Matcha vs. Kratom: A Comparative Overview

Matcha and Kratom are both popular botanicals in the United States but for different reasons. While both are commonly added to food or drink and have similar visual appearances in their raw powder form, they have some significant differences in why people use them, the effects they have on the mind and body, and the safety considerations.

In the following article, you will learn why Matcha and Kratom are actually nothing alike and take a deep look into how each works, as well as their main natural components, uses, and applications.

Comparing Matcha & Kratom

Kratom: Psychoactive Effects with Different Strains & Varieties

Kratom is also known as Mitragyna Speciosa and is native to parts of Southeast Asia, mainly Indonesia and Thailand. However, most of the kratom in the United States is grown in and exported from Indonesia. There is a wide range of different strains and vein colors of kratom, including different strain types like Maeng Da and Bali, as well as different vein colors.

The different strains and color varieties are believed to affect the resulting active components known as alkaloids. The alkaloids are responsible for kratom’s psychoactive effects, which can include stimulation, energy, relaxation, and sedation. Over 45 alkaloids have been identified within kratom, with the two most active and prominent ones being mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Other dozens of alkaloids, such as speciociliatine, speciociliatine, and mitraciliatine, may also play a role in the totality of kratom’s effects.

The specific dosage of kratom can also play a role in the potential effects. Generally, lower dosages are thought to increase energy levels and stimulation, while the larger doses lead to more relaxant effects. However, this is highly subjective and depends on the individual. It is important to stay within the recommended dosage and be educated about the risks and safety considerations of kratom.

Kratom strains and vein color types are not without side effects and risks. Although legal on the federal level, the FDA has not approved kratom and has warned the public regarding its use due to concerns about side effects, safety, and habit formation. It is important to speak with your doctor prior to using kratom due to these potential risks.

Strain Types of Kratom

Vein Color Types of Kratom

What is Matcha?

Matcha originated in Japan and has a long history of cultural use in both ancient and modern times. The tea has since been popularized in the West due to its many alleged health benefits. In North America, it is often added as an ingredient in smoothies, protein shakes, and other health drinks.

Unlike kratom, Matcha is nonpsychoactive, meaning it is not mind-altering. Some may argue that the presence of caffeine in Matcha may mean that it is psychoactive or mind-altering; however, there is much less caffeine in Matcha than things like coffee or energy drinks, so generally, it is not considered mind-altering when compared to kratom.

Another component of Matcha that may lead to its mental wellness effects is an ingredient called L-theanine, which can be found in many types of teas and some mushrooms, amongst other things. L-theanine is an amino acid known to aid in relaxation and help reduce tensions, and it could be a major reason many people find teas relaxing.

Matcha is also rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce oxidative stress within the body. High levels of oxidative stress might lead to inflammation in the body and long-term health consequences if not managed. The majority of antioxidants within Matcha are from things known as catechins, which have been claimed to have a variety of health benefits.

Compounds Found in Matcha

Can Matcha and Kratom be Combined?

Although there are no well-known or studied interactions between matcha and kratom, it is recommended to avoid mixing kratom with any medication, drug, or substance such as Matcha. Kratom has a variety of known and unknown interactions that may be dangerous, and combining it with any substance or health supplement is not recommended.

The main active ingredients of Matcha are caffeine and l-theanine, with the former possibly raising blood pressure. Kratom may also affect blood pressure, so it is best to avoid it based on this alone.

Matcha and its active components are not known to potentiate or act synergistically with kratom in any way, so those looking to combine cannot do it safely, and there would be minimal potential benefits for doing so even if the potential safety of the combination wasn’t a concern.

Legality of Matcha and Kratom

Matcha, unlike kratom, is entirely legal within all 50 US states with no restrictions on its consumption or usage. It is widely distributed and available in many health food stores, specialty drinks stores, and other local and online retailers without issues.

This is not the same story for kratom, which is currently legal on the Federal level and has instead been regulated on the state level. Currently, six states have banned kratom and listed it as a Schedule 1 substance. 12 other states have decided to pass regulations surrounding kratom, which keeps it legal but implements various things like age restrictions and regulations for vendors manufacturing or selling kratom.

Outside of the state level, various US counties and cities have banned kratom, for example, Sarasota County in Florida and San Diego in California, to name a few. It is important to keep updated on the laws as kratom continues to be a highly contested topic, with proponents and opponents on both sides of the equation.

States that have Regulated or Banned Kratom

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.