White Malay kratom has been a controversial alternative medicine for some time. While it’s legal and sold at almost every smoke shop, there’s been very little research on the plant, keeping it steeped in mystery. However, it’s gained a lot of traction in recent years for a wide variety of uses from a mild stimulant to a significant pain reliever.
Drug de-stigmatization in America seems to be at an all-time high. Each year our country gets closer to full federal legalization of cannabis. Forward-thinking places like Denver and Oakland have decriminalized hallucinogenic plant medicines like psilocybin. And while I wouldn’t recommend it…you can go buy CBD at the gas station! That chemical was incredibly illegal just five years ago. It’s obvious that the mainstream view around drugs is changing and this is a great time to explore plant medicines without the worry the law is going to grab you and throw you in a cage.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is an evergreen tree in the same family as the coffee plant and It’s native to Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar. The leaves contain alkaloids and antioxidants that produce that plant’s psychoactive effects.
What Kratom Does
Kratom is interesting because the effects can vary depending on the dosage. Generally, lower doses give you stimulating effects similar to coffee. While higher dosages activate something with potent analgesic properties similar to a substantial opioid. People reportedly use it for things like treating chronic pain, digestive ailments, and withdrawal from opium dependence.
Kratom Strains
Kratom comes in different strains, similar to cannabis. Strains are designated by the color of the veins in the leaves when picked and the region it was grown in. Red, green, and White Malay are common types of Kratom.
White Malay kratom is one of the most popular strains because the plants have naturally hearty and pest resistant which nullifies the need for pesticides or pest management chemicals. White Malay contains higher quantities of the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine than other white veined strains.
Potential Side Effects
Kratom should still be approached with caution. It has potential side effects like any drug you consume. Some users report dependency issues after prolonged kratom use. Other reported mild side effects include nausea, constipation, insomnia, and lack of appetite.
Decide For Yourself
The important thing is to decide for yourself if Kratom is right for you. You might even want to consult your doctor if you’re worried about the potential repercussions. If you do decide to experiment with kratom, make sure your products have been third-party tested for safety because kratom isn’t FDA regulated.
