Is Kratom Legal In Florida?

Kratom has been in the spotlight since 1930. Few suggest kratom to use for pain relief, to increase energy and for many other health purposes.

People all over the world are confused regarding the usage of kratom. Why is it banned to use is like a million-dollar question? How can a product like Kratom be prohibited if it has countless benefits to the human body?

After digging into history, one thing to make sure is that kratom was banned for other purposes. Some claim that people died with consumption of kratom, but reports say that they took other products along with kratom which might have affected them severely.

Every allegation made on kratom has an answer, and slowly governments realize the potential and few countries lifted the ban.

Some of the countries are in progress and bills are yet to be passed in the legislation. Good news is that research is being made on kratom to know the exact benefits of this herb. After sufficient proofs, the ban will be officially lifted by all the countries.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is found in Southeast Asia. MitragynaSpeciosa is the scientific name given to it. During the time of 1940, people used to chew the leaves of kratom directly, to avail the benefits.

It reportedly minimizes the physical pain and cures many other health problems. It is mostly found in the areas of Thailand, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

Kratom eliminates problems such as depression, pain, and anxiety. Diabetes can be treated with this herbal product. There is an improvement in the immune system with the usage of kratom. It improves sex life of people by strengthening the sexual energy. Typically, it helps in healing many diseases.

The reason why FDA or DEA is trying to ban kratom in countries is that advantages mentioned above are not proved yet. People say they observed better results after consuming kratom.

But proven results are not present, and that is what government officials want to un-ban. Work is going on, and because of the efforts of few great people, some countries lifted the ban and made kratom usage legal.

Legality of Kratom In Florida In 2023

Kratom is now all legal in Florida. This means that people can buy and sell kratom without any legal obligations. But in Sarasota Country (one of the countries in Florida), it is banned.

People have to deal with consequences if they are found using kratom either for selling or consumption purposes in Sarasota country.

According to the law, those people will be punished with 60 days jail and 500 dollars fine. One fact is that people are punishable if they are found using kratom in Sarasota city only. No criminal charges will be applied if he/she is found with kratom in adjacent towns of Sarasota city like Desoto, Charlotte, and Manatee.

History of Kratom Legality

Few bad decisions taken by people of government at that time are the reasons of consequences we go through now. Thailand is where kratom grows. It is sad to see that it was first banned in hometown Thailand itself.

Let’s go back to early 1930’s. The illegal trading of opium was there since then. There was so much demand that people are ready to spend money to get opium-like cocaine, heroin into their hands.

Government imparted taxes on everyone brutally. From the grower, manufacturer to consumer, everyone should pay a tax of high amounts. It is clear that poor people couldn’t afford the high rates.

Opium is famous because it gives high and a feeling of pleasure to the brain and whole body. Even though you have tensions and physical pains, you will forget everything and feel pleasure while and after consuming opium.

But it is bad for health. Consuming excess quantities will get the individuals addicted. Kratom is one such herbal which gives you the pleasure and high feeling like that of opium but is not bad for health. It is not addictive.

Slowly, farmers and other poor people started consuming kratom leaves. The hard work and pain they go through during the day will just be gone. They also felt the increase in energy levels to do more work as well as can endure more physical pain.

During a war, almost Thailand government had lost all income that was collected from people and other sources. So they wanted more money and planned to increase the taxes even higher.

But people were not buying opium as kratom was being available free or for lesser costs. As kratom was of less cost and giving the same effect as opium, people started shifting towards this product.

Government officials observed this and after few discussions internally, applied a ban on kratom. From there on, it was a criminal offense to use it. People used kratom as usual but officially ban started due to these reasons.

As it was affecting their income on the opium trade, government cruelly applied ban, and other countries also imparted the prohibition on kratom without knowing the real reasons.

Even though people argued that kratom works positively on body curing many problems, there was no medical proof to show at that time.

Slowly, researchers and doctors have come forward to do tests and show the society about the reality. As a result of these efforts, few countries have lifted the ban, and some states are in the process of taking out the ban.

Where To Buy Kratom In Florida?

Kratom is available to buy from local smoke shops located in Florida. It is advised to go for reputed shops so that you can get high-quality kratom without any mixes. Do not buy low-quality as it might lead to side effects for the body.

Kratom in Florida is also available online; one can easily place an order online and get it delivered to their doorstep. Coming to the pricing, it varies between ordering online and buying from shops. Quality is not judged with guessing. Online prices are less compared to the price tag on kratom in shops.

Puff Puff pass smoke, kratom & Cbd smoke shop, and cirrus smoke are some of the famous shops to get kratom offline. This is available online to order and in smoke shops to buy. But giant corporations like GNC and Walmart still do not sell kratom as one of their products. Even though it is entirely legal, but DEA is still concerned about its effects.

It is available in the form of extracts and powders. Kratom in the form of capsules is also manufactured, but it is rarely found in the area. People believe that kratom in powder or extract form is the purest and of good quality.

Capsules may expire at some point in time. So as most people love to buy in powder and extract form, shops provide in the same way.

Benefits of Using Kratom

There is a significant difference between painkiller and pain reliever. Here kratom is a pain reliever. You get pain when the body feels the pain and pain receptors take and pass it to the brain.

When you consume kratom, it makes the body to release dopamine and serotonin. We feel happy because of these hormones. The alkaloids present in kratom will minimize the effect of pain receptors, and hence the feel of pain goes away in few minutes.

The functionality of metabolism varies with people. Metabolism rate is directly proportional to the amount of work done by an individual.

Generally, people who do more work has higher metabolism rate. Kratom directly affects the metabolism rate and increases it. People experienced more energy to do tasks after the consumption of this product.

The concept of addiction is relatively simple. Let’s take advantage of a goal. If you love to do a piece of work, then every time you accomplish something in that work, dopamine gets released. A feeling of pleasure and happiness is felt, and we as human beings want more of it.

Dogs get crazy and shake the tails whenever they see owners or spend time with them because dopamine gets released. In the same way, consuming opium products will make the brain to produce dopamine.

As dopamine gets released, people will start consuming more and more. Excess dosage results in addiction. But kratom will give the same pleasure and happiness without making people addicted to it.

Therefore, by using it, people can slowly reduce the dependence on cocaine, heroin and other hazardous products.

People with anxiety disorders can’t take effective decisions as thoughts flood the brain. Stress, mood swings, anxiety and depression, come under this umbrella of problems. Kratom can control all these problems by regulating the hormones.

Every activity and thoughts we experience is because of hormones. Hormonal imbalance leads to many disorders and problems. Kratom takes care of the irregularities and eliminates the depression and anxiety.

We may have observed that some people will not get affected by diseases easily while few get affected easily. This depends on our immune system. If your immune system is excellent and working correctly, it can fight the viruses and germs that enter the body.

Alkaloids present in kratom will have a positive effect on improving the immune system of your body.

Conclusion

Kratom is legal in Florida except for Sarasota country. It is not harmful to health. It has been used by people for centuries to prevent diseases naturally. It is a pain reliever and gives pleasure like opium. But it is not that much addictive like opium. It is unfortunate that many countries have placed a ban on this wonder medicine.

But thanks to the challenging work and struggles of people, governments are reconsidering the applications and benefits of kratom. Few have lifted ban knowing the uses and positive impacts that are imparted to people by using it.

Research is going on, and soon all will see the truth and hopefully the ban will be taken back by governments.

Kratom Tea vs. Weed Tea: What’s the Difference?

Jennifer Kurtz

Tea is a popular drink that has been consumed for centuries. There are different types of tea, and each has its unique flavor and set of benefits. Kratom tea and weed tea are two types of tea that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people wonder which type of tea is better, kratom tea or weed tea. In this blog post, we will compare the two types of tea and discuss the pros and cons of each. Stay tuned to learn more!

What is Kratom Tea?

If you aren’t aware or have just heard about kratom, you might be confused about what it is. Kratom has become incredibly popular over the last few years because it is 100% organic, which means that it’s not a controlled substance, at least not as of yet.

Kratom comes from the kratom tree or mitragyna speciosa tree, found in Southeast Asia in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Just because it has become popular now doesn’t mean that it hasn’t always been available. It has partly become popular since the new culture of being healthy, and avoiding prescription drugs, has been established.

