KRATOM AND DELTA 8: WHAT TO KNOW
Kratom and Delta 8. It’s a combination that’s causing some stir in online kratom communities, and more and more users are trying it for themselves. But is it a match made in heaven or a pairing best left alone?
Much like our guide to mixing kratom and marijuana, this article aims to review what kratom and delta 8 offer users.
From overlapping and different effects to possible complications and more, we’ll give you everything you need to know before determining whether kratom and Delta 8 are the combinations for you.
What Is Delta 8?
Delta 8, officially known as Delta 8 THC, is an extract from cannabis plants. Many users describe it as a sort of middle ground between cannabis’s more famous extracts, CBD and THC (which is actually Delta 9 THC).
But Delta 8’s effects are much more similar to those of traditional THC.
Notably, Delta 8 is intoxicating. Although Delta 8’s effects aren’t identical to THC or marijuana, they are very similar. If you have experience with marijuana use, then you’re likely to find that Delta 8 offers something very similar.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
Cannabis laws in the US are constantly changing, and many cannabis compounds, including traditional THC, are illegal at the federal level.
But Delta 8 is a special case, and many (not all) Delta 8 products are legal throughout the United States.
That’s because of the 2018 Farm Bill, which created a legal distinction between the two types of cannabis: marijuana and hemp.
Put simply, Delta 8 is legal as long as:
- It is harvested from hemp, not marijuana.
- Products made with it contain only trace amounts of traditional (Delta 9) THC.
But kratom users know: even though something is federally legal, that doesn’t prevent local jurisdictions from making their own bans. In California, for instance, kratom is legal everywhere except San Diego County.
Always double-check your local state and county laws before trying Delta 8 THC.
Is There Research on Combining Kratom and Delta 8?
No, at this time, no clinical research has been done on the effects or safety of combining kratom and Delta 8. But both substances are getting more and more attention in the scientific community, so clinical data is likely not too far in the future.
As more Delta 8 research is conducted and completed, we’ll start to see more and more information on edge cases and combinations like this one.
But, while research on this combination is lacking, users in the community have offered a number of helpful accounts on their experience with kratom and delta 8. In addition, the known effects of both substances can be compared, and speculation on the synergy between kratom and delta 8 can be useful.
The Effects of Kratom and Delta 8
Kratom and Delta 8 are said to have several similar benefits. Here’s an overview:
The commonly reported effects of Delta 8 include:
- Reduced anxiety
- Moderate pain relief
- Elevated mood
- Reduced nausea
- Increased appetite
- A clear-headed high (compared to Delta 9 THC)
The commonly reported effects of kratom include:
- Anxiety relief
- Pain relief
- Elevated mood
- Relaxation
- Wakefulness
Clearly, a number of these effects overlap. However, the intensity and precise effects of these two botanicals will differ. Different users may have a better experience with kratom or Delta 8, even if those users are both looking for the same effects.
Can You Use Kratom and Delta 8 Together?
Can you take Kratom and Delta 8 together? Certainly, no known interactions between kratom and Delta 8 would prevent them from being effective. Indeed, some users report enjoying the combination when used with responsible, thoughtful dosing.
But the question of whether you should take kratom and Delta 8 together is more difficult to assess. And in general, we’d recommend sticking to one substance at a time.
Yes, these substances have overlapping effects. It’s possible that combining them might enhance the relief users feel. But it’s also possible for the effects to become too strong, turning an otherwise enjoyable experience into just too much.
But the most accurate answer is that everyone is different, and no one else can determine what will work best for you. If you do consider taking kratom and Delta 8 together, however, keep a few things in mind:
- Try both substances on their own first. It’s possible that you won’t enjoy what one or the other has to offer. In that case, it’s very unlikely that combining the two will be more enjoyable.
- Be very careful with your dosage. As always, start small with both substances and take an even lower dose than you would if taking either alone.
- Consider talking to your doctor before combining kratom and Delta 8. Discuss what effects you are hoping for, what you can expect, and especially any pre-existing health conditions you may have.
- As always, be careful with the products you choose. Shop with only reputable Delta 8 vendors and top-notch Delta 8 brands. Always be sure that the products are backed by Certificates of Analysis that prove their purity and quality.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, kratom and Delta 8 are very different products that offer very different experiences. While some users may find success combining the two, it’s not a surefire recipe for success.
Ultimately, only first-hand experience can tell you for sure whether this is a combination that will work for you. Everyone has different needs, biochemistry, and tolerance; just because kratom and Delta 8 have worked for others doesn’t mean it’s going to work well for you.
Whenever you’re trying new substances or combinations, be sure to tread carefully. Even if you are experienced with both substances on their own, simultaneous use may throw you some curveballs that change the experience dramatically.
As always, respect your body’s needs above all. Consider talking to your doctor; use small doses, especially at first; shop only for high-quality products from reputable vendors.