How Long Does It Take for Kratom to Kick In?

Kratom has established itself as a reigning champion in the realm of natural wellness. It’s great at relieving pain, less likely than opioids to cause side effects, and highly versatile. But a big question many users have is, “How long does it take for kratom to kick in?” The truth is that there is no single answer to this question. It can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes up to 30 or 60 minutes for kratom to kick in, depending on the product type and personal factors. Below, we break down everything you need to know about how kratom works, including the time you can expect its effects to take. 

Quick Review: What is Kratom?

The iconic leaves of the kratom plant, or Mitragyna speciosa, have made their way into the minds and hearts of many lovers of natural remedies. Kratom is a member of the coffee family that hails from many parts of Southeast Asia. It’s packed with chemicals known as alkaloids, which act on receptors in the body to create pharmacological effects.

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Kratom is perhaps best known as a natural alternative to opioids. The alkaloids inside kratom, namely mitragynine, act as agonists on mu-opioid receptors, causing them to essentially trigger the same bodily reactions as prescription opioids. 

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Kratom is also beloved for its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, as well as its ability to help users relax, focus, or manage anxiety. At lower doses, kratom tends to have a stimulant-like effect. At higher doses, it’s more likely to act as a sedative, calming the mind and body. 

What Does Kratom Do? How Does it Work?

As mentioned, kratom’s power over the body is mostly due to its active ingredients: alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Both of these alkaloids interact with opioid receptors, but they can also influence the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers your brain and body use to communicate. 

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These properties explain why kratom can effectively target both psychological and physical health symptoms, from low energy or mood to chronic pain and inflammation.

Kratom Benefits & Side Effects

The effects of kratom can vary slightly depending on your dose, vein type, and tolerance. In general, though, users turn to kratom to experience key benefits such as:

• Pain Relief. Kratom is not only stronger than many opioids – mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine may be up to 10 or even 40 times as strong as morphine! – but also less likely to cause dangerous side effects. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to treat chronic or severe pain but who can’t or don’t want to use traditional opioids.
• Withdrawal Management. Because it acts a lot like opioids without causing the same side effects, kratom is often used as an aid during opioid withdrawals.
• Focus & Energy. Some strains of kratom are known for helping you feel more alert, motivated, and able to focus on tasks ahead of you, much like a cup of coffee might.
• Cognitive Enhancement. Many users report that kratom helps them work more efficiently, pay attention better, and overall experience a boost in cognitive performance.
• Mood Improvement. Kratom is great at helping you combat stress and anxiety. It also can affect serotonin and dopamine levels, allowing it to influence your mood. 

While many kratom effects are positive, some can be unpleasant. Common side effects of kratom include:

• Irritability
• Drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Itching
• Fast heartbeat
• Increased urination

In some cases, severe side effects – like hallucinations, delusions, or seizures – may occur. These side effects are usually caused by excessively high doses of kratom or its active components. 

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Still, the risks that can come with kratom are worth taking seriously, especially if you take prescription medications (particularly those that affect serotonin levels). It’s best to speak with a doctor before you start using any kind of kratom. 

How Long Does it Take for Kratom to Kick In?

It usually takes about five to 15 minutes for kratom to kick in and start to take effect. In most cases, kratom’s effects linger for about two to five hours after consumption. Your results may vary, of course!

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The exact time that it will take for your kratom product to begin working depends on many factors, including the type of kratom you’re using. For some, it might take up to 30 to 60 minutes to feel the effects of kratom. 

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That’s why it’s best to wait a solid hour after taking kratom to take more – you’ll want to be positive that you’re feeling the full effects of your product before you take things up a notch.

How long does it take kratom powder to kick in?

Because it’s able to be broken down almost immediately upon hitting your stomach, kratom powder tends to produce faster-hitting effects. It may take only five to 15 minutes for kratom powder to kick in. 

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You can easily consume kratom powder by mixing it into tea or your favorite beverage. Remember to drink it within a few minutes if you want to feel the full effects quickly. 

How long does it take kratom capsules to kick in?

Kratom capsules typically take a little longer than kratom powder to kick in. It usually takes about 15 to 60 minutes for capsules to work their magic. 

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Because the kratom itself is surrounded by a capsule, which needs to break down first, it takes longer to hit your stomach. That means it may take longer overall for kratom’s alkaloids to reach your bloodstream. 

What Factors Affect How Long it Takes Kratom to Kick In?

There is no single timeframe or solution when it comes to how long it takes kratom to work. Each person’s experiences may be unique to them, and even the same person might not always react to kratom in the same way.

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Why? Because there are all sorts of factors that can affect how long it takes kratom to kick in. Let’s take a look at some of the big ones.

Dosage

Your kratom dosage doesn’t only impact the type of effects you’ll feel but also how quickly you’ll feel them (in some cases). Taking a higher dose of kratom might yield faster, more intense results than taking a low dose, but this isn’t always the case. 

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Doses can vary between manufacturers, even for the same product type. So, what you experience one time with a dose might not be the same thing you experience the next time you consume it. 

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Pay attention to how your body reacts to different doses to understand when and how to change yours to achieve your desired results.

Potency

Some types of kratom and kratom products are stronger than others. They might be formulated with more alkaloids per dose, or they might simply be more potent versions of a strain or product. 

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It’s also worth noting that some vein types are known to be “faster” or “slower” than others. Red kratom varieties often take longer than white kratom varieties to kick in, but this may not be true for all people at all times. 

Personal Tolerance

As you consume more and more kratom over time, your body slowly gets used to it and develops a tolerance. Seasoned kratom users might find that it takes longer (and higher doses) to feel the same effects they experienced in the past. A kratom newbie, however, might begin to feel the effects of their product much faster.

Food & Hydration

The food and water in your stomach can sometimes significantly affect how long it takes your kratom to kick in. If you’re dehydrated, your digestion may be slower or less efficient. Having enough water in your system can help your kratom soak in quickly and ensures your digestion isn’t compromised. 

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Having no food in your stomach may make your kratom work faster, but it also puts you at a higher risk of nausea and vomiting. On the flip side, having too much food in your stomach might make your kratom take a while to kick in – and it also might leave you feeling queasy.

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We recommend eating a snack or small meal about 30 to 60 minutes before taking kratom. Your body will already be in digestion mode when the kratom enters your system, allowing you to enhance absorption while avoiding side effects.

Biology & Genetics

Whether it’s due to hormones, age, body size, or plain ol’ genetics, your body might simply react differently to kratom than other people. That’s okay! Your body and metabolism are unique to you, which means that some variation in the time it takes for kratom to kick in is completely normal. 

Find All Things Kratom at The Green Dragon CBD

In most cases, it takes about five to 30 minutes for kratom to kick in. However, for some product types, it may take up to 60 minutes to start feeling the effects of your product. Some kratom products – like powder – tend to kick in faster than others – like capsules. 

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But product type isn’t the only factor that affects the time it takes for kratom to work. Your dosage, tolerance, diet, and even personal biology can all influence the way kratom affects your body. 

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The best way to learn what works for you, then, is through a process of experimentation. Start with small doses of your favorite products, note how long it takes them to kick in and make adjustments as needed. 

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And there you have it! Kratom usually works quickly and efficiently, making it a go-to pain relieving tool or pick-me-up. Ready to try kratom yourself? Count on The Green Dragon CBD to help you find the right goodies at great prices.

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Shop our full kratom collection now to explore kratom powders, capsules, gummies, and other products fit for all kinds of lifestyles. Not sure where to get started? Reach out to our team today for a free consultation!