, those who are advocates of health and wellness are also looking forward to progress with the kratom industry. Just like cannabis, kratom, also known as Mitragyna Speciosa is a plant that is known to have a variety of properties such as pain-relieving, psychedelic, and sedating, just to name a few. Some researchers are also investigating the potential of kratom as an alternative to opioids.

The thing with this plant is that different strains can have different effects, just like cannabis. However, some may be wondering if the various kratom strains have significant differences when compared side-by-side. Here are some key points that can help you understand whether or not strains possess distinct characteristics.

Kratom Varieties: A Simple Know-How

The simple answer to the primary question is this: Yes, kratom streams really are different from one another. To understand how kratom strains can differ, let us take a look at cannabis varieties. Cannabis sativa is high in CBD, which means that it can offer a brain high, while cannabis indica is high in THC, usually providing a body high.

The same difference applies to kratom varieties. The major types of this plant can be identified by looking at its leaf veins. There are three leaf veins observed in kratom: green, red and white. Leaves with green veins are typically energy-boosting, while those with red veins are known for their sedating and pain-relieving effects. Those with white veins are stimulating.

Now, aside from the type, another factor that plays in the differences among strains is the place in which the variety is native to. Some of the places in which this plant naturally grows include Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Some Strains You Should Check Out

What better way to know the differences among strains that by trying them yourself? If you live in a state where this plant is fully legal, then you should definitely check out these strains:

• Maeng Da – This strain is known for giving an energy boost while offering pain relief. Because of this, you might think that this is a green variety. However, has red leaf veins. It also offers a euphoric feeling just as what you would expect from a red vein leaf.
• Red Bali – While Maeng Da offers a mix of green and red characteristics, Red Bali offers a more classic red-veined effect. When you consume this, you are bound to feel a more sedating and opiate-like attribute. You can also expect a feeling of relaxation and pain relief.
• Green Malay – This strain is known for boosting users’ mood and energy. This is a classic characteristic of green-veined leaves. In fact, Green Malay is known as the original Malaysian strain, which means that you can expect traditional green effects from it.
• White Vein Thai – Known for being the most stimulating among all white strains, the White Vein Thai offers less pain-relieving effect but with a longer-lasting stimulation.

Consuming Kratom

As this plant is endemic in some Southeast Asian countries, observing their cultures showed that it is consumed in a variety of ways. Its leaves can be chewed fresh or brewed into teas. It can also be dried and powdered to be used in cooking or drinking. Moreover, powders can be made into pills and tablets for easier kratom consumption.

The Bottom Line

Kratom can offer different effects depending on the strain you are consuming. To observe how these varieties differ, make sure to check out the various strains of this plant to see how this plant can work for you and your lifestyle.

More and more individuals are looking for healthy and natural alternatives to medications. While this does not mean that such options will replace medicines, the presence of naturally occurring substitutes can benefit patients. Just look at the impact of cannabis is the medical community, which is now being studied as a safer and less addictive replacement to opioids.

Kratom is one of the naturally occurring options to some medications. Those who are in search of healthy and safe alternatives but are not familiar with this plant should take a look at the guide below:

Introducing the Plant

Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree found in parts of Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. It belongs to the botanical family Rubiaceae. There are three varieties of this tree such as those with white, red and green leaf veins. Each type contains varying levels of chemical compounds that gives it psychoactive effects.

Those with green leaf veins are known to give uplifting effects, which offers a boost of energy. Meanwhile, those with red veins are known for is sedating property. In some Southeast Asian cultures, this plant Is consumed as an intoxicant or as medicine. It can be consumed fresh or dried. Its leaves can be chewed fresh or it can be brewed into teas. It also comes in pill or tablet form.

Aside from its activating and sedative effects, these leaves are also known for being an analgesic and mood enhancers. When used for its medical properties, it can help in relieving pain and addressing sleep issues.

Kratom and other Similar Plants

Now that you know what this plant is and its effects, you might be wondering how it compares with other plants such as cannabis. Like cannabis, kratom is known for its psychoactive properties. Both are also used in folk medicine in various cultures because of their pain-relieving, uplifting and sedative effects. They also come from a family of flowering plants, and they have varieties that are valued for their respective medicinal and recreational effects.

