What Does Kratom Feel Like? (According to an Actual User)

Wondering about Kratom? Heard some amazing tales about this *mysterious herb* and **considering** giving it a shot?

Been there and done that.

I get it. New supplements can be exciting, but they can also be a bit daunting and anxiety provoking if you’re uncertain of what to expect and how it’ll actually make you feel.

No worries. In this guide, I’m going to take you step by step through everything you need to know about how Kratom will make you feel, including a rundown of the differences between strains, veins, and more.

By the time you’re done, you’ll be ready to kick back and fully enjoy your own first foray into the wonderful world of Kratom.

But first up, a question we hear ALL. THE. TIME. Lol

Will Kratom Get Me High?

Kratom first hit the scene in ancient Southeast Asia as a means to boost motivation, grind out hard days working in the field, manage aches and pain, and yes, for relaxation and euphoria as well.

In modern times, this herb is mostly used as an alternative to dangerous and addictive opiates, for boosting energy, enhancing mood, reducing stress, and even getting a better night’s rest (at higher doses).

Due to its influence on your body’s own opioid receptors, Kratom does indeed have the ability to get you ‘high’ in the sense that you’ll feel smooth as a criminal without the handcuffs, and as euphoric as a kiddo on Xmas morning.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Below we’re going to take a deep dive on what Kratom is doing behind the scenes so to speak, giving you some insight into what Kratom does and how it produces the effects everyone loves.

What Does Kratom Do?

There’s a LOT of conflicting information out there on Kratom. I know. I’ve read it too. And trust me, if I’m confused then you HAVE to be.

Some say it’s stimulating and energizing, some say sedative and sleepy, while others say it’s mellow and euphoric. Who can you trust?!

Well, me hopefully. I’ve had a decade of experience with this herb and can break down all the ins and outs for you based on my experience and that of those I know in the industry.

One thing that adds to the confusion is that Kratom’s effects are DOSE DEPENDENT. So not only does the strain/vein of Kratom matter (as well as other factors we’ll discuss), so does the dose you take.

For example, at lower doses, Kratom can act as a stimulant, increasing alertness and physical energy. Many users report feeling more focused and productive when taking Kratom at these doses.

But when taken in higher doses, Kratom can act as a sedative, providing a relaxing and calming effect. Users often report feeling a sense of euphoria and pain relief at these doses.

With that in mind, let’s get started with some basic generalizations, shall we…

Physical Effects of Kratom

Pain Relief

Kratom is often used as a natural alternative to traditional pain management methods. Many users have noted that Kratom has been effective for alleviating pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic back pain.

The alkaloids present in Kratom, particularly mitragynine, have been proven to interact with the body’s mu-opioid receptors, resulting in significant pain relief. Kratom has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which are also thought to further contribute to its pain-relieving effects.

For me, Kratom does wonders for my achy joints after a long day working on my feet.

Increased Energy and Focus

At lower doses, Kratom can act as a stimulant, increasing physical energy and focus. Many users report feeling more productive and focused when taking Kratom at these doses, and quite a few people have ended up swapping out their favorite caffeine rush for the smoother more euphoric energy of Kratom.

It is thought that the alkaloids present in Kratom, particularly mitragynine, interact with the body’s adrenergic receptors, leading to an increase in energy and focus.

Relaxation and Calmness

At higher doses, Kratom can act as a sedative, providing a relaxing and both physically and mentally calming effect. Users often report feeling a sense of euphoria and pain relief at these doses. The alkaloids present in Kratom, particularly 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with the body’s mu-opioid receptors, leading to a sedative effect.

Improved Sleep

Kratom can help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms. The sedative properties of Kratom can help relax the body and mind, promoting better sleep. Additionally, the pain-relieving effects of Kratom can also contribute to improved sleep as chronic pain can often disrupt sleep patterns.

Increased Appetite

Some users have reported an increase in appetite after taking Kratom. The alkaloids present in Kratom can interact with the body’s receptors, leading to an increase in appetite.

Psychological Effects of Kratom

Mood Enhancement

Kratom has been shown to improve mood and alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and stress. An appreciated thing given the state of, well, everything in the world today. According to the American Psychological Society, 77% of US adults have stress that affects their physical health, and 73% with stress that affects their mental health (yikes).

No wonder so many people turn to Kratom for help. Turns out, the alkaloids present in Kratom can interact with the body’s serotonin and dopamine receptors, leading to a sense of well-being and euphoria. These effects can be particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Increased Concentration and Focus

Kratom can increase focus and concentration, making it easier to work, study or perform other tasks that require attention. The stimulating effects of Kratom can help improve cognitive function and concentration, making it easier to stay on task and complete projects.

Improved Cognitive Function

Kratom has been reported to improve cognitive function, including memory, learning, and decision-making. The alkaloids present in Kratom can interact with the body’s receptors, leading to improved cognitive function.