Benefits of Kratom Tea

Now you might be wondering, “what are the other reasons that have made kratom tea popular, and is it safe?”. The answer to this question is quite interesting. Field workers used the leaves of the plant to help with heat tolerance, increase endurance and energy, and well as reduce fatigue whilst working in the field, and the leaves were chewed.

Today, however, it’s become standard to brew kratom leaves as tea, especially in Western countries. In terms of its benefits, these can range from reducing pain, increasing energy, and increasing sociability, but in higher doses, they can be used as a sedative. It has also been used to treat conditions such as coughs or diarrhea and has been used to help treat the withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction.

In terms of side effects, kratom has similar side effects to opioids, such as dehydration, loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, and more major side effects like seizures, anorexia, psychosis, and hallucination. A study conducted on mice also showed that it might have addictive properties, similar to morphine addiction.

How To Make Kratom Tea?

The most common method of preparing Kratom tea is from powder.

Ingredients & Materials Required

8 Ounce water
Saucepan
1 Lemon
Strainer or coffee filter
Kratom powder
Honey or sugar
Cup and spoon

Directions To Make Kratom Tea

Put 8 ounces of water in the saucepan, place it over the stove, and start heating but do not boil.
Pour lemon juice into the hot water and add your ideal dose of Kratom.
Keep mixing it continuously and simmer it for 10 minutes.
Place the coffee filter or strainer over the cup and pour tea into it. The strainer will help remove the undissolved residue.
Mix honey or any other sweetener and drink it while it is still hot.

What is Weed Tea?

Another popular product these days, which has caused its fair share of controversy, is cannabis, following the string of legalizations for recreational use in 2012. Since then, many different cannabis consumption products skyrocketed in popularity, and stores and head shops like Grasscity started popping up offering these products for affordable prices. But lately, there has been an increased desire to be healthy, which is why cannabis tea has become quite popular.

Cannabis tea is a tea that has been infused with cannabis. When making cannabis tea, you can use different parts of the plant, which means that you will experience different effects. There are many different ways to make cannabis tea; you could mix the infused cannabis with fat, tea leaves, and water. You could also infuse water with the dried leaves, which reduces the effects somewhat since THC isn’t soluble in water.

Benefits of Weed Tea

You might be wondering, “now, what are the benefits of cannabis tea compared to kratom tea?”. It’s important to note that both offer relatively similar benefits. For instance, cannabis tea is great for reducing chronic pain since the THC and CBD change how your pain receptors send and receive signals. More than this, cannabis also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for treating various conditions.

Cannabis is also quite effective at treating depression and anxiety, which many studies show helps improve many people’s lives. This, in turn, also makes it a great choice for someone who has poor sleep quality. This is because anxiety, depression, stress, or pain, are some of the most common reasons people suffer from poor sleep quality.

In terms of the risks associated with cannabis, they are very minimal. It should be noted that current research is indicating that individuals who are likely predisposed to developing psychosis might develop it faster when consuming cannabis. It’s impossible to overdose on cannabis. Another note is that exercise should be avoided when consuming cannabis since it raises your heart rate.

How To Make Weed Tea?

You can make a delicious cup of weed tea by following the below method.

What Do You Need?

A small portion of cannabis
A teapot, mug, and spoon
Sweetener of your choice
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
2 tea bags of your choice
A strainer or coffee filter
4 cups of water

Directions To Make Weed Tea

Boil the water in the teapot, add coconut oil, and dissolve it. Put your cannabis, and teabag in the teapot and simmer it for 10 minutes.

Turn off the stove and strain the tea carefully from the teapot. Sweeten your tea with the desired thing.

California Dream Strain Review

Jennifer Kurtz

California Dream is an Indica-dominant cross between Afghani Indica and Mexican Sativa strains. It’s the ideal strain for a soothing, herbal session. Its Indica ancestry promotes deep relaxation, while its Sativa ancestors produce a gorgeous, euphoric head high.

It’s a creative high accompanied by a true sense of well-being. This strain is ideal for evening use, with a relaxing finish that will put you right to sleep.

Sativa/Indica	Indoor Yield	Outdoor Yield	Flowering Period
30% / 70%	14 to 16 ounces of kush per square yard	a pound of bud or more per plant	60 days indoors; late September to early October outdoors

Our California Dream Strain Review

When it comes to using California Dream weed therapeutically, it can help to alleviate anxiety and stress. The tingling body high promotes muscle relaxation, while deep relaxation soothes a beating heart.

Depending on the breeder, it can range from 70 to 90% indica.

Info about the California Dream Strain

ORIGIN	Afghani indicas and Mexican sativa strains
EFFECTS	Strong cerebral euphoria
FRAGRANCE	Skunky scent with a refreshing herbal undertone
FLAVORS	Herbal and mint
ADVERSE REACTIONS (NEGATIVE)	Mild dry eyes and cottonmouth
MEDICAL	Great for calming and relaxing body and mind
FLOWERING TIME INDOOR	60 days
FLOWERING TIME OUTDOOR	Late September to early October outdoors
PLANT HEIGHT	About 3.3 feet
THC CONTENT %	17-24%
CBD %	0.0%
INDICA/SATIVA %	30% / 70%
INDOOR YIELD	14 to 16 ounces of kush per square yard
OUTDOOR YIELD	A pound of bud or more per plant
CLIMATE	Sunny Mediterranean climate
GROWTH LEVEL	Unknown
RESISTANCE TO DISEASE	Unknown

Effects of Strain

When you smoke the California Dream pot, you can tell it’s an Indica strain. The high arrives nearly instantly, followed by a euphoric swirl of euphoria.

It’s a pleasant vibe, with users noticing that they’re more talkative and that other people are more amusing.

Creative thoughts follow, putting artists and those working on projects under a lot of pressure. As the high progress, your body will relax, with a tingling sensation spreading from your head to your limbs.

The sleepy impact becomes more obvious with higher doses and begins to overpower creativity. Insomniacs adore this strain because it swiftly gets them to sleep.

But don’t overlook the California Dream strain. Its 17-24% THC levels will give you a great buzz before you fall asleep.

Fragrance of Strain

You’ll know when you’ve smoked California Dream. The skunky aroma dominates at first, with a refreshing herbal undertone. Mint and citrus notes help to round it out. Finally, the exhale is pleasant and tea-like.

Strain Flavors

California Dream has a sweeter flavour than the fragrance. While the herbal and mint aromas remain prominent, the citrus gets sweeter, similar to sweet grapefruit. The exhale has a citrus tea flavour to it.

Strain reactions

The most serious adverse effect of using California Dream cannabis is underestimating it. It’s still pretty potent despite its relaxing effects and high feeling. Any strain with such a high THC content can cause inexperienced users to get in over their heads.

The exhilaration can reach overwhelming and potentially insane levels when taken in excess. On the other hand, the sedative effect usually kicks in shortly after that and leads to sleep.

Aside from the strain’s potency, the most typically reported negative effects include mild dry eyes and cottonmouth.

Medical

Like many Indica strains, California Dream is popular for its ability to calm and relax both the body and the mind.

The head high brings a sense of exhilaration and inventiveness, which can assist depression sufferers in managing their emotional state.

Users claim that this strain can take them out of their troubles and allow them to focus on something else.

It removes feelings of despair or anxiety and replaces them with calm thoughts and a better mood.

It is also appropriate for more physical issues. California Dream’s anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate the aches and pains associated with various diseases.

Many people have utilized this strain to treat tension headaches, muscle pains, and other stress-related discomfort. Arthritic patients report that their joints are less painful, while cancer patients report comparable results.

Of course, if you have difficulty sleeping, California Dream can assist you.

Users notice themselves falling into a calm, comfortable sleep at the end of the high, leaving them feeling rejuvenated.

Anxiety is also relieved. Users will notice a reduction in their nervous and repetitious thoughts. This can assist persons suffering from OCD or ADHD take a break from their brain’s obsessions.

Growing California Dream Stream

Buy weed seeds for beginners because California Dream is a strong strain. It’s mildew and rot-resistant, so beginners should have little trouble with it. The strain loves areas with bright, sunny days and somewhat chilly nights, such as those seen in the Mediterranean. If you live in a colder climate, a greenhouse can help you get the most out of your plants. Flowering commences shortly after reaching the 12/12 light schedule, and harvest follows soon.

