We’ve heard time and time again about kratom’s pain-relieving and opioid-like properties – but to truly rise to the top as a superstar, it needs to be efficient, too. That brings an important question to the surface: how long does it take for kratom to kick in and deliver its therapeutic benefits? It can take anywhere from five to 15 or 30 to 60 minutes for kratom to kick in, depending on product type, tolerance, dose, biology, and more. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that affect how long it takes for kratom to work.
What is Kratom?
If you’re a fan of natural remedies, you’re likely familiar with the sun-kissed leaves of the kratom tree. Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant native to Southeast Asia that hails from the same family as coffee. It’s rich in compounds known as alkaloids, which produce effects on the human mind and body.
Some of kratom’s alkaloids specifically act as agonists on mu-opioid receptors, allowing them to effectively cause the same bodily reaction as prescription opioids – just without the same side effects. That means that kratom can potentially serve as an alternative to traditional opioids for pain relief.
Kratom’s popularity in the West may be somewhat new, but the plant has long been a staple in some Southeast Asian cultures. Local farmers, for instance, were known to use kratom leaves to prolong their physical energy enough to power through a long day of work. Kratom even made its way into some spiritual and religious ceremonies.
What Does Kratom Do to the Mind and Body?
What is it about kratom that gives it such a powerful influence over our bodies? We can chalk kratom’s effects up to two alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Both of them interact with opioid receptors and neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain and body, prompting changes that lead to the plant’s characteristic effects.
Some of the most common effects of kratom reported by users include:
- Pain relief
- Mood enhancement and euphoria
- Increased energy
- Mental sharpness and focus
- Sociability
At lower doses, kratom tends to have a stimulating effect. At higher doses, it’s more likely to act as a sedative.
Top Kratom Benefits
Thanks to its chemical composition, kratom is able to deliver a host of unique benefits to its users, including:
- Pain Relief. Kratom’s analgesic (pain-relieving) properties are one of its biggest perks. Its alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are both stronger than morphine – up to 10 or even 40 times as strong! That means fast, effective, and long-lasting pain relief for users.
- Focus & Cognitive Enhancement. Certain types of kratom are known for being energizing, uplifting, and motivating, much like your morning cup of joe.
- Mood Improvement. By melting away stressors, centering the mind and body, and promoting feelings of euphoria, kratom can help you boost your mood at any time of day.
Kratom Side Effects
Like any substance you put into your body, kratom can sometimes cause side effects, particularly at high doses. Common examples include:
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Sweating
- Itching
- Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
- Increased urination
Fortunately, these side effects should resolve on their own within a few hours as your body processes the kratom.
It’s important to note that while it has fewer side effects and a lower risk of dependence than traditional opioids, kratom still comes with the potential for abuse. Using too much kratom too often can lead to dependence as well as more serious side effects, such as:
- Confusion or paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Insomnia
- Seizures
Because of the risk of side effects and interactions with prescription medications, it’s always best to check with your doctor before you start using kratom.
How Long Does it Take for Kratom to Kick In?
For most product types and people, kratom takes about five to 15 minutes to “kick in” or begin to take effect. It usually remains effective for about two to five hours after consumption, though your results may vary.
The exact time frame you can expect will depend on many factors, including the kind of kratom you’re using as well as personal factors. It may take up to 30 to 60 minutes for kratom to begin working in some cases. We recommend waiting a solid hour after taking a dose of kratom to consider taking another.
How long does it take kratom capsules to kick in?
It usually takes about 15 to 60 minutes for kratom capsules to kick in. This timeframe is a bit on the longer side because of the time it takes the stomach to break down the capsules containing the kratom itself.
How long does it take kratom powder to kick in?
Kratom powder usually kicks in a little faster than kratom capsules and usually takes about five to 15 minutes to begin to work its magic.
Since powder is typically mixed into a drink or otherwise consumed quickly and directly, it can almost instantly be metabolized by the body, and its active ingredients are released into the bloodstream.
Factors that Affect How Long it Takes Kratom to Kick In
When it comes to how long it takes kratom to work, there is no single answer. You’ll likely find your own personal timeframe for different product types as you experiment with kratom.
As you determine how long it takes for kratom to affect you, keep factors like these – which can impact your results – in mind.
Dose
It likely goes without saying, but the higher your kratom dose, the more active compounds you’re putting into your body, and the faster you’ll likely feel the effects. For this reason, your body reacts differently when you use the same type of product from different sources. Doses can vary between manufacturers.
Potency
Some strains of kratom (and individual products) are simply more intense than others. They may contain a higher volume of alkaloids like mitragynine per dose. Some strain types are also known to be “faster” or “slower” than others. Red varieties, for instance, tend to take longer to hit than white vein types.
Tolerance
As you consume kratom more and more over time, your body steadily develops a tolerance to it. If you’re an experienced kratom user, you probably have a higher tolerance than you did in the past and, therefore, need to take a higher dose to feel the same effects.
If your tolerance is on the higher side, it may take more kratom and a longer time to feel the effects you’re used to. On the flip side, if you have no tolerance, you might feel like your kratom hits you a lot harder and faster.
Food & Hydration
Water plays a vital role in many physiological processes, including digestion and metabolism. Having enough water in your system ensures that capsules and powder can soak in quickly. Excess water, however, could dilute the kratom in your system.
Food can also affect how efficiently kratom enters your bloodstream. Kratom works faster on an empty stomach, but taking it without food can cause nausea and vomiting. Eating a small amount of food about 30 to 60 minutes before your kratom dose can help you enhance absorption without causing side effects.
Body Size
Generally speaking, it can take longer (or higher doses) for compounds to affect larger bodies than smaller bodies.
Age
The older we get, the slower our metabolism tends to be, meaning it can take longer to break down things like kratom.
Personal Biology & Genetics
Some people’s bodies simply react differently to compounds than others. Your metabolism may be particularly fast and allow you to feel the effects of kratom quickly, for example. Or maybe you have a health condition or take a medication that impacts how your body responds to kratom.
Discover More Insights & Kratom Products from Gold Dragon
There you have it – it takes anywhere from five minutes to 30 or even 60 minutes for kratom to kick in, depending on factors like product type, dose, tolerance, and personal biology. Using a product like kratom powder is more likely to help you get instant results than a slower-acting option like kratom capsules. As with all things kratom, though, you’ll likely need to go through some trial and error to determine how long it takes different doses or types of kratom to help you achieve your desired results.
When it comes to kratom, you can count on Gold Dragon to help you find the information and goodies you need. We’re your one-stop shop for kratom drinks, powders, capsules, tablets, and other products that are sure to delight.
Shop our full kratom collection now to score great deals on your faves, or reach out to us for a free consultation to get some guidance on your first purchase!