Euphoria

Kratom can produce a sense of euphoria, especially at higher doses. Kratom produces euphoria by acting on the brain’s opioid receptors, leading to increased release of endorphins and dopamine, which are the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. The specific alkaloids in Kratom, such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are believed to be responsible for these effects.

What About the ‘After Effects’ Of Kratom?

Following the effects of Kratom, some people have described what they refer to as “afterglow” sensation, which can result in a range of feelings ranging from increased energy and mental clarity/calmness, to focus and motivation.

For me, I enjoy the soothing release of tension and feeling overall just more at peace with life. However, not everyone experiences this, as some may suffer from a hangover effect instead.

This hangover, primarily caused by consuming high doses of Kratom, can result in symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, and sluggishness for a duration of one to three days. Using reasonable doses, along with keeping hydrated go a long way to prevent this.

Some of the most common positive after-effects of Kratom include:

• Improved mood: Many users report feeling a sense of well-being and euphoria after the effects of Kratom have worn off. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from mood disorders such as depression or anxiety

• Increased energy and motivation: The stimulating effects of Kratom can provide a boost in energy and motivation, even after the immediate effects have worn off. This can make it easier to complete tasks and stay on track with daily activities

• Improved sleep: Kratom can help improve sleep quality, and the effects may continue even after the immediate effects have worn off

• Better concentration: The concentration-enhancing effects of Kratom can continue even after the immediate effects have worn off, making it easier to focus on tasks or activities that require attention

• Pain relief: The pain-relieving effects of Kratom can continue even after the immediate effects have worn off, providing long-lasting relief from chronic pain

Each Kratom Strain Feels Different – Different Strokes for Different Folks

Yep, you heard that right. Much like how cannabis strains differ in the nuances of their effects, so do Kratom strains.

But why? Doesn’t all Kratom come from the SAME tree? Technically, yes. All Kratom is made from the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree cultivated throughout Southeast Asia.

What DOES differ though is the alkaloid profile and various concentrations of differing alkaloids based on where the tree was grown, how it was cultivated, what strain or vein of leaf it came from, and so on.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how these Kratom strains make you feel.

Red Kratom

Effects of Red Vein Kratom

Red vein Kratom is known for its sedative properties and is often used for pain relief and relaxation. It can also provide a sense of euphoria and an improved mood.

Some of the most common effects of red vein Kratom include:

• Pain relief: known for its potent analgesic properties, it can provide relief from chronic pain, such as back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia

• Relaxation and calmness: can provide a relaxing and calming effect, reducing stress and tension. It can also help with insomnia and improve sleep quality

• Improved mood: can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression

• Euphoria: known to produce a sense of euphoria, especially at higher doses

• Sedation: can act as a sedative, providing a sense of calm and relaxation

White Kratom

Effects of White Vein Kratom

White vein Kratom is known for its stimulating properties and is often used for an energy boost, increased focus and concentration, and improved mood. It can also provide relief from pain, although not as potent as red vein Kratom.

Some of the most common effects of white vein Kratom include:

• Increased energy and focus: similar to a stimulant, providing a boost in energy and motivation, and improved focus and concentration (especially at lower doses)

• Improved mood: can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress

• Pain relief: offers relief from chronic pain, such as back pain and arthritis, although not as potent as red vein Kratom

• Improved cognitive function: can improve cognitive function, including memory, learning, and decision-making

• Increased alertness: White vein Kratom can increase alertness and wakefulness, making it easier to stay on task and complete projects

Green Kratom

Effects of Green Vein Kratom

Green vein Kratom is known for its balanced properties and can provide both stimulating and sedative effects. It is often used to improve focus and concentration, and can also provide relief from pain and anxiety.

Some of the most common effects of green vein Kratom include:

• Increased focus and concentration: can help improve cognitive function and focus, making it easier to complete tasks that require attention

• Pain relief: may provide relief from chronic pain, such as back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia

• Relaxation and calmness: offers a relaxing and calming effect, reducing stress and tension

• Improved mood: can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression

• Increased energy: This vein can also act as a stimulant, providing a boost in energy and motivation

• Improved sleep: may help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms

Yellow Kratom

Effects of Yellow Vein Kratom

Yellow vein Kratom is a relatively new strain of Kratom, and to be honest, the effects can vary quite a bit from vendor to vendor and even batch to batch sometimes.

Some yellow Kratom provides effects similar to white and green vein Kratom, with a balance of stimulating and relaxing properties, while others lean more towards a red-dominant or white-dominant range of effects.

Can be a bit of a dice role, but well worth it when you find some fantastically unique blends.

