Microdosing is a growing trend where people take small, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances, typically around 1/10th to 1/20th of a normal dose, with the intention of improving cognitive function, creativity, and emotional well-being. Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in certain species of mushrooms, is one of the most commonly microdosed psychedelics, and its use has gained increasing attention in recent years due to the positive effects it can have on people’s lives.
Here are some of the potential benefits of microdosing psilocybin:
Increased Creativity
One of the most commonly reported benefits of microdosing psilocybin is an increase in creativity. Many people who microdose report feeling more open to new ideas and more capable of generating new and innovative solutions to problems. This may be because psilocybin can help to break down mental barriers and allow people to think outside the box. It’s worth noting that creativity is not just limited to artistic pursuits but can also include problem-solving in a variety of fields, from science and technology to business and finance.
Many people are seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals with harsh side effects – medicine more in synch with natural processes. By tapping into how we function biologically on a deep level, CBD can provide relief for chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, depression and many other conditions.
Extensive scientific research – much of it sponsored by the U.S. government – and mounting anecdotal accounts from patients and physicians highlight CBD’s potential as a treatment for a wide range of maladies, including (but not limited to):
CBD has proven neuroprotective effects and its anti-cancer properties are being investigated at several academic research centers in the United States and elsewhere. A 2010 brain cancer study by California scientists found that CBD “enhances the inhibitory effects of THC on human glioblastoma cell proliferation and survival.” This means that CBD makes THC even more potent as an anticancer substance. Also in 2010, German researchers reported that CBD stimulates neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells, in adult mammals.
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD is one of over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant, and it is distinct from the compound that causes the “high” associated with marijuana use – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD has been found to have a wide range of potential benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression, reducing pain and inflammation, and even fighting cancer. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the ways that CBD may be able to benefit our health and well-being.
Anxiety and Depression: One of the most well-known potential benefits of CBD is its ability to reduce anxiety and depression. A number of studies have found that CBD can have an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effect, and it may also be able to help with depression. For example, one study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that CBD was able to reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder in people who were giving a public speaking test. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that CBD was able to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Pain and Inflammation: Another potential benefit of CBD is its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. CBD has been found to have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful for a wide range of conditions. For example, one study published in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD was able to reduce chronic pain in people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD was able to reduce inflammation and pain in rats with osteoarthritis.
Cancer: CBD has also been found to have anti-tumor properties, which means that it may be able to help fight cancer. For example, one study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD was able to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells in mice. Another study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that CBD was able to reduce the spread of lung cancer cells in mice.
Other potential benefits of CBD include:
Improving heart health
Reducing symptoms of acne
Improving symptoms of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
Helping with addiction and substance abuse
It’s important to note that while CBD is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain medications and may cause side effects such as drowsiness and upset stomach. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new supplement, including CBD, to discuss any potential risks or interactions with any medications you are currently taking.
One of the most frequent concerns is the origin of the CBD oil, as well as the quality of the product. It is important to purchase CBD oil from a reputable source, and to ensure that it has been lab tested to ensure that it is free of contaminants and contains the correct amount of CBD.
CBD has also catalyzed the rebirth of the U.S. hemp industry, which lay dormant for decades because of drug war politics. The 2018 Farm Bill includes a provision that legalizes the cultivation of hemp (cannabis with no more than 0.3 % THC) in large part because of the popularity and driving economic force of CBD.
Growing hemp is now a legitimate agricultural enterprise in the United States. But extracting CBD-rich oil from hemp biomass and marketing CBD oil concentrates and isolates for ingestion and inhalation steps on Big Pharma’s toes and is frowned upon by the DEA and the FDA.
Legalities aside, hemp-derived cannabidiol is just a mouse click or a phone tap away for anyone willing to roll the dice and purchase CBD oil products that are manufactured with little regulatory oversight.
The upside of all this is easy access to CBD oil; the downside is inconsistent quality.
Many hemp-derived CBD oil products are mislabeled as to cannabidiol and THC content. And poorly processed CBD oil may be tainted with toxic solvent residues, pesticides, corn syrup, artificial flavors and colors, and other contaminants.
Fortunately, good quality CBD oil products are also available for the conscientious consumer – the label reader, the brand researcher – who understands that cannabis and CBD are best used as part of a healthy lifestyle.
In conclusion, CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been found to have a wide range of potential benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression, reducing pain and inflammation, and even fighting cancer. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD, the potential benefits and risks of using it as a treatment for any condition. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new supplement, including CBD, to discuss any potential risks or interactions with any medications you are currently taking and to purchase from reputable sources.
Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree that is native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the tree contain compounds that have been used for centuries for their pain-relieving and energizing effects. In recent years, kratom has gained popularity as a natural alternative for post-workout pain relief.
After a workout, our muscles can experience soreness and inflammation as a result of the strain and stress put on them during the workout. This can make it difficult to move and even perform daily activities. Kratom has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate muscle soreness and pain.
One of the main active compounds in kratom, mitragynine, is a natural painkiller that works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, but without the negative side effects or risk of addiction. This means that kratom can provide effective pain relief without the risk of addiction or overdose.
In addition to its pain-relieving properties, kratom also has energizing effects that can help boost your workout performance. The leaves of the tree contain compounds that can increase energy and focus, making it easier to push through a workout and achieve better results.
Kratom comes in many different forms, including powders, capsules, and extracts. It is important to be cautious when using kratom and to start with a low dose to see how your body reacts. It is also important to purchase kratom from a reputable source to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of kratom, many people have found it to be a safe and effective natural alternative for post-workout pain relief. If you’re experiencing pain and soreness after your workout, kratom may be worth considering as a natural alternative to traditional pain medications.
It is important to remember that Kratom is not FDA approved and it is considered a dietary supplement, not a medication.
Kratom extract and powder are both forms of the herb Mitragyna speciosa, but they differ in terms of concentration and usage.
Kratom powder is made by grinding the dried leaves of the kratom tree into a fine powder. It contains the full spectrum of alkaloids found in the leaves, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Kratom powder is available in a variety of strains, each with its own unique effects.
Kratom extract, on the other hand, is a more concentrated form of kratom made by extracting the alkaloids from the leaves using a solvent. The resulting product is a much more potent form of kratom, often containing higher levels of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Kratom extract is typically sold in the form of a liquid tincture or as a resin.
Which is better for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Kratom powder is generally considered to be a more traditional form of kratom, and it may be a good choice for those new to using kratom. Kratom extract, on the other hand, is a more potent form of kratom, and it may be a better choice for those looking for a more intense or long-lasting effect.
It’s important to note that extracting kratom can be a dangerous process and also not all extracts are of good quality. Therefore, it’s important to purchase kratom extract from a reputable source, and always follow the recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects. And again, it’s important to note that Kratom is not FDA approved and its safety and effectiveness have not been scientifically proven.
Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant that is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly used for its medicinal properties. It is a member of the coffee family and has been used for centuries by traditional healers to treat a variety of ailments. In recent years, Kratom has gained popularity in the Western world as a natural alternative to traditional pain management and as a way to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The active compounds in Kratom, known as alkaloids, are primarily responsible for its medicinal properties. The two main alkaloids found in Kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids interact with the body’s opioid receptors, which are responsible for pain perception, and can provide pain relief similar to that of traditional opioid medications. However, unlike traditional opioids, Kratom does not have the same risk of addiction and overdose.
One of the most commonly reported benefits of Kratom is its ability to relieve pain. Many people who use Kratom report that it helps to alleviate chronic pain conditions such as back pain, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Kratom is also said to be effective in treating headaches and migraines.
Kratom is also commonly used as a natural remedy for anxiety and depression. The alkaloids in Kratom interact with the brain’s serotonin and dopamine receptors, which can help to regulate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Some people also use Kratom as a natural alternative to traditional antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Another benefit of Kratom is its ability to improve energy levels and focus. Many people report that Kratom helps them to feel more alert and focused and can even be used as a natural alternative to traditional stimulants such as caffeine.
Kratom is also said to have a number of other benefits, including helping to improve sleep, reducing inflammation, and increasing immunity. It may also be helpful in treating opioid addiction, as it can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
It’s important to note that the research on Kratom is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. However, the anecdotal evidence from people who have used Kratom suggests that it can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional pain management and mental health medications.
When it comes to using Kratom, it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. It’s also important to only purchase Kratom from reputable sources to ensure that it is of high quality and free from contaminants. As with any supplement, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using Kratom.
Ninety-one percent of kratom users consume the herbal substance for pain relief. However, others may simply enjoy the euphoric mood boost and the energy spurt after ingesting kratom.
Are you tired of dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or stress? Have you tried traditional medications, but find that they just don’t provide the relief you need? Are you looking for a more natural alternative? Look no further than the combination of Kratom and CBD!
