Kratom contains a variety of active compounds, most notably mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These compounds interact with opioid receptors in the brain and body. This gives rise to kratom’s effects, which include euphoria, pain relief, increased energy and focus, relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms, and more.
Responsible use principles for kratom products
Like any substance that interacts with the brain and body, kratom carries risks if used irresponsibly.
- Understand legality. Kratom legality varies by location. Be informed about local laws before obtaining or using kratom.
- Start low, go slow. When first using kratom extracts or any new kratom product, start with a very low dose to assess tolerance and sensitivity. Increase slowly over time.
- Measure accurately. Carefully measure extract doses to avoid inadvertently taking too much. Do not estimate or eyeball doses.
- Avoid frequent or high-dose use. Use kratom, including extracts, infrequently and only use low-to-moderate doses, due to risks from high doses.
- Do not mix with other drugs. Be especially cautious about mixing kratom with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, stimulants, or other drugs due to safety concerns.
- Pregnant? Don’t use. Avoid kratom, including extracts, if pregnant or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data for the fetus/infant.
- Monitor for signs of misuse. Be alert to psychological or physiological signs that kratom use may be becoming less controlled or risky.
Understanding kratom extracts
Kratom extracts are a concentrated form of kratom derived by boiling raw kratom leaf material to extract the active compounds. This process concentrates the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine present in the leaf. There are different grading scales for kratom extracts depending on their concentration. 5x, 10x, 20x, and so on – the higher the number the more potent the extract in comparison to raw leaf kratom. A 20x extract, for example, is estimated to be 20 times more concentrated than standard kratom powder. These top extractsallow obtaining a stronger kratom experience using a smaller quantity, which some users report enhances benefits. However, extracts also substantially increase risks compared to plain leaves.
- Extract high potency increases overdose risk if doses are not precisely measured or properly managed. Even a small amount over the intended dose can lead to severe side effects.
- Extracts may be more likely to develop dependency or tolerance with frequent or high dosing.
- The production process may concentrate undesirable alkaloids along with mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, increasing the risk of side effects or dangerous interactions.
Safer use tips for kratom extracts
If intending to use kratom extracts, applying additional safer use tips helps reduce risks further.
- Start very low – Estimates suggest doses as low as 0.5-1g may be sufficient when starting with 5x or higher concentration extract powders.
- Measure meticulously – Carefully use an extremely precise scale to measure extract doses in fractions of grams to ensure ideal dosing. Do not estimate!
- Record dosing – Document measured doses and timing to keep track of use patterns and what doses produce what effects/side effects.
Use extracts only periodically, not routinely or frequently, to reduce building excess tolerance over time.