California Dream grows swiftly, reaching a height of one foot every week near the conclusion of the vegetative period. When grown indoors, this can cause space concerns. This, however, implies that your plants will be huge. Outside, untrained plants can grow eight feet tall, another reason for this strain’s great yields per plant and square meter.

Seed Supreme mentioned that ScrOG cultivation is great for this strain. It’s a bushy plant with numerous colas that can be easily trained. You may get the most out of your plants while maintaining the speedy harvest period Cali Dream is known for by adhering to ScrOG and avoiding high-stress training.

Strain Flowering Time

Indoor

Plants should blossom in about 60 days when grown indoors. Once grown, the plants should yield between 14 and 16 ounces of kush per square yard.

Outdoor

Growers should expect a California Dream harvest between late September and early October, depending on their climate. The earlier the harvest, the closer you are to the equator. Cali Dream produces massive yields, with outdoor plants producing a pound or more of bud per plant.

Origin

Afghani
Mexican Sativa Strains

How To Know Your Plant’s Gender Before Flowering?

Heather Burton

Cannabis plants are among the most intriguing plants to cultivate. There is so much to learn about them. You may concentrate on how they make the various compounds we like. Maybe you’re interested in how they react to different variables like light and heat.

Perhaps you are interested in growing plants to maximize particular desired qualities. One thing you might not have considered is the gender of your plants. After all, what is a plant if not a plant? Have you ever wondered if your plant is male or female before it blooms?

Wrong! Cannabis plants can be male, female, or hermaphroditic, and each has an impact on the grade of cannabis harvested.

In this article, we will learn why cannabis gender matters

Male plants are ineffective when it comes to producing high-quality output. They can also harm the quality of what is grown by female plants nearby since they assist develop seeds. It is, however, difficult to cross-breed plants or generate new strains of cannabis without male plants.

Male cannabis plants have their time and place. It is entirely up to you to make your decision. Female marijuana plants are the source of high-quality marijuana buds. Buds may be seeded or seedless.

Because of the natural compounds in the seeds, seeded buds are regarded as harsher and less pleasant. When male cannabis plants are not nearby, female cannabis plants produce seedless buds known as sensimilla.

When collecting high-quality cannabis, we seek these characteristics.

You could start with female weed seeds, but this reproduction technique makes it impossible to introduce new features into your plant line. You can’t create new cannabis strains unless you have male plants.

The last type of cannabis plant is the hermaphroditic plant, which develops both male and female sex organs on the same plant. This is rare and is usually the outcome of a stressed-out cannabis plant. If your plants begin to do this, it’s a strong indication that you should inspect them for plant damage, nutrient deficiencies, or illness.

Female plants may be unintentionally fertilized by hermaphroditic plants, resulting in a low-quality crop.

As you can see, there’s a lot more to the cannabis plant gender than meets the eye. The takeaway: it’s critical to determine the gender of your plants as soon as possible. At the end of the season, you’ll get the outcomes you want.

Before flowering, here’s how to know if your plant is male or female:

Signs of a Male Plant

Male and female cannabis plants have sex organs known as flowers. However, the blooms look different. Male plants develop pollen sacks at the nodes slightly above where the leaves join the stalk when they reach maturity. These nodes form until the plant is mature, at which point they rupture, and the pollen spreads throughout the plant. They remain little throughout their lives, so you must keep a watchful lookout for them.

According to i49, a jeweler’s glass or small hand-held microscope is one of the best ways to determine if your plant is male or female before blossoming.

These will assist you in identifying pollen sacks early in the plant’s growth. Checking before the plant grows allows you to determine how many male plants to keep.

Signs of a Female Plant

Before flowering, female cannabis plants imitate male cannabis plants almost identically. However, one way to identify if your plant is male or female before blossoming is to look for little hairs on female plants.

Female plants develop their sex organs in the same location as male plants, at the node where the leaves attach to the stalk. On the other hand, female plants grow something called “bracts” instead of a pair of small round balls.

Wispy white hairs emerge from these bracts. Before flowering, the hairs are the quickest, easiest, and sometimes the only way to discern if a cannabis plant is male or female.

Signs of a Hermaphrodite Plant

When a plant is stressed, it may begin to produce flowers of the opposite sex on a portion of itself. This isn’t a big deal on male plants because extra female blooms will, at most, result in the plant fertilizing itself. In an all-female garden, however, one hermaphrodite plant can result in many plants producing seeds where they are not desired.

When looking for hermaphrodite plants, there are two indicators to search for. The first and less evident question is whether the plants produce blooms. It can be tempting to inspect one or two nodes on a plant and assume that whatever you find there is the plant’s guaranteed gender.

Unfortunately, if you have any stresses in your garden, you need to inspect numerous nodes on multiple plant sites before definitely calling it one gender or the other.

Another, more evident indicator of a hermaphrodite plant is the presence of anthers. Because of their curved form and often yellow color, anthers are also known as bananas.

Unfortunately, these anthers do not need to burst to pollinate female flowers, so remove them as soon as you detect them if you don’t want to grow seeds in your garden.

It’s quite useful to know if your plant is male or female before blossoming, so do your best to understand these techniques.

Paying attention to the sex of your plants will assist your crop to be of greater quality, regardless of what else is going on. It will also help you develop your new strains or make your favorite strain a little tougher.

FAQ about Male and Female Marijuana Plants

How can you know whether a plant is male or female?

Examine the cannabis plant’s nodes for the early development of little sacs on a male plant or two bracts on a female plant, which will generate the hair-like stigma.

What is the best way to detect if your female plant has been pollinated?

Your female’s bracts will grow larger, indicating that she has been pollinated.

Why do marijuana cultivators prefer female plants?

Male cannabis plants generate less THC content yield, which is less expensive. Hence all marijuana farmers prefer female plants to produce buds with more THC content and profit more.

How Long Does It Take For Kava To Kick In?

Jennifer Kurtz

Introduction

Interestingly, there are many substances around us that have been in use for years. Some of them are traditional medicines. Kava is one of such substances which comes from the Piper methysticum plant.

Is this the only purpose Kava is used for? How long does it take for Kava to kick in? Got more questions? This article will get you acquainted with Kava. Begin reading!

What Is Kava?

Kava is a herbal remedy and is known by other terms as well, including Kava Kava, Lewana, Fiji, Awa, and Sakai. It is created from the roots of a plant called Piper methysticum. The term literally means intoxicating pepper.

This plant can be found in the islands of the Pacific Ocean. People who live near the Pacific Ocean especially get benefitted from this. They dry and consume the roots of this plant. Afterward, they mix it with water and consume it. This method is also followed by people living in Tonga and Fiji as it is their tradition to use it in social ceremonies.

Why Is Kava Used?

Well, people use Kava to meet their health-related needs. Since Kava has also been used for years as traditional medicine and ceremonial drink, it is seen that it works quite a bit like alcohol. People say that it helps with some psychological conditions like insomnia, stress, anxiety, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Keeping this in view, Kava is available in health stores and online. It is used as a herbal supplement and can be found in multiple forms like capsules, tinctures, and tablets.

The soothing properties it holds come due to the substances it contains. These substances are known as Kavapyrones. The plant from which Kava is obtained is also acknowledged as a discomfort reliever, seizure controller, and muscle relaxant. After experiencing Kava, you get a relaxing, calming and happy feeling.

How Long Does Kava Take To Kick In?

Well, it differs from person to person and also on the fact that if you are using it for the first time or you take it regularly. Furthermore, it also depends on your weight, metabolism, and the amount you are drinking.

Usually, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to kick in. Sometimes it can take up to 30 minutes. You will eventually feel relaxed and relieved. It would feel like all the stress is abandoning your body. Alongside, you will also feel a bit happy. This especially comes in handy for those people who fall victim to anxiety.

How Does Kava Work Inside The Body?

For starters, the first few sips will make your tongue and lips feel numb. When this happens, you must know that you are drinking a quality Kava which is potent. This is just the beginning. However, it does not taste splendid but has an earthy taste. You may feel like you are drinking some muddy water but the results are worth it.

You can drink Kava in many ways as it has different forms available. You can mix it with water or prepare a tea out of it. Besides, it is also available in the form of liquid, so you can mix it with other juices. It is understandable that not everyone is fond of its taste.

This is why Kava is also available in tablet and capsule form. By eating the capsule, you can avoid tasting it because the powder will be inside the coating. This coating will eventually dissolve inside your stomach, not on your tongue.