Kratom is a plant-based substance that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for its pain-relieving and mood-boosting properties. It is made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree and contains alkaloids that interact with the body’s opioid receptors to provide a natural form of pain relief.
CBD, on the other hand, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been found to have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and anxiety-reducing properties. When combined, Kratom and CBD can provide a powerful, synergistic effect that can help to reduce chronic pain, anxiety, and stress in a more natural way.
The combination of Kratom and CBD is a relatively new area of research, and there is currently limited scientific evidence on the safety and effectiveness of this combination. However, many users have reported that taking Kratom and CBD together can enhance the effects of both substances and provide a more potent pain relief and mood-boosting experience.
Kratom has several effects on the body, depending on the dose.
People use kratom in many ways, including chewing the leaves whole, brewing them as a tea, and crushing the leaves and swallowing or smoking them.
Stimulant effects
In very small doses, of 1–5 grams (g), kratom can act as a stimulant, giving users more energy. They may feel more awake and alert, social, and talkative.
Sedative effects
In higher doses, of 5–15 g, kratom can have a sedative effect. This is similar to the effects of opioids, which cause users to feel tired, calm, and euphoric.
People typically use higher doses to treat a severe cough, diarrhea, or the symptoms of opioid withdrawal or pain Managment.
Doses higher than 15 g can make a person very tired and sedated, even to the point of losing consciousness.
Forms of Consuming Kratom
Kratom can be consumed through a variety of methods, according to your preferences. Some typical forms include:
Beverages
Capsules
Gummies
Powder
In particular, kratom is popular in its powdered form, as you can brew it in tea, coffee, or smoothies. If you like, you can also add it to food or wash it down with water.
The history of Kratom
The history of Kratom is a long tale, steeped in tradition and steeped in mystery. It all began in the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia, where the Kratom tree, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, has grown wild for centuries.
The indigenous people of the region have known about the powerful healing properties of Kratom for generations, using it to relieve pain, boost energy, and even as a natural remedy for opioid addiction. They would gather the leaves of the tree and grind them into a fine powder, which they would then brew into a tea or mix into their food.
As word of the tree’s benefits spread, traders and explorers began to take notice. They brought Kratom back to their home countries, where it quickly gained popularity as a natural alternative to traditional pain medications.
As time went on, the story of Kratom continued to evolve. Scientists and researchers began to study the plant in more detail, uncovering the complex alkaloids that give Kratom its unique properties. Today, Kratom is used by people all around the world to help manage chronic pain, anxiety, and stress, and as a natural alternative to opioid addiction treatment.
Despite its growing popularity, Kratom’s romantic history remains a mystery. The traditional methods of harvesting and processing the leaves have been passed down through generations, and the tree’s unique healing properties continue to captivate and inspire. But one thing is for sure, this traditional plant has stood the test of time, and it continues to be used as a natural remedy for many ailments.
In conclusion, Kratom is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and has gained popularity in recent years as a natural alternative to traditional pain management and mental health medications. Its active compounds, known as alkaloids, interact with the body’s opioid receptors and can provide pain relief similar to traditional opioids, but without the risk of addiction and overdose. Kratom may also help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve energy levels and focus, and improve sleep, but more research is needed to understand its potential benefits and risks. It’s important to only purchase Kratom from reputable sources and to consult with a hea
Is Kratom legal in my State?
Selling and/or shipping kratom to the following states, cities, and counties in the US is prohibited: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin. Sarasota County, Union County, Denver, San Diego.
Natural Herb Kratom May Have Therapeutic Effects And Relatively Low Potential For Abuse Or Harm, According To A User Survey
Credit: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Using results of a survey of more than 2,700 self-reported users of the herbal supplement kratom, sold online and in smoke shops around the U.S., Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers conclude that the psychoactive compound somewhat similar to opioids likely has a lower rate of harm than prescription opioids for treating pain, anxiety, depression and addiction.
In a report on the findings, published in the Feb. 3 issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, the researchers caution that while self-reporting surveys aren’t always entirely reliable, they confirmed that kratom is not regulated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and that scientific studies have not been done to formally establish safety and benefits. They say that U.S. drug agencies should seek to study and regulate rather than ban kratom sales outright because of its seemingly safe therapeutic potential, and as a possible alternative to opioid use.
