Many Americans are eager to experience a more traditional kratom “burn.” Smoking kratom was a common practice in its native land, especially as part of sacred rituals. If you’re hoping to understand the methods and risks associated with this practice, you’ll want to read on for our detailed overview.
If the question is, “Can you smoke kratom,” the short answer is, “Yes.” However, you should know that smoking kratom is the least effective delivery system for kratom powder’s unique chemical properties. This weakness is due to the burning of kratom powder itself.
When you burn kratom plant matter, you may compromise or destroy its indole alkaloids. If these alkaloids deteriorate, you may not experience the anticipated benefits. Therefore, smoking kratom will limit the efficacy of your kratom product.
In a 2020 study, researchers found the kratom leaves’ alkaloids highly dependent on pH and temperature. Mitragynine, kratom’s chief alkaloid, was revealed to be the most unstable of the properties studied. A substantial loss of potency was observed at 40 degrees Celsius. That equates to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
For the sake of perspective, a Bic lighter has a flame that burns at around 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, butane lighters reach a temperature of 3,578. That explains why smoking kratom is an inferior means of use.
Should the mitragynine alkaloid degrade during burning, your kratom will lose its more soothing effects. That may even affect the overall aroma and duration of your kratom experience.
The potential loss of alkaloids to these temperatures makes smoking kratom an inferior means of use. Reducing vital alkaloids, such as mitragynine and 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), makes smoking kratom ill-advised.
Kratom’s #1 indole alkaloid forms shapeless crystals when subjected to intense heat. These crystals then melt at 102-106 degrees Celsius. That means kratom smoking is guaranteed to undermine Mitragynine content.
The terpenoid alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is kratom’s second most crucial component. Though it is slightly more resistant, the alkaloid may deteriorate at 110 degrees Celsius. This is significant because 7-OH has a nine-fold higher affinity than Mitragynine and other active alkaloids.
As mentioned above, the literal burning of this Southeast Asia plant matter compromises the integrity of its alkaloids. Since these alkaloids are believed to be responsible for their lasting effects, smoking seems counterproductive.
Nevertheless, many users enjoy smoking kratom, and some swear by burning kratom extracts. That is particularly true among those who vape kratom. Vaping kratom is swiftly becoming as common as vaping CBD or hemp-based juice. Smoking kratom extracts is the next big craze.
Yes.
Those familiar with live rosin and classic balls of hashish will understand the appeal of kratom resin. This highly concentrated kratom extract has a thick and sticky composition, making for a slow, satisfying burn. Of all smoke methods, this is arguably the most worthwhile.
There are many potential health risks associated with smoking kratom. Any form of smoking can cause inflammation of the lungs and sinuses. Severe consequences of smoking kratom could include respiratory issues like shortness of breath, respiratory tract infection, lung disease, or even cancer.
These risks may increase if you are vaping kratom. A study funded by the American Lung Association discovered that young adults who used e-cigs were more likely to develop respiratory issues after just one year of vaping.
A long-term study’s findings suggested an increased likelihood of persons developing chronic lung diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (C.O.P.D.), or emphysema. These health risks could affect those vaporizing kratom or smoking it.
Inhaling too much smoke can cause lung and secondary tissue damage. Such exposure can be detrimental to the eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory system. In some severe cases, respiratory tract infections, sinus infections, or chest pains may occur.
Those who take larger doses of kratom powder may experience the following:
As mentioned above, smoking kratom is substandard compared to other means of use. Some swear by the intensity of smoking kratom, noting the quick results it provides. The substance is swiftly absorbed into your bloodstream, crossing the blood-brain barrier expeditiously.
While the come-on is speedy, the overall aroma pales compared to taking kratom powder or enjoying a dose of kratom extract. The efficacy of these other methods depends on their alkaloid profile, which typically includes high concentrations of Mitragynine or 7-OH.
More importantly, smoking kratom exposes you to risks that responsible kratom powder users never have to confront. Taking pure kratom powder is the most prudent option. Using green vein kratom in powder, tea, or capsule form will optimize the effects of kratom without the added dangers of kratom smoking.
There was a time when users were clumsily loading crushed leaf or kratom powder into rolling papers to smoke kratom for the first time. That invariably led to poor or otherwise insufficient dosages. Fortunately for you, kratom cigarettes are accessible online.
Amazing Botanicals now offers Kratomettes, the first mass-market kratom cigarette in America. Each pack of Kratomettes contains 20 pre-rolled kratom smokes replete with cigarette filters. This GMP-certified kratom product is undoubtedly your safest bet for smoking kratom.
Alas, the fact remains: kratom cigarettes are a lousy delivery system for the properties of kratom leaves. The presence of filters may further undermine the weakened alkaloid content. In short, smoking kratom is an acquired taste, one more suited to the casual consumer.
You can certainly smoke kratom powder, but you should ask yourself why you would want to. Compared to other methods, smoking kratom powder is like taking a single sip of coffee and pouring the rest out. In other words, it’s a waste.
Compare these other techniques for a more convenient and powerful experience:
You must manage your expectations if you’re a first-time user. Everyone responds differently. Each individual will bring their predispositions to the experience.
Experienced users typically advise beginners to start with a threshold dose. That entails taking no more than 1.5 grams of kratom. If you don’t own a digital scale, you can measure 3/8 of a teaspoon.
Additional mitigating factors should be considered, such as body type, weight, diet, and allergies. Kratom interacts with other medications and can be deadly in conjunction with certain prescription medications. Be sure to consult with your doctor before vaping kratom.
People smoke kratom for various reasons, some more legitimate than others. All first-time users share potential risks in common. If you have never smoked it before, paying attention to your kratom dose is essential. You should start with the lowest kratom dose possible while acclimating to its potential sensations.
Smoking kratom may not be the wisest or most beneficial intake method, but it is certainly something you can try with minimal risks. Chronic kratom use is strongly ill-advised as it could lead to tolerance, addiction, overdose, or organ failure.
No matter how you consume kratom, be sure to get it from someone you can trust. The best kratom comes from GMP-certified online vendors with accessible lab results and generous refund policies. Never get your kratom from someone who cannot demonstrate third-party testing.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.