What Factors Affect The Mechanism Of Kava Inside Body?

Similar to other substances, there are several factors that affect the mechanism of Kava inside one’s body. Below are some of these factors mentioned.

Other Medications

Some medications will block the pathways and allow Kava to absorb slowly. Therefore, you will encounter the effects later.

Empty Stomach Vs Full Stomach

As the contents in the digestive tract are in competition, if you take this substance on a full stomach, then you will experience late and short-term results. This is due to the fact that Kavalactones will take longer to absorb in the bloodstream.

The Form

It also depends on the form that you consume. Tinctures and teas kick in faster than capsules. Capsules usually have gelatin or vegetable covering, which needs to be dissolved first and so, you experience delayed results.

The Grinding

Amazed? Let us explain why grinding matters. The more finely ground the powder is, the more easily it will mix with the water. Coarse grinding will take time to dissolve and also it will give you delayed results as it will take longer to absorb into your bloodstream.

How Long Does Kava Stay In Your System?

According to many reports, Kava can stay for up to 18 hours in your system. In contrast, its half-life is said to be 9 hours.

On the flip side, people usually get to try different forms of it to get their desired results. For instance, some people try one brand and find out that it does not meet their needs. At the same time, the other brand does wonders. In the same way, you may try capsules and end up using powder because you love drinking Kava tea.

For How Long Its Symptoms Last?

The duration of its effects differs. In a nutshell, the euphoric effects will fade away after about 1 to 3 hours, but the calming effects and relaxation will last longer. Besides, you will then start feeling sleepy.

The more servings you take, the more you will feel its effects and they will last longer. Importantly, Kava overdosing is not at all recommended and you should consume the amount prescribed by the doctor. Moreover, you can add water to your Kava to adjust its potency.

Risks Associated With Kava

There is no clear-cut answer to whether Kava is safe to be used or not. Therefore, you must always consult with your doctor before taking any amount of dose. Not to forget that one must always take the smallest dose and should not continue using it for more than three months.

Early in 2002, a report was published by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where it linked the use of supplements to be the cause of liver damage. This substance was among it. However, it cannot be said with complete surety whether Kava alone was responsible for liver damage. The condition improved with time as people stopped taking it. It might also have happened because people consumed it with other medicines.

You can easily buy it in the U.S, but you can’t have it if you live in France or Canada. Moreover, it is discouraged to be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have bipolar disorder. Still, if you come across symptoms like lack of appetite, yellowing of eyes and skin, or lethargy then you must head straight to the doctor.

As they say for other substances, you must not take Kava with other medications. The majority of health concerns that arise are because people use certain substances with other medications. On the other hand, the side effects of Kava include the following.

Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Skin Problems
Dehydrated and pale skin
Depression
Diarrhoea

Is Kava Addictive?

Well, addiction is a term used when someone cannot stop using something regardless of it being harmful to him/her. However, the FDA does not classify Kava to be addictive. On the other hand, according to some studies, it is said that its effects on the brain are the same as alcohol and other substances.

These substances affect the pleasure and reward centers of the brain. Consequently, you form happy hormones and get your stress relieved, mood uplifted and anxiety vanished.

Conclusion

There are many factors influencing the time Kava takes to kick in. Your weight, experience, metabolism, empty/full stomach, medications, and potency all affect the duration. However, for many people, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes for Kava to kick in.

You must first visit your doctor and discuss it before getting your hands on it. Moreover, you must check out the labels to know the Kavalactone content in the product you are about to consume. By following all the safety measures, you can enjoy a safe experience with this substance.

What Does Ketamine Feel Like?

Jennifer Kurtz

Introduction

Are you hearing about Ketamine for the first time? It is okay! Sometimes we are not aware of the things happening around us, no matter how alert we are.

Ketamine is a dissociative injected anesthetic that has been used since the 1970s. Be it for veterinary or human use, it has played its part even in the past. However, its limited use is so far approved by the FDA, yet it has off-label uses as well. What are these uses? What does Ketamine feel like? We have all the answers. Begin reading!

What Is Ketamine?

Well, in simple terms, Ketamine is a substance that doctors use as anesthesia. It reduces the sensation of pain and sedates the patient. However, people also use it for recreational purposes because it has hallucinogenic properties, but it is not at all recommended.

Coming towards legality, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to be used as general anesthesia only. On the flip side, it is also used by doctors as an off-label medicine to treat severe forms of depression.

It comes in handy to treat extreme levels of depression and anxiety that make the patients go suicidal. Being an off-label medicine means that it is not approved by FDA to serve for the above-mentioned purposes yet doctors use it in case all other treatments provide no result.

Look

Ketamine may look different depending on the purpose it is used for. For instance, on the streets, you can find it in powder form, ranging from white to gray-brown crystalline look. Moreover, it is also available in tablet form and when used in medicines, it is liquid.

Taste

Actually, the taste of Ketamine is unpleasant. People snort it when it is available in powder form. Also, they inject it to get the strongest results and some eat it, especially when it is in the crystalline form.

How Does Ketamine Work?

According to what is stated by Lone Star Infusion, Ketamine encourages neural activity. This ends up making the brain work normally. It also helps to overcome the unhealthy recursive patterns. Consequently, these are just a few of the outcomes.

The previously depressed patients don’t come across depressing thoughts.
It helps patients overcome their behaviors and rather switch to positive behaviors and routines.

Why Is Ketamine Used?

As said earlier, it is mainly used as general anesthesia. It is the requirement of medical procedures. General anesthesia is a process that temporarily puts you in a sleep-like condition. This purpose is the one approved by FDA but some people have been using it for some off-label purposes as well. This sort of use is not at all recommended.

On the other hand, doctors also give Ketamine therapy to patients who have severe depression and anxiety, which other medications failed to overcome. This therapy is also offered to patients who feel suicidal. But, what are these uses? Let’s find out.

Analgesic Use

It is seen that doctors use low doses of this substance to decrease sensations in their patient’s bodies. This comes in handy to give relief from pain. It is used for a number of discomforts, including fractures, trauma, pain in different areas of the body such as the leg, arm, and abdomen.

General Anesthesia

For short-term sedation, doctors use this substance as general anesthesia. Usually, it is used in emergency cases. It serves for fixing joint dislocations, treating fractures, and dealing with wounds.

Treating Seizures

There are a number of seizures people experience based on their health conditions. Some seizures are short-lived, while some can be as long as five minutes. Moreover, some people rarely experience seizures, while some experience them frequently. This is where Ketamine steps in.

Anxiety

There is not a vast amount of study conducted on the fact that this substance is helpful to treat anxiety, but it has been observed that it helps with anxiety issues, specifically social anxiety disorder, also known as SAD.

Depression

Although there is scarce data available it is observed that depressed people who have not responded well to other treatments get relieved after getting treated with Ketamine.

What Are The Effects Of Ketamine?

As Ketamine is used to sedate, it minimizes the sensations in the body. Consequently, there are a number of psychological factors you come across. It can have the below-mentioned effects.

It can make you detached from the world to the point that you barely feel any connection between your mind and body. However, this usually happens when you consume too much of it.
You feel confused and can have trouble in decision-making.
You seem to be living in a bubble but happy and relaxed.
You may also get hallucinated. You may hear and see things that are not actually there.
As it disconnects your mind from your body, you barely feel pain sensations and can end up damaging yourself.

On the flip side, long-term use of Ketamine can make users go through other effects as well. These effects are as follows.

Long or short-term memory loss.
Depression, especially when you have been consuming high doses of it.
Aggression as well as panic attacks.

So, when used for recreational purposes, nor can it be fatal this substance may also offer temporary relief by making you feel relaxed and calm. However, long-term use or high doses can end up deteriorating your health. The only safe way to use it is when it is suggested by the doctors and in the supervision of doctors.

For How Long Do The Effects Last?

Honestly, it is the dose that determines the time it takes to kick in and stays in one’s system. Furthermore, it also depends on your weight and other medications you are up to. Different consumption methods come with different durations for the drug to kick in.

For instance, when snorted, it will take about 15 minutes to work. On the other hand, when consumed orally, that is when it will take a bit longer, such as 20 minutes, to kick in. Anyways, injecting it can work fast.