The American Kratom Association (AKA), a consumer advocacy group, estimates that 10-16 million people in the U.S. regularly use kratom by either eating its ground leaves in food or brewing them in tea. Kratom is a tropical plant related to coffee trees, and grown mainly in Southeast Asia. It contains a chemical called mitragynine, an alkaloid that acts on the brain opiate receptors and alters mood. In Asia, where use has long been widespread, people use it in small doses as an energy and mood booster, similar to coffee use in the West. They use larger amounts for pain, or recreationally like beer and wine.
Kratom Leaves (left) Young kratom trees in Indonesia (right) Credit: American Kratom Association
Kratom products are unregulated and Non standardized, and reports — although sparse — have linked its use to hallucinations, seizures and liver damage, when combined with alcohol or other drugs. In 2016, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) proposed banning commercial sale and use, and the FDA has advised categorizing it as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has no proven medical application and has a high risk of abuse. These agencies were met with public and supplement industry pushback, and no action was taken. A salmonella contamination outbreak in 2018 among users increased concerns.
However, says Albert Garcia-Romeu, Ph.D., instructor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the new survey findings “suggest that kratom doesn’t belong in the category of a Schedule I drug, because there seems to be relatively low rate of abuse potential, and there may be medical applications to explore, including as a possible treatment for pain and opioid use disorder.”
“There has been a bit of fearmongering,” he adds, “because kratom is opioidlike, and because of the toll of our current opioid epidemic.”
A 2015 study in Thailand that reported that people in Asia have been using kratom successfully to treat opioid addiction for decades renewed interest among researchers in the U.S.
For the current survey, Garcia-Romeu says, he and his team enrolled 2,798 people to complete an online survey on their use of kratom. They recruited participants online and through social media, as well as through the AKA. Overall, users were mostly white, educated and middle-aged. Some 61% of users were women, and 90% were white. About 6% reported being multiracial, 1.5% reported being Native American or Hawaiian, 0.5% reported being Asian and 0.4% said they were African American. Participants were an average age of 40. About 84% of participants reported having at least some college education.
Of these participants, 91% reported taking kratom to alleviate pain on average a couple times a day for back, shoulder and knee pain, 67% for anxiety and 65% for depression. About 41% of survey responders said they took kratom to treat opioid withdrawal, and of those people who took it for opioid withdrawal, 35% reported going more than a year without taking prescription opioids or heroin.
As part of the survey, participants completed a Substance Use Disorder Symptom checklist to assess whether their use qualified as a substance use disorder according to the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition guidelines. Fewer than 3% of responses met the criteria for moderate or severe substance use disorder for abusing kratom, but about 13% met some criteria for kratom-related substance use disorder. This is comparable to about 8%–12% of people prescribed opioid medications who became dependent, according to statistics from the U.S. National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA).
“Both prescription and illicit opioids carry the risk of lethal overdose as evidenced by the more than 47,000 opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2017,” says Garcia-Romeu. “Notably there’s been fewer than 100 kratom-related deaths reported in a comparable period, and most of these involved mixing with other drugs or in combination with preexisting health conditions.”
A third of the survey participants reported having mild unpleasant side effects from kratom, such as constipation, upset stomach or lethargy, which mostly resolved within a day. Only 1.9% reported that side effects were severe enough for them to seek medical treatment, such as feeling withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, depression or insomnia when the kratom wore off. Fewer than 10% of participants reported notable kratom-related withdrawal symptoms.
“Although our findings show kratom to be relatively safe according to these self-reports, unregulated medicinal supplements raise concerns with respect to contamination or higher doses of the active chemicals, which could increase negative side effects and harmful responses,” says Garcia-Romeu. “This is why we advocate for the FDA to regulate kratom, which would require testing for impurities and maintaining safe levels of the active chemicals. Otherwise, unregulated products run the risk of unsafe additives and dosing problems, which could be like getting a shot of grain alcohol when you were trying to order a beer.”
Garcia-Romeu adds that data is scant on whether one can overdose on kratom alone, or how it interacts with alcohol or other drugs. The researchers also say rigorous clinical research needs to be done to test kratom for its potential therapeutic benefits, for behavioral intoxication effects and adverse side effects to further help inform government policy and regulation. They also suggest that people err on the side of caution and not mix kratom with any other drugs or medications, and to always talk with their health care provider before taking any supplement.
Aside from Garcia-Romeu, authors on the study include David Cox, Kelly Dunn and Roland Griffiths of Johns Hopkins and Kirsten Smith of NIDA.
Support for this study was provided in part by grants from NIDA (R01DA003889 and R01DA035246).