However, they share some differences. The most obvious is that cannabis is becoming more mainstream and is even incorporated in federal and state legislations. Moreover, cannabis comes from the family cannabaceae, while kratom belongs in the family rubiaceae.

Speaker of families, did you know that kratom and coffee are related? They both belong in the family rubiaceae. They both have energy boosting and mood-enhancing attributes. Both are also rich in anti-oxidants. Kratom, however, has a sedative property. It also has a pain-relieving attribute, which coffee also has but to a limited extent.

Legislation Regarding Kratom

We all know that cannabis is federally a Schedule I drug as per the Controlled Substances Act. It has also been legalized for medical use in more than 30 states and for recreational use in 11 of those, including DC.

Kratom is legal in almost all states except Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. In some states, it is fully legal, but in some prohibit it in some counties and cities. However, some are proposing that it should be included in the list of Schedule I drugs. You can also buy kratom powder online from various retailers.

Internationally speaking, the legality of this plant varies. Some countries such as Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Russia and Poland do not allow the consumption of this plant.

Conclusion

Kratom can be the next big thing when it comes to naturally occurring alternatives. While no significant researches have been conducted, unlike in the case of cannabis, it might be worth considering, especially for scientists and those who are looking for natural options.

The California market is “budding” (pun intended), and there is a new player on the team; Laze Cannabis. As one of the latest products to hit the California recreational marijuana market, Laze is officially brought to you by Just Mary, Greenwood Distro, and entertainment mastermind, Hazey Taughtme™️. The parties came together to form the first childproof one ounce can with a patent-pending lid. Laze will offer consumers an inside look at making a black-owned cannabis brand through a web series to be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Better known as “Haze,” Steven Palmer is a builder, strategist, entrepreneur, and social justice advocate. He aims to expand the cannabis industry for people of color, creating a larger market share in one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors.

“I build brands. I connect the dots. I teach. I create.” Haze said. 

Background on Haze

A native of York, Pennsylvania, Haze, otherwise known as Hazey Taughtme, is the CEO of Haze Ent. It is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading brand managers. Haze is the founder/owner and the publicist for multiple companies, including Miracle Mile Studio, Black Cannabis Magazine, Laze Cannabis, and Royal Danks.

Haze has been instrumental in building the career of popular speaker and community activist Freeway Rick Ross. Like so many other clients, he has helped transform Freeway Rick Ross’ image from former drug kingpin to cannabis entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and community social justice advocate. Haze himself had experienced some of the pain Freeway Rick Ross had experienced, enduring prison and moving through the criminal justice system, and emerging as a new person. Haze helped manage Freeway Rick Ross’s image change, including speaking tours, book deals, film promotions, etc.

As a businessman, manager, and marketer, Haze has been at the forefront of creating opportunities for people of color in the cannabis industry. He works closely with the National Diversity & Inclusion Cannabis Alliance (NDICA) to increase aspiring entrepreneurs’ awareness and opportunities.

Haze has also worked closely in the entertainment industry. He’s been a music enthusiast since he was four years old, and he aspired to become an artist himself. At the age of 18, Haze wrote and sang with a group of three boys from the Harlem Boys Choir. Growing up, his father encouraged him, “If you want to pursue a music career, you also have to play an instrument.” Haze took to playing the piano and keyboards for several years. “Even today, knowing how to play an instrument gives you an advantage in the industry,” he explains.

Haze’s work ethic is the stuff of legend. He’s continuously serving his clients, partners, companies, and anyone else who’s actively working with him, working from 7 AM until midnight each day, and doing it all over again the next day. He claims he doesn’t have much of a personal life but is simply motivated to help create the most significant value and buzz for his clients that he possibly can. Before COVID-19 turned the year 2020 upside down, Haze put together a cannabis/CBD wellness experience for the Super Bowl party this past February for rapper and mogul Diddy.

The sky is the limit for Haze and Laze Cannabis and we look foward to watching this dynamic partnership come to life!