The effects last depending on the dose, but the buzz can last for about 30 minutes. Even when it seems like the effects have faded away, you may seem lethargic and in a low mood for days.

Even when you stop taking it, it can be detected in the urine test for days. Also, you can’t say for sure how long it can be detected because it varies from test to test.

Risks Related To Ketamine?

Many people don’t realize that Ketamine can have severe health effects on its users. Most people only consider the temporary relief, which is only acceptable as long as the substance is prescribed by the doctor. When used for recreational purposes, you can encounter many issues. Below are the risks attached to this substance.

It can deteriorate not only your short but also long-term memory.
It can be especially fatal when taken along with other drugs.
Making your blood pressure and heart rate rise, it can make you aggressive, consumed and detached.
It can make you fragile to the point that you don’t fear hurting yourself as you don’t feel pain.
If you use it a lot, you can have your liver damaged.
It can affect your kidneys and bladder and as a result, you get to pee frequently. Moreover, you may also notice blood in your urine.
The damage it can cause to kidneys can be so severe that you may get admitted to the hospital for a surgical procedure due to be done to your bladder.
It can also cause cramps.

Can You Mix Ketamine With Other Substances?

Not at all. Be it Ketamine or other substances, it is highly discouraged to consume it with other medications. For this one, even if it is taken along with ecstasy, it can make the user’s blood pressure shoot and can kill.

When taken along with other medications and opiates, it can make the user faint, choke and so much more. So, mixing it with other substances is not at all safe.

Is Ketamine Addictive?

Although there seem to be no physical withdrawal symptoms with Ketamine, it can be addictive. Just as with other substances, you develop a habit of using it and can’t stop even when you are aware of the damage it is causing.

Importantly, when people develop tolerance against it, then they can’t help it but increase the dose. This turns out to be even more problematic. Keeping in view all this, people visit rehabilitation centers to seek professional help.

Conclusion

By now, you must have all your answers about Ketamine, so you no longer have to worry about queries like What does Ketamine feel like? The recreational use of this substance is highly discouraged because it is very harmful and can lead to death. However, when administered by trained professionals in clinical settings, it can turn out to be beneficial.

Many areas of this substance lack proper research, but when it is done, only then can its use be encouraged.

Ketamine: What Is It Used For?

Jennifer Kurtz

Keramine hydrochloride, commonly known as Special K, Kit-Kat, or simply K, is part of a dissociative anesthetic drug group. Such drugs, including nitrous oxide and PCP, lead to distortion of one’s sensations, namely sights, colors, sounds, self, and environment.

But while it was initially created to be an anesthetic, it has been successfully used in a range of ailments, including depression, anxiety, and epilepsy. What’s more, it has been making headlines as the new-age recreational drug due to the floaty effects it provides. And if taken in higher doses, it leads to dissociative and hallucinogenic effects, aka the K-hole.

So, what exactly is Ketamine used for, and how does it work? Let’s find out.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Let’s start with how exactly this drug works. Ketamine is a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA) receptor agonist, and it blocks HCN1 receptors. But, if you consume it in higher doses, it can also bind to the mu and sigma receptors in your brain and disrupts the neurotransmitter-a brain chemical-glutamate.

Since glutamate is involved with learning, memory, emotion, and pain recognition, hindering its actions leads to pain relief, short-term memory loss, sedation, and controls symptoms of depression and suicidal tendencies.

The substance itself is a lipid-soluble compound with a rapid initial distribution rate with an elimination half-life of around three hours. Meaning that your body will take an average of 14 to 18 hours to completely eliminate the drug from your system. However, it may be cleared from your body within a day or two, but it can still be detected on tests for much longer-Up to 14 days for urine tests and up to 90 days for hair follicle tests.

What is Ketamine Used For?

Induce General Anesthesia

One of the most common uses for Keramine is inducing general anesthesia to produce sedation. Doctors use it alone or in combination with certain other substances, such as nitrous oxide, to induce general anesthesia in their patients. Following are a few emergencies where Ketamine is usually used to produce short-term sedation;

Reducing fractures following accidents
Treating joint dislocations
Repairing wounds in uncooperative patients, for instance, children.

Treating Depression

As per 2017 research, it has been suggested that Ketamine can be used in certain cases of depression for a quick recovery, especially in individuals who don’t respond well to conventional treatment.

But while the results have proved largely positive, the data on the use of Ketamine for treating depression is still limited. Hence, practitioners should carefully consider the risks involved before prescribing it.

In fact, a 2016 study mentions that the inappropriate use of Ketamine for depression is a global health concern due to its hallucinogenic properties. And this is why doctors are strongly urged to prescribe standard antidepressants before trying Ketamine as a last resort for treating depression.

Treating Status Epilepticus

Generally known as epilepsy, status epilepticus is a specific type of epilepsy in which an individual has a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes or has more than a single seizure within five minutes.

And then comes the Refractory Status Epilepticus(RSE), a form of status epilepticus that doesn’t respond well to standard antiseizure drugs. This form of status epilepticus is no joke. It is a severe disease that, if left untreated, can lead to considerable brain damage, and worse, death.

Ketamine is incredibly effective in treating RSE in a study conducted back in 2015. But with that in mind, further research is needed to confirm the study findings and prove the safety of using Ketamine to treat this disease.

Treating Anxiety

There is very limited research on the use of Ketamine for treating anxiety. But, one study suggests it might be effective in treating individuals suffering from anxiety. It has been proven to be particularly effective in treating a certain form of anxiety-Social Anxiety Disorder(SAD)-which involves a high fear of social situations.

According to a 2017 clinical trial that tested the effects of Ketamine on 18 participants, the drug proved to be relatively effective in treating SAD. But further studies are required to fully comprehend the possible benefits of Ketamine for helping people deal with anxiety.

How Long Does It Take for Effects to Set in?

How fast you experience the effects depends on how you take it, i.e., snorting the powder, taking it orally, or injecting it into the muscle tissue. However, everybody reacts differently. And you might feel the effects differently-sooner or later-than others.

Here’s how long do the effects of ketamine set in;

In injected-30 seconds to 1 minute
If snorted-5 to 10 minutes
If ingested-20minutes

What are the Risks Involved with Taking Ketamine?

	Short Term	Long Term
Side Effects	Diminished AttentionSlow LearningLoss of MemoryDreamlike StateHallucinationsHigh Blood PressureUnconsciousnessSlowed BreathingNauseaVomitingDizzinessDrowsinessConfusionDiplopia(Double Vision)Dysphoria(Unease, Restlessness)	Kidney ProblemsStomach PainDepressionPoor MemoryBladder PainBladder UlcersChest PainViolent BehaviourDelirium

Can Ketamine be Used for Recreational Purposes?

Considering that the drug can make you feel detached from the environment, ease pain, and produce hallucinations, it was bound to be used for recreational purposes. Individuals who take Ketamine recreationally report strange sensations, feeling separated from their body, or a pleasant feeling of floating. Some have also reported feeling almost complete sensory detachment, close to a near-death experience. This state of total dissociation is often called the ”K-hole.”

While the widespread Ketamine abuse began in the late 1970s as people started experimenting with the drug, it has recently been in the headlines as a ”club drug” used by teens and young adults at dance clubs and raves.

Individuals who use it claim that it’s a better option than a PCP or LSD trip because it induces shorter-term hallucinations, generally lasting for thirty minutes up to an hour instead of several hours.

And since it’s odorless, tasteless, and can be added to beverages without being detected, there have been widespread reports of Ketamine being used as a date-rape drug. Not only does it render victims totally immobile, but it can also cause amnesia and confusion that makes it hard to recall events that took place while under the drug’s influence.

Here are a few street names that Ketamine usually goes by;

Special K
K
Kit Kat
Cat Valium
Super Acid
Special Ka Coke
Purple
Jet
Vitamin K
Super K

As for the source of recreational Ketamine, the only known source is via diversion of prescription products. Illegal production involves evaporating the liquid from the diverted injectable solution to produce a powder formed into tablets or sold as a powder for intranasal use.

Individuals should remember that Ketamine is no longer a safe substance if used inappropriately. And the danger increases with regular use. In addition to harming health and other aspects of life, the side effects can be extremely severe and may cause death.

Can Ketamine be Taken with Alcohol?

