Summary
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia with leaves containing indole alkaloids including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Effects are dose-dependent: low doses produce stimulant effects while higher doses produce opioid-like sedation and analgesia. Potency varies significantly between strains, batches, and vein colors (red, green, white, yellow). Regular use leads to tolerance and physical dependence. Avoid combining with other CNS depressants.
Perspectives
“Kratom is a remarkable botanical, but if you are going to use it, dose sensibly and be careful not to make a habit of it.”
Dose Information
| ROA | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral BA ~20% | 2-3g | 3-5g | 5-8g | 8g+ |
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Comeup | Peak | Offset | After Effects | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 10-40 min | 30-60 min | 1.0-2.0 hrs | 2.0-4.0 hrs | 1.0-12.0 hrs | 2.0-5.0 hrs |
Tolerance
Build-up
develops over weeks of daily use; partial cross-tolerance with classical opioids
Reset
7โ14 days for partial reset; full reset may take weeks โ tolerance loss greatly increases overdose risk
Cross-tolerance
Effects
Positive
- Stimulation
- Physical euphoria
- Pain relief
- Muscle relaxation
- Cough suppression
- Aphrodisiac qualities for some people
Negative
- Nausea
- Increased perspiration
- Sedation
- Itchiness
- Difficulty urinating
- Useful with physical labor
- Body odor alteration
- Pupil constriction
Positive
- Cognitive euphoria
- Anxiety suppression
- Empathy, affection, and sociability enhancement
- Focus enhancement
- Motivation enhancement
- Feelings of empathy
- Feelings of euphoria
Negative
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Simultaneous stimulation & sedation
- Thought acceleration
Positive
- Increased libido
- Tactile enhancement
- Increased music appreciation
Negative
- Appetite suppression
- Acuity suppression
- Double vision
- Visual disconnection
- Internal hallucination
- Vivid waking dreams
- Internal hallucinations