As kratom and kava are both gaining popularity in the Western world, you may be confused about each of them. While having some of the same benefits, they’re not exactly the same. You may be curious about the differences between kratom and kava, their legal statuses, and how to use them to have the experience you’re looking for.
From gym locker rooms and kratom and kava bars to living rooms across the country, those in the know are talking about the benefits of these two similar but different plant products. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, we’ve got you covered. We’ll tell you all you need to know about kratom and kava.
What is Kratom?
Scientifically known as Mitragyna Speciosa, kratom is a tropical evergreen tree that grows naturally in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia. For centuries, in the places where it grows naturally, it’s been a favorite of farmers, fishermen, and other workers who have labor-intensive jobs as a productivity aid. It was also used as ceremonial tea during get-togethers.
The tree’s leaves were typically chewed or dried to brew tea. Now popular in other parts of the world, kratom is available as powdered leaves perfect for brewing tea or adding to non-alcoholic or non-carbonated beverages, as liquid extracts, gummies, and even as easy-to-swallow capsules.
The benefits of kratom are due to its unique blend of alkaloids, namely mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine. All of kratom’s alkaloids interact and influence different receptors in the brain, providing users with different experiences.
What is Kava?
Scientifically known as Piper methysticum, kava is a shrub indigenous to the Pacific Islands, most notably Polynesia. The product we know as kava is derived from the roots of the plant that are ground up and used to prepare a beverage typically consumed from a coconut shell. It played a significant role in social gatherings and rituals on the Fuji, Samoa, and Vanuatu islands. The beverage was consumed ceremonially and as an aid for social bonding.
Now available in most of the world, ground kava powder is usually strained and mixed in water to produce a beverage that some refer to as kava tea. However, it’s typically not consumed hot. It’s also available as tinctures, capsules, and extracts.
What provides kava users with the benefits they seek lies in its kavalactones, which primarily influence the body’s GABA receptors.
What Are the Benefits of Kratom and Kava?
While there is some crossover between the benefits of kratom and kava, they aren’t identical. Both can provide pronounced effects; kratom is much different than kava. Kratom serving sizes play a significant role in what effects an individual will experience, while kava, no matter the serving size, will more or less provide the same results.
Kratom’s benefits can include:
- Energy-boosting: Smaller serving sizes of kratom are reported to have uplifting and energizing effects
- Focus enhancement: Many users claim that kratom helps to enhance or improve focus and concentration
- Well-being: Kratom can assist with mood enhancement and lowered anxiety and promotes sociability
- Increased relaxation: Larger serving sizes can assist with enhancing relaxation and has been described as comforting and providing tranquility
Kava can provide the following benefits:
- Increased relaxation: Kava’s primary benefit is an increase in relaxation without users feeling sedated
- Mood enhancement: Can help to provide a sense of well-being and sociability
- Sleep enhancement: Due to its deep relaxation effects, many use kava to help improve their quality of sleep
The Legality of Kratom and Kava
If you’re interested in experiencing the wonders of kratom and kava, their legality is something worth mentioning. While kava is generally accepted and legal in the United States and beyond, there are some issues with kratom regarding its legality around the world.
The Legality of Kratom
In most parts of the United States, kratom is either completely legal to sell and possess, either regulated or unregulated. However, that’s not to say that it’s legal from coast to coast. Although kratom advocacy groups like the American Kratom Association are fighting to keep it safe and legal, there are a handful of states that have banned it altogether.
Kratom is illegal in:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Internationally, kratom has been banned in:
- Australia
- Denmark
- Finland
- Israel
- Japan
- Lithuania
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- New Zealand
- Poland
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Vietnam
The Legality of Kava
Kava is legal and generally recognized as a dietary supplement in the United States. However, parts of the global community have banned its sale and possession. These countries include:
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Japan
- Latvia
- Netherlands
- Poland
- South Africa
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Recommended Usage of Kratom and Kava
Fans of both kratom and kava have their personal reasons for its use. While there’s a lot of crossover between the two as far as experiences go, kratom definitely provides users with a wider range of effects as compared to kava. For both, paying close attention to serving sizes and monitoring your body to reduce risks is vital.
Recommended Kratom Serving Sizes
- 1 – 2 grams: Considered a small serving size, 1 to 2 grams of kratom generally provides an uplifting experience that can enhance focus and energy
- 2 – 5 grams: This medium-sized serving offers a balance between energizing and comforting
- 5 – 8 grams: Large serving sizes of kratom have been described as relaxing and calming
Recommended Kava Serving Sizes
- 50 – 100 mg of kavalactones: Helps to enhance sociability and promotes relaxation
- 100 – 350 mg of kavalactones: Provides a stronger sense of relaxation along with an improved sense of well-being
- 250 – 400 mg of kavalactones: Large serving sizes of kava offer a more pronounced calming effect and can help promote deep relaxation and sleep
- High Dose (250-400 mg of kavalactones): Offers pronounced sedative and anxiolytic effects, suitable for significant anxiety reduction and sleep support.
Kratom vs Kava: All You Need to Know
Kratom and kava, while being similar, are also quite different. Both can provide users with a sense of relaxation and improved well-being. However, depending on the serving size, kratom can provide a more uplifting experience. Depending on where you live, kratom does have more restrictions, and its use has been banned in certain states and countries.
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For further reading:
- Cinosi, Eduardo, et al. “Following the Roots of Kratom.” NIH.gov. 10 November 2015
- Hanapi, Nur Aziah et al. “Kratom Alkaloids: Interactions With Enzymes, Receptors, and Cellular Barriers.” NIH.gov. 17 Nov 2021
- Staff writer. Kratom State Legality and Legislation. The American Kratom Association. Accessed June 2023