If you have a personal or family history of alcohol abuse disorder or alcohol intoxication, you shouldn’t be using Ketamine. Even if your doctor prescribes the drug, you should steer clear of it. There are animal reports of increased risk of toxicity when Ketamine is used in conjecture with alcohol.

Since both alcohol and Ketamine are central nervous system depressants, their combined effects can prove fatal. This is a major concern in nightclubs where individuals consume alcoholic energy drinks and abuse the drug. Here are a few side effects that you may experience when combining the drug with alcohol;

Chest pains
Elevated blood pressure
High body temperature
Severe Panic
Kidney toxicity
Respiratory depression
Muscle rigidity or inability to move
Convulsions

Can Ketamine be Taken with Other Drugs?

While it can be safely used with several other drugs, the following are a few possible adverse drug interactions associated with Ketamine.;

	Interaction with other Dugs
Theophylline(Theo 24), Aminophylline(Norphyl)	These drugs are responsible for treating airway obstruction in asthmatic and COPD patients. Taking it in combination with Ketamine increases the risk of seizures.
Vasopressin(Vasostrict)	Responsible for constricting blood vessels and helping treat blood pressure. Since Ketamine also constricts blood vessels, taking it together with Vasopressin can cause too much blood vessel constriction.
Central Nervous System(CNS) Depressants	Taking CNS depressants, such as benzodiazepines(Diazepam) with another CNS depressant, i.e., Ketamine, may cause profound sedation, coma, and death.
Amphetamine-Like Stimulants	Taking Amphetamine alongside Ketamine can worsen thinking disorders associated with the former, I,e depression, anxiety, and lack of energy.

You should always consult your doctor before starting any over-the-counter or prescription medication alongside Ketamine.

The Takeaway

While Ketamine is essentially a general anesthetic used by doctors in the emergency room while performing procedures such as reducing fractures and treating joint dislocations, the drug has other medical uses.

However, further research is needed to fully analyze the uses of Keramine to treat depression, epilepsy, anxiety, and so on. And as for the recreational uses of the drug, it’s highly unsafe and poses a severe risk.

Ketamine is generally a safe drug when administered by a professional in a clinical setting. And any attempts to use it over-the-counter should be discussed with your doctor.

Which Kratom Strains For Sleep You Can Try in 2024?

Jennifer Kurtz

Mitragyna Speciosa is the botanical name for kratom a plant that is rapidly growing in popularity among herb and ethnobotanical users.

It is perhaps most well-known for its painkilling potential, but depending on the strain, region in which it was grown and the vein color, the composition and ratio of the active alkaloids, terpenes and flavonoids can result in a wide variety of discrete and distinct effects.

In this article, we will be specifically discussing kratom’s use as a potential sleep aid and will also share some information about three of the most popular strains of kratom used for helping you sink into a deep, restful sleep. Which kratom strains for sleep and from where they are sourced from?

Sleep Hygiene and Issues Related To Insomnia

There are many potential causes and reasons for occasional or chronic difficulty falling and staying asleep.

Insomnia, sleep apnea, stress and anxiety, shift work syndrome, chronic pain, restless leg syndrome and even depression are some fairly common causes of trouble getting a good night’s rest.

Sleep health (or “sleep hygiene” as it’s occasionally referred to) is vital to overall physical and mental health, a sense of wellbeing, cognition, and mood.

People’s sleep needs are different and may change as we grow older. But, in general at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night are recommended.

Supplementation with herbs, over-the-counter or prescription medication shouldn’t be the first line of defense though. Some practical tips for maintaining good sleep hygiene includes keeping a set sleep schedule (this includes weekends).

A relaxing pre-bed ritual like caffeine-free herbal teas like those containing passionflower, Valerian or chamomile, playing relaxing music or reading a book before you retire can also help.

Daily exercise is a cornerstone of good health and getting some fitness time in daily can also be helpful. Keeping your room at the proper temperature and eliminating light and sound are also useful.

Making sure you have a comfortable bed and pillows is another factor that may improve your quality of sleep. Alcohol, despite having a somewhat sedative quality can actually be bad for your sleep quality, mainly if you drink excessively.

Caffeine is another compound to stay away from. If you use caffeine whether it’s coffee, energy drinks, tea or sodas, it is best to abstain in the evening.

Electronic devices like smartphones and computer screens are another “sleep stealer.” The blue light that they emit can actually have a stimulating effect. Some people are more sensitive than others.

If you work in front of a screen all day, it might be worth your while to invest in a blue light blocking glasses or download a program like f.lux or blueshift that can slowly adjust the blue light in the screen based on the times you program.

As was mentioned earlier, depression can be a cause of occasional or regular sleep disturbance. Ironically, some antidepressants may actually make this situation worse.

Most common antidepressants, whether they are tricyclic antidepressants or serotonin reuptake inhibitors suppress rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

REM is the stage of sleep in which you dream, and it is during REM sleep that your brain basically rests and recharges. Alcohol addiction is another factor related to REM sleep-related problems.

Research On Kratom and Sleep

In the October 2015 issue of the science journal Phytomedicine, the results of a sleep analysis were published that showed that kratom alkaloid extract was not only potentially useful in combatting depression and alcohol addiction. But did so without affecting the average duration of REM episodes, total REM time, number of REM episodes or REM latency unlike fluoxetine (Prozac) which it was tested against.

Prozac “significantly suppressed all REM parameters and delayed REM latency. The Phytomedicine study concluded that kratom research might result in research aimed towards depression, alcohol abuse, and withdrawal treatment as well as sleep issues.

Dr. Nor Aini Saidin’s doctoral thesis published by a Malaysian university notes kratom’s “long use and reputation as a sleep aid and a mild tranquilizer.”

Another Malaysian paper from the Universiti Sains Malaysia by Farah Wahida Binti Suhaimi entitled Behavioral Effects And Brain Activity Of Mitragynine From Mitragyna Speciosa Korth (Kratom) On Learning And Memory Functions.

In Rats notes the EEG activity of rats treated with kratom extracts and how they affect the electrical activity of the brain including the slow wave delta band which is associated with deep sleep and unconsciousness as well as the theta band which is linked with the threshold stage of consciousness experienced in drowsiness as one drifts off to sleep that has also been connected to daydreaming and creativity.

Chronic Pain, Rls, Sleep Disturbance and Kratom

As mentioned earlier, chronic pain and restless leg syndrome are also common issues that may prevent you from achieving regular, deep and restful sleep.

There isn’t much clinical research related to restless leg syndrome and kratom, but anecdotally there are many reports in forums like the I Love Kratom forum, Reddit and even a blog at the RLS Foundation by Mary Leonhardt who has a book on the subject of kratom and RLS available on Kindle from Amazon.

As far as chronic pain goes, there is ample research related to kratom’s ability to help relieve occasional minor pain or (depending on the dose and strains) even moderate to severe chronic pain.

Everyone reacts differently to different substances and compounds, but many people dealing with sleep problems that are rooted in pain or RLS have credited kratom strains for sleep as the answer to the issues they were facing.

Kratom Strains For Sleep

Kratom is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which makes it a cousin to coffee. Despite this, it does not contain any caffeine.

If you read up on kratom, you’ll find that its effects vary as much as the reasons different people use it. Some people use it to treat lethargy related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or fibromyalgia, for instance.

Considering that it is related to coffee and used as a stimulant by some to boost energy levels it may seem counterintuitive to use kratom to help rest, but it’s really all about the phytochemical makeup of the specific variety of kratom you are using.

Many of the alkaloids in kratom and Corynantheidine based compounds, some of which are similar or identical to those found in Yohimbe a plant used as an aphrodisiac, a workout supplement and energizing stimulant.

At the same time though, other compounds in kratom may act as sedatives, muscle relaxers and can even lower blood pressure. High blood pressure and muscle tension can be associated with sleep issues as well, so relieving these physical symptoms may ease one into the right physical state for bed.

If you are going to supplement kratom for help sleeping you’ll want to stay away from white veins which are the most stimulating and, in fact, it is probably best to stick with red vein only for this purpose.

Red-veined kratom leaves are the most sedating, but there some qualifiers here too. Not just any old red vein is necessarily suitable for this purpose. Steer clear of horned vein leaves.

Horned vein kratom specimens are generally more energizing and stimulating. Certain regions are known as more stimulating as well so even a red-veined Sumatra, or Thai may add a bit of energy, and if you’re already prone to problems falling asleep, this won’t be the best choice.