Some of the most common effects of yellow vein Kratom include:

• Increased energy and focus: Yellow vein Kratom can provide a boost in energy and motivation, and improve focus and concentration

• Improved mood: Yellow vein Kratom can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression

• Pain relief: Yellow Kratom can provide relief from chronic pain, such as back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia

• Relaxation and calmness: may offer a relaxing and calming effect, reducing stress and tension

• Improved sleep: can help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms

Gold Kratom

Effects of Gold Vein Kratom

A relative newcomer to the Kratom scene, Gold Kratom is typically made by fermenting Kratom leaves, resulting in a unique golden-esq color and unique potency boasting a balance of effects and properties of all three (green, red, and white) Kratom strains.

Some of the most common effects of gold Kratom include:

• Pain relief: Gold Kratom can provide moderate pain relief

• Relaxation and calmness: Can produce a relaxing and calming effect, reducing stress and tension

• Improved mood: Can improve mood and reduce stress

• Increased energy and focus: Gold Kratom can provide a boost in energy and motivation, and improve focus and concentration

• Improved sleep: Gold Kratom may help to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms

How Kratom Feels at Different Doses

The “Dose-Dependent” Effects of Kratom

How can one plant make you feel entirely different based on how much you consume? Alkaloids my friend. Alkaloids.

At lower doses, these unique alkaloids affect opiate receptors in a way that tends to produce an uplifting, energetic mood, stimulating both mind and body.

But as you increase the dose, you’ll notice a stark contrast in effects, going from energetic, to soothing, calming, and sedative.

Below we’ll outline how you can expect to feel based on a few common dosing protocols. It’s important to note that the exact dose you’ll need to reach desired effects can vary quite a bit from one individual to the next.

1. Small(er) Doses (1–3 grams)

Taking a smaller dose of Kratom is generally suggested if your goal is to have a more uplifting and alert experience. In other words, with a dose this size you could expect to feel:

• Feeling energetic
• Feeling mentally or physically stimulated
• Feeling motivated and driven
• Feeling more creative and focused
• Feeling less tired or fatigued

For these reasons, many consumers will opt to swap out their morning or afternoon coffee or energy drink for the smoother more euphoric effects of Kratom.

2. Medium Doses (3-5 grams)

Taking a medium dose gives you a good middle ground in the sense that you begin to harness the benefits of both Kratom’s energetic side as well as its relaxing effects.

At moderate doses you could expect to feel:

• Feeling relaxed and distressed
• Feeling less anxious, nervous, or worried
• Feeling calm but still alert and not too drowsy
• Feeling soothing effects from pain relief

3. Higher Doses (5-8 grams)

Ready to kick things up a notch and take a ride on the wild side? Just kidding. Kind of. These doses are certainly not for ‘beginners’ and are nothing to jump into without having had moderate experience with how Kratom affects you.

At these doses, you could expect to feel the more soothing, pain relieving, and sedative effects of Kratom, with users reporting feeling:

• Feelings of deep relaxation and soothing calmness
• Complete reduction of stress and worry
• A more positive outlook
• Reduce pain
• Euphoric sense of well-being
• Sleepy/drowsy

Back to the Question: Will Kratom Make Me High?

We touched on this a bit earlier in this guide, but now that you have a much better understanding of how Kratom works and makes you feel at different doses, we’re at a good place to revisit the question with a better answer.

Can Kratom Make you Feel High?

Short answer, yes. But it’s a unique type of ‘high’. For example, it is not psychoactive in the way that marijuana is.

That said, users often note a Kratom high as feeling a bit lucid, melded with low to moderate euphoria in a state of total relaxation and calm. At low to moderate doses, this can make Kratom a great alternative to alcohol or weed in social situations, but at higher doses be warned, you will feel groggy.

It’s also worth noting that excessively high doses of Kratom can be dangerous and moderation is not only key to having a good (safe) time, but also for reducing any negative side effects like nausea, etc.

What if I Take Too Much Kratom?

We won’t say we told you so, but we did kinda tell you so.

Kratom can be a bit of a challenge for newbies to dose correctly, and with different vendor quality and strains producing varying effects and potency, it can be easy to accidentally overdo it.

Happens to the best of us.

If you take too much, you might experience any of the following:

• Constipation – a known side effect of anything that binds with your opioid receptors

• Digestive upset – some individuals note nausea or an upset stomach

• The ‘Wobbles’ – a term used to describe a combo of vertigo, nausea, and dizziness

Final Thoughts: What Does Kratom Feel Like?

Kratom, made from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, is a highly versatile herb that offers a range of effects to users. These effects can vary greatly based on several factors, including the dose consumed, the strain of Kratom, and the method of consumption.

At lower doses, Kratom is known to provide users with a boost of energy and a sense of euphoria that can last for up to three hours. This burst of energy is often accompanied by increased alertness and improved mood.

However, if larger doses of Kratom are taken, the effects are likely to shift from energizing to sedative. These effects produce a deep sense of calm, relaxation, and drowsiness.

It’s important to note that everyone’s experience with Kratom can vary, and the effects can be different from one person to the next.

Additionally, excessive use of Kratom can have negative consequences, so it’s important to use it responsibly and in moderation.