As the kratom craze picks up steam, we’re seeing a surge of unique strains, each with their own signature effects. Two gold vein favorites, Gold Maeng Da and Gold Thai, are often compared as top options.
We’re going to break down what makes Gold Maeng Da and Gold Thai stand out—looking at their unique mix of alkaloids, the potential experiences they deliver, how much you should take, and where they fit among other kratom varieties. We’re here to give you the lowdown on these gold kratom types so you can choose with confidence.
Gold Maeng Da, from the Maeng Da strain, originates from Thailand, where it was bred through a grafting process of two original kratom strains (although these original strains are not documented). Maeng Da gets its name, which means Pimp Grade in the Thai language, referring to its potent aroma and rich profile.
Maeng Da comes in three vein color varieties: Red, White, and Green Maeng Da. Both Yellow and Gold Maeng Da are not official Maeng Da vein colors but instead a blend of multiple varieties of vein colors. What differentiates Yellow from Gold Maeng Da is the added fermentation process with the Gold.
As a blend, Gold Maeng Da combines two or more of the Maeng Da vein colors. There is no set formula, and each manufacturer may make Gold Maeng Da differently. However, it is common to blend Red, Green, and White Maeng Da together or just Red and White or Red and Green. Blending them makes Yellow Maeng Da (due to the subtle hue of the processed powder), but once an extra fermentation process is added, it becomes Gold Maeng Da.
The process of blending Maeng Da vein colors is thought to add a fuller spectrum of alkaloids since each color variety may have slightly different alkaloid profiles. Over 40 alkaloids are believed to be in Maeng Da varieties in different proportions, so blending them may possibly make a fuller range of effects.
In reference to effects, Gold Maeng Da is thought to offer a potentially balanced approach, with energetic effects, relaxation, and potential mood boosts.
| Beginner Dose | Moderate Dose | Not Recommended |
| 1 to 2 grams - Possibly mild energy boost and increased alertness. | 2 to 4 grams - Could help you rest without sleepiness while maintaining your concentration. | 3 to 5 grams - The risk of adverse reactions increases significantly, potentially leading to nausea, dizziness, and other unwanted side effects. |
The Thai kratom strain also originates from Thailand and has three vein color varieties: Red, Green, and White. The vein colors are determined by when the Thai leaves are plucked and the maturity of the leaves, which change in color over the growth cycle. Most of the Thai kratom on the market today is grown and exported from Indonesia due to a long-standing ban in Thailand, which has since been lifted.
As with Gold Maeng Da, Gold Thai is a fermented blend of multiple Thai kratom vein colors. Some vendors mix all three vein colors, and others just mix two. However, Red Thai is almost always in the mix. Yellow Thai is the same type of blend but without the added fermentation step used in the Gold Blend.
The full spectrum of over three dozen alkaloids may lead Gold Thai to have balanced effects since each Thai variety may have differing effects, with Red potentially leading more towards relaxation and calmness, White having potential energizing and stimulating effects, and Green Thai being somewhere in the middle
Gold Thai is believed to potentially uplift and provide calm and clear-headed energetic effects. Some have suggested it is a great strain for a cognitive boost such as concentration, alertness and motivation, although it is important effects may be experienced differently and since it is a blend, there may be variations between Gold Thai batches and also between vendors who may have different recipies.
| Beginner Dose | Moderate Dose | Not Recommended |
| 1 to 2 grams - Possibly mild energy boost and heightened alertness. | 3 to 5 grams - May enhance focus and cognitive function without sleepiness. | 6+ grams - The likelihood of experiencing adverse effects rises, including nausea, dizziness, and other unwanted symptoms. |
Being responsible also means knowing potential reactions and side effects before using Gold Maeng Da or Thai.
Some of the common side effects listed below may be observed with Gold Thai or Maeng Da usage. However, it is also extremely important to be aware of potential serious side effects. While rare, and more pronounced when mixing these gold strains with things like medications and drugs, serious side effects could occur at any dose in certain individuals.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated a warning not to use kratom products due to these risks. Speaking with your doctor to get more information, weigh the pros and cons, and review things like medications, health history, and other factors that might increase the chance of side effects is a must.
One other thing to be highly aware of is that Gold Thai and Maeng Da may be habit-forming and lead to unpleasant effects upon discontinuation. These risks are more pronounced in long-term daily users, but this should be considered before adding either of the gold kratom strains into your routine.
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.
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