Below you will find some suggestions for sleep-inducing Kratom strains that are frequently favorited by long-time users.

1) Red Borneo Kratom Strain for Sleep

Borneo kratom is sourced from the island of Borneo near Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Borneo kratom is known as one of the most relaxing strains and is also a favorite for those who deal with chronic pain.
Red-veined Borneo is also mood lifting, so for sleep issues that are associated with pain, depression or anxiety and stress Borneo may be an excellent choice.

2) Red Bentuangie Kratom Strain for Sleep

Sourced from the deep jungles of Indonesia and sometimes known as “tropical blend.”
Only mildly sedating but supremely relaxing so a perfect choice for those who have anxiety, stress or racing thoughts that prevent falling asleep.
One of the longer-lasting strains of kratom, so potentially a good choice to take a few hours before you plan to go to bed with another strain like Borneo or Bali taken just before you plan to fall asleep.

3) Red Bali Kratom Strain for Sleep

Bali kratom is said to be a hybrid variety that originated from the Borneo strain. It hails from the island of Bali.
Bali is one of the most plentiful varieties of kratom and is often one of the most affordable, especially compared to certain rare strains or Maeng Da material.
Like the Borneo region kratom, it is especially popular with users who are supplementing for pain, anxiety or insomnia.
Fast acting, but one of the shortest durations but, if used for sleep this shouldn’t be a problem.
One of the most potent strains, so be careful with your dosage to prevent any nausea.

Another tip may be combining strains to get a higher spectrum of overall alkaloids contributing to the effects. This can also prevent tolerance associated with “stale strain syndrome.”

Kratom is dose dependent with smaller amounts often having a more stimulating effect, but with the strains listed here (or any blend of them) that shouldn’t be an issue. If you haven’t used kratom before, you might want to test with just around a couple of grams (a teaspoon or so).

If you’re starting with Bali, you might even want to stick with only 1 to 1.5 grams as too much of the Bali has a potential for some gastric distress. As mentioned, everyone reacts differently so you will want to test for yourself which varieties work best for you for what purpose.

What To Consider Before You Mix Cannabis And Kratom?

Jennifer Kurtz

Many natural health enthusiasts are interested to mix Cannabis and Kratom; however, they are unsure whether it is safe to do this or the potential benefits of this combination. In this post, we will be exploring some of the things that need to be considered before mixing these substances. We will also take a look at the research that has been done on the topic and discuss the benefits of combining these two substances.

Remember that everyone has different body chemistry, so it is vital to do independent research and experiment with different combinations to find one that works best for you.

What is cannabis, and how does it work?

Cannabis is a very popular healing plant. There are two main active ingredients in the cannabis plant: THC and CBD. THC is the component that causes psychoactive effects, so when users consume this substance, they can expect to experience a high. This makes THC very popular for recreational use. Some health benefits can be received from THC, such as pain relief, appetite stimulation, and induced sleep; however, CBD is the active ingredient famed for its many medical benefits.

CBD is non-psychoactive and treats a long list of health conditions ranging from moderate pain to severe cancer symptoms. Cannabinoids regulate how cells communicate when their produced effects interact with specific receptors located in various parts of the nervous system. This influences how messages are sent, received, and processed. You will also find different strains of cannabis, with the main strains being indica and sativa. Indica is known to have a calming effect on the consumer, making it a popular go-to anxiety treatment and a strain ideal for those struggling to sleep. On the other hand, Sativa increases energy levels and gives a feeling of motivation, which is ideal for daytime use.

The most popular ways to consume cannabis are through inhalation methods such as joints and vaporizers, oral consumption in edibles, and water filtration devices such as the popular glass bongs offered by Molino Glass. Although cannabis and Kratom have similarities, they are vastly different; both work through different mechanisms in the body, and Kratom has a different safety profile, origin, and legality.

What is Kratom, and how does it work?

Kratom, a slightly better herb, is related to the coffee plant and is a species of shrub. The traditional way to consume Kratom is to either chew the leaves from the tree or make tea out of them. The effects produced are similar to coffee which resulted in this plant being used to boost energy and productivity.

High doses of Kratom leaf (7 grams or higher) result in Alkaloids targeting opioid pain receptors. The result is a potent analgesic and a feeling of euphoria. High doses can also produce sedative effects. It is common for Kratom to be used as an alternative to coffee in lower doses. Cannabis is better for long-term pain, while Kratom is better for short-term pain. Kratom benefits include stress relief, relaxation, increased focus, analgesia, stimulation, sedation, euphoria, pain relief, increased energy, etc.

How to safely use these two herbs together?

Both Cannabis and Kratom contain many different strains. Because of the similar effects of cannabis and Kratom, many people choose to combine the two for greater benefits. Caution is advised because the overlap of effects can boost the chances of experiencing side effects, especially higher doses.

You can use both herbs in different forms like powder, edibles, extracts, capsules, tea, etc. But when you consume Kratom, kindly wait for 5 minutes to two hours before consuming Cannabis.

With regard to the dose, you should decide it for yourself. Different factors, age, weight, gender, can better determine the dose for you. If you are not new to Cannabis and Kratom, you will know the dose that works best for you. There is a need to follow the same dose when combining the two herbs. You may experiment with different doses to figure out the best dose. It is advisable to start with low and make your way up.

If you want to mix the two safely, it is best to combine low doses of Kratom for the energizing effects and low to moderate doses of cannabis for the anxiety-relieving effects. The effects produced will be similar to mixing cannabis and coffee. An example of a Cannabis and Kratom combination might be combining 4 grams of Kratom powder with 20 milligrams of CBD oil in water. Consume both together and then wait roughly 60 minutes before consuming more. It is important not to consume any coffee or supplements alongside this mixture and never mix high doses of Cannabis and Kratom.

Based on my research, I would like to share four basic combinations of Cannabis and Kratom for specific outcomes. These are some commonly used combinations. However, you may mix different flavors and strains to create a unique combination that suits you the best.

Small dose of Kratom + high energy cannabis strain = full focus & energy;
Higher dose of Kratom + downer cannabis strain = sleepiness and pain relief;
Small dose of Kratom + downer cannabis strain = a short relaxing high, followed by an alertness kick;
Higher dose of Kratom + high energy cannabis strain = a nice bit of focus giving way to calmness;

Conclusion

It is always useful to consult your doctor before taking any medical product. Cannabis and Kratom are two superb herbs that have great effects on how the medical world operates. There is very little research on the combined effects of Kratom and Cannabis. It is a great feeling to know that many researchers are currently working to highlight that the advantages of these two herbs are further discovered. We hope to get a complete understanding of what Cannabis and Kratom can provide in the coming days.

Can You Overdose On Kava?

Jennifer Kurtz

Did you know that the calming, body-regulating herb kava can be toxic for your body? If you have ever wondered whether too much kava causes an overdose, yes! You can overdose on kava.

Your body is a temple, and you must not destroy it by overdosing on kava. Kava tea and supplements are prepared from a unique shrub scientifically known as Piper methysticum. A set of chemicals called lactones are present, beneficial in various health conditions. However, too much kava can cause high blood pressure, liver malfunction, electrolyte imbalances- the list goes on.

If you don’t think twice about your daily kava dosage, you should! One must wonder how much of the herb causes adverse effects to always be on the safe side. Small acts of carelessness can cost you more than you can imagine. Kava is traditionally consumed as a beverage but is also available as a dietary supplement and anxiolytic medicine. Read on about the recommended dosage, health benefits, and contraindications of kava below!

Can You Overdose on Kava Products with high kavalactone?

Kavalactones are lactone compounds found in kava. Although scientists have done little research on their structure and mechanism in human and animal systems, some fascinating breakthroughs have left us thinking! A significant amount of kavalactones is present in the regular dose of kava, while some kava products contain the maximum amount.

Kavalactones, namely 7,8-dihydromethysticin, dihydrokavain, and yongonin comprise 96 percent of the lactone compounds found in kava. Commercial lactones are derived synthetically from ethanol or maybe acetone extracts. Little is known about the appropriate quantity of kavalactones in these extracts.

The normal dosage of this herb has about 15 percent kavalactone content. Kava is usually made from the shrubs of the perennial plant from class Piperaceae. Surprisingly, more kavalactones are present in the roots and shrubs of the plant as compared to other parts. Hence, the relative concentration of kavalactones depends upon extraction methods and location.

