Kratom and Kava are two of the hottest items on the market. What, exactly, are these compounds? What forms are they available in? And are they secretly the same thing? Bloody Good Vape & Smoke is here to guide you through the forests of Southeast Asia to find answers to all your questions about Kava and Kratom. 

 

What is Kava?

Kava is a botanically-based product you’ve probably seen behind the counter at your favorite local smoke shop or health food store. You might even live near a kava bar. 

 

Where Does Kava Come From?

Kava is sourced from a plant native to the South Pacific islands. The Kava Kava plant — or Piper methysticum if you’re botanically inclined — is a large bush that can grow to the size of a small tree.

The plant has been traditionally consumed for countless years but has only recently gained popularity worldwide.

 

How is Kava Made?

High-quality kava is made from the roots of the Kava Kava plant. The roots are ground up and processed into a pulpy paste, which can be consumed as-is or made into other products. 

 

What is the Active Ingredient in Kava?

The compounds that give kava its signature effects are called kavalactones or kavapyrones. Several different chemicals fall under this umbrella. 

 

How Do You Consume Kava?

Traditionally, kava is made into a thick drink. The kava you buy in the United States, though, is usually prepared differently. Most kava beverages sold in the United States are flavored, blended, and served chilled. Kava tea bags are also popular, and you can find kava capsules, powder, and extracts in many smoke shops. 

 

What Does Kava Feel Like?

Many claim that kava helps relieve their worries, promotes relaxation, and encourages restful sleep. In low doses, many find it calming. In higher doses, it can produce intoxicating effects similar to alcohol. 

 

What is Kratom?

Kratom is another botanically-based substance that you can find at many smoke shops and health food stores. 

 

Where Does Kratom Come From?

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tree in the coffee family that grows in Southeast Asia. The tree is known as Mitragyna speciosa.

It’s been consumed traditionally as medicine for hundreds of years.

 

How is Kratom Made?

Many people in Southeast Asia consume kratom traditionally by simply chewing the leaves. However, the leaves are typically ground into a fine powder for exportation. From there, the powder can be turned into several other products. 

 

What is the Active Ingredient in Kratom?

Though there are many different active chemicals in kratom, mitragynine is the primary active ingredient. You’ll often see this word mentioned in describing the potency of kratom products. 

 

How Do You Consume Kratom?

One of the reasons kratom has become so popular is because there are so many different ways to consume it. Powdered kratom can be mixed into smoothies, kratom extracts can be mixed into drinks or taken as a shot, and kratom capsules are widely available, too. 

 

What Does Kratom Feel Like?

The effects of kratom depend on the strain and the dose. Lower doses of kratom tend to produce an energizing, stimulating effect. Higher doses are said to produce a more sedative, numbing effect that many people tout as relieving pain and discomfort. 

 

Are Kava and Kratom the Same Thing?

No. Though they both come from plants native to Southeast Asia (and their names are relatively similar), kava and kratom are two entirely different products. 

 

What is the Difference Between Kava and Kratom?

Besides the fact that they are sourced from different plants, kava and kratom produce markedly different effects. Kava is relaxing at low doses and can be intoxicating at higher doses. Kratom, on the other hand, is stimulating at low doses and sedating at higher doses. 

 

Which is Stronger: Kava or Kratom?

Kava and kratom are different things that have different effects, so it’s hard to compare which one is more potent. However, kratom typically produces a more pronounced effect, so many people find that it feels stronger. 

 

Is Kava or Kratom Right for Me?

If you’re looking for something to help you relax, you could consider trying kava. 

If you want something to help keep you alert and energized, kratom might suit you better. 

However, it’s extremely important to note that both of these compounds can have serious side effects if dosed incorrectly or taken alongside other substances and medications. Always do your research to ensure you have a safe and positive experience, whether you decide to try kava or kratom. 

 

Where to Buy the Best Kava and Kratom

Just like with any substance, it’s essential to choose high-quality kava or kratom from a trusted retailer. Bloody Good Vape & Smoke has you covered! We carry the best selection of kava and kratom in New Jersey. Stop by one of our locations today to try it out.