Cannabis has been around in the U.S. since at least the 1800s. It’s had its ups and downs, going from accepted to stigmatized to a slow but steady appreciation in modern life. The cannabis legalization movement is scoring victory after victory as even marijuana’s most staunch opponents are running out of reasons to fight it.
In contrast, kratom is relatively new to the U.S. Even though it’s been a staple part of many Southeast Asian countries for centuries, kratom only started gaining popularity in Western countries in the 2010s. The fight over kratom’s legal status has not been making national headlines.
When it comes to kratom vs. marijuana, how has American society reacted to kratom? Do people lump it together with cannabis, or is it treated differently (both culturally and legally)? The team at Mitra Bros decided to take a look.
Kratom and Cannabis in the U.S.
Kratom and marijuana have very different histories in the United States. Marijuana featured prominently in the War on Drugs throughout the second half of the 20th century. Cannabis became more of a symbol of counter-culture, with law enforcement cracking down even as the actual research showed many potential benefits (and few risks or drawbacks) to marijuana.
In recent years, cannabis has gained much more mainstream acceptance. Cannabis is increasingly viewed as a legitimate lifestyle choice, with a growing industry around it, including dispensaries, wellness products, and even culinary uses.
Kratom, on the other hand, was not looped into the War on Drugs. Kratom has only started entering the cultural zeitgeist over the last decade, and many people are still unfamiliar. As kratom gains popularity, we’ll likely see more discussion over its potential benefits and health effects.
The Legal Status of Kratom vs. Marijuana
In terms of legality, kratom actually benefited from being relatively unknown in the U.S. until recently. The War on Drugs that unfairly demonized cannabis did not affect kratom or the kratom industry. Instead, kratom has been left largely unregulated.
As it stands, kratom is legal in 44 out of 50 states. Of the six states where kratom is unlawful, one (Vermont) is already in the process of kratom legalization. The others are a mixed bag, with some states considering common-sense kratom regulation while others steadfastly treating kratom like a hard drug.
In states where kratom is legal, many have no regulations that apply to kratom at all. A number of others have enacted common-sense kratom legislation proposed by the American Kratom Association. Similar legislation has been proposed at the federal level but has yet to pass. Congress and federal agencies have yet to address kratom in any meaningful way.
The fight over marijuana legalization has been much more active in recent years. At least 24 states (as well as D.C.) have legalized recreational marijuana, while 38 states have legalized medical marijuana.
Cannabis remains unlawful at the federal level, even for medicinal uses, but the government is currently in the process of reducing marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. Dropping to Schedule III opens the door for federal approval of medical marijuana and may be the latest step toward full legalization.
Medical Use of Kratom vs. Marijuana
Kratom and marijuana have very different effects on people. In low doses, kratom has stimulant effects, giving people increased energy and focus. Many people say that kratom makes them feel more social and talkative.
This tracks with the research on kratom’s physiological effects: Kratom’s active ingredients bind with the opioid receptors in the brain, which can cause opioid-like effects without being an actual opioid itself. Scientists are looking into whether kratom can be used as a safe, natural alternative for treating pain relief as well as anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions. Kratom is also being evaluated as a potential treatment for opioid addiction.
Most of the research on kratom thus far has been a combination of animal testing and survey studies. Kratom advocates hope to see more clinical testing with human subjects in the near future, which might lead to official medicinal uses of kratom. As of now, the FDA has not approved kratom for any medical purposes or as a dietary supplement.
Medical marijuana, on the other hand, has made some major strides already. The scientific community has known for decades that cannabis has a number of potential medicinal uses, including pain relief, nausea relief, and treatment for glaucoma and mental health issues. Although it remains illegal at the federal level, medical marijuana has been approved by a majority of states for decades.
Marijuana’s many medical uses have contributed to the shift in public opinion about cannabis towards general acceptance, even as some conservative sectors are still trying to prevent full legalization. Kratom advocates hope that its potential health benefits will lead to medical approval in the same way.
Mitra Bros Has Everything You Need for a Great Kratom Experience
Kratom and cannabis have at least one thing in common: The best experience comes from the best sources. Make sure you get your kratom from a source you can trust. All the kratom products sold by Mitra Bros meet the American Kratom Association’s standards for Good Manufacturing Practices, and all of our products are certified through third-party lab testing.
Check out our premium kratom products at the Mitra Bros online shop. If you have any questions about our products or about kratom in general, feel free to contact us directly.