The solvent used for extraction may also contribute to the increase in kavalactone levels. This extraction solvent is usually water, but recently, other solvents in the preparation have caused a less desirable high concentration of these compounds. The concentration also depends upon cultivars, which may vary from region to region.

Moreover, in modern farming, the concentration can be biologically controlled via genetic variations. Extraordinarily high or low levels of lactone compounds are thus a result of the commercial extraction of kava. Companies may regulate plant genetics to prevent the toxic effects of overdose upon the human liver and other organs.

Proper dosage of kava

So, what’s the proper dosage of kava? How should you know what amount is good or bad? Well, the lactone compound content dictates this decision. Lactone intake among traditional consumers must not exceed 750mg per day. After this threshold, kava is bad for you!

Some researchers emphasize a maximal 250mg/day dosage for optimal health and body regulation. Pharmacologically, these figures can achieve desired effects. Figures have been helpful as safety factors for herbal tea consumers in the past. However, more recent data shows that underlying co-morbidities as hepatitis cirrhosis do not match historical data.

The administration of kava in various pathologies suggests that no adverse effects are seen when extracted in water. Furthermore, consumption of more than recommended dosage causes hepatotoxicity. Control of the dosage in traditional use is essential because people don’t see it as a medicinal drug. Instead, they believe it to be a beverage or recreational drink, as they do coffee or tea. This is a misconception that must be cleared!

Some people use kava daily, whilst others use it occasionally. The way one’s body reacts to it is directly related to its concentration and regularity. Our advice is to start consumption with a very mild potency of kava, having a large solvent concentration and low frequency. This means you should look for a brand that sells light, chemical-free blends and consume a recommended portion occasionally until your body gets acclimated to this new nutritional change.

Remember: your body is a temple! If you are a regular consumer, simply comply with above mentioned daily dosage as a safety factor.

Health Benefits Of kava

The use of kava for medicinal and health purposes dates back to ancient times when people in Fiji used it as an anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory agent. Modern research has strong evidence of its incredible health benefits.

It is a common dietary supplement manufactured in capsules made from the root extracts of the Piper methysticum plant. Did you know this herb is used in Europe and other western countries as an effective anti-anxiety substance? It’s an all-rounder; even patients with sleeping disorders benefit from it!

The anti-toxic action causes excellent improvement in patients with chronic inflammation. There are several pieces of evidence of its anti-carcinogenic activity. Furthermore, the kava administration in active and passive smokers also reduces the risks of lung carcinogenesis. That’s not all! Women use herbal tea to reduce symptoms such as cramps and restlessness. It is also beneficial for pre and post-menopausal symptoms.

The magic herb is used worldwide as a non-prescription treatment for various neurological disorders. The active ingredients in kava, kavalactones, are specialized sedatives, local anesthetics, anti-convulsants, and protective neurons. They tend to reduce the excitability of neurons and their effectors, promoting relaxation. Hence, it’s also used to treat chronic pain.

Symptoms And Signs Of Overdosing On kava

Consuming more than the advised dosage is harmful to you. Kratom overdose symptoms are seen in addicts or ‘kava-holics.’ If one takes kava for recreational purposes in an unbalanced fashion, they are at high risk of overdosing. Hence, ask yourself: Am I taking a right, recommended dosage of kava? Am I overly dependent on it? Alternatively, you may check yourself for symptoms that may reflect overdosage.

Don’t worry- we’ve done the homework for you! The following symptoms prevail with continuous or addictive use of kava:

● Vertigo

● Palpitations

● Weight loss

● Hepatotoxicity

● Loss of appetite

● Lung infections

● Allergic reactions

● Dry and flaky skin

● Frequent sweating

● Increased heart rate

● Blood cell disorders

● Skin appears yellow

● Respiratory discomfort

● Blood pressure imbalance

● Blood in urine or sputum

● More than normal bleeding

● Increased frequency of breathing

● Eyes and the areas around it turn red

● Repeated episodes of nausea and vomiting

● Increased liver functioning enzymes in blood

● Metabolic symptoms as the inability to digest and absorb proteins

● Dermatological symptoms, e.g., swelling or redness on the face, tongue, and throat

The mentioned symptoms are not all that an overdose can cause. Therefore, one must be careful- and alert. We understand that herbal tea is considered healthy but remember: an excess of everything is terrible! Moderation is key for consumption, especially for kava.

What does the FDA say about kava overdose?

In March 2002, the FDA issued a consumer advisory for dietary supplements associated with kava. FDA insisted on the fact that consumption of too much kava can cause severe liver injury. For a long, health care professionals in Germany and Switzerland have been reporting the occurrence of hepatic toxicity. You’ll be shocked- all the cases reported were kava consumers!

We believe this cannot be coincidental. However, most of them had severe ulceration of hepatic tissue along with symptoms of chronic hepatic disease and had also undergone liver transplants. Hence, people who have a history of hepatic issues must not take a strong kava dosage- who knows, and it may prove lethal.

In the rise of the cases reported, the FDA, after several investigations issued a statement. Here’s a summary:

● People should be cautious while consuming herbal drinks.

● Health care providers should be aware of their patients’ dietary habits if they present with liver disease symptoms.

● Overuse of kava can cause serious liver injury.

● Kava consumers with a history of liver disease or hepatitis are at high risk.

Good news- people have begun to understand the severity of the issue! In the light of the FDA’s advice, several countries, including Germany, banned the pharmaceutical use of Kavalactones. They know that its medicinal uses are primarily advantageous, but overdose can cause serious diseases.

How much is too much?

The daily recommended dose of the kava must not exceed 250 mg per day, which FDA and NIH recommend. More than that causes severe complications, including liver disease and other related pathologies.

Therefore, consumers should be aware! You must be mindful of the amount of kava you put in your body. The herbal drink is of recreational and celebratory importance; hence, it serves the same purpose if taken in light, chemical-free blends. Furthermore, herbal tea or dietary supplements must not exceed a limit while celebrating.

The frequency of dosage also plays a vital role in deciding the dose of the daily kava index of a regular consumer. One serving size of herbal tea should be taken once or twice a day, and you should limit your dietary capsule as per a family doctor’s advice. Stick to one form of kavalactone- you can’t have both the supplement and the tea!

The solvent of choice is also crucial in deciding the potency of daily kava intake. A diluted drink has a significantly less kava index than a concentrated drink. some researchers have also recommended the borderline high index of 784mg/day. As mentioned before, a dose above this value causes serious complications, so do yourself a favor and curb the tea temptation.

What to do in case of an emergency?

You’ve taken too much of the herb- now what? Well, we warned you, but let’s not waste time. First off, you must check yourself for overdose symptoms to understand how you’re reacting to the overdose to assist your health care providers.

If you can’t reach your health care provider or hospital immediately, drink water with electrolyte regulators such as ORS. This will decrease the concentration of kavalactones in your bloodstream and reduce any blood osmotic pressure or tachycardia.

An overdose emergency associated with kava is usually of two types, acute and chronic. Occasional and acute overdose has mild to moderate symptoms, but if you’re a kava-holic, you may experience chronic signs.

Acute effects

● Vertigo

● Slurred speech

● Gait abnormality

● Weakness

● Reduced blood pressure

● Lightheadedness

● Shortness of breath

Chronic effects

● Hepatic injuries

● Stomach ulcerations

● Kidneys diseases

● Disorientation

● Hallucinations

Acute symptoms vary in intensity and severity from chronic symptoms. Acute symptoms may or may not need special attention and are quickly relieved. These symptoms must be addressed, and the patient should receive emergency treatment before their condition worsens.

Chronic effects always need special attention as they may be life-threatening. In most cases, chronic effects are irreversible but require proper management and treatment by a concerned doctor or herbal specialist. Address these problems as soon as possible to avoid irreversible issues!

To sum it up

In a nutshell, kava is a promising clinical modality, and it can help reduce toxic effects like anxiety and infections if taken wisely. It has harmful effects in high doses, which can cause acute and chronic emergencies, so beware! To gain optimal and beneficial results, kavalactones must be administered according to the recommended dosage.

If you’re a kava consumer, educate yourself about your preferred blend, such as its lactone compounds, recommended dosage, solvent, and methods of extraction. Keeping yourself in the know can save you from severe, even fatal consequences.

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