About Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

What is Kratom?

Mitragyna speciosa (commonly known as kratom, also ketum) is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family (Rubiaceae) native to Southeast Asia in the Indochina and Malaysia phytochoria (botanical regions). The leaves of kratom have been used as an herbal drug for centuries by the people of Southeast Asia. It is used in medicine as a stimulant (at low doses), sedative (at high doses), pain killer, treatment for opiate addiction and more.

Kratom Effects

Kratom's Effects at Low Doses

At a low dose (1-5 g) of kratom, stimulant-like effects predominate. These are felt within 10 minutes and last for 1-4 hours. The primary stimulant-like effects of kratom are similar to amphetamine, though less intense, and include:

• Increased energy and alertness
• Decreased appetite
• Increased sociability
• Heightened libido

Kratom's Effects at Moderate to High Doses

Moderate to high doses (5-15 g) of kratom have primarily opioid-like effects that last for several hours.

The euphoric "high" induced by the drug is reportedly less intense than other opioid drugs, and some users describe the experience as unpleasant, or dysphoric. Other opiate-like effects include:

• Analgesia (pain reduction)
• Drowsiness
• Calm, dreamlike mental state
• Cough suppression
• Reduction in symptoms of opioid withdrawal

Kratom Dosage

• Low dose - 1-5 grams
• High dose- 5-15 grams