Kratom Strain Chart & Comparison: Find the Right Fit

You’ve heard about kratom’s opioid-like properties and powerful therapeutic benefits. You’re ready to hit the market and pick up some kratom to try yourself, but one question remains: what kind should you get, and does it even matter? Below, we’ll break down the differences between different vein types and help you learn about each with a kratom strain chart and a kratom strain comparison chart. We’ll also dive deeper into what makes each strain type unique so you can pick the right one for your goals. Let’s get started!

Quick Review: What is Kratom?

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Kratom (mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia that’s packed full of alkaloids that produce pharmacological effects in humans. The kratom tree can be found growing in many countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. 

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Human consumption of the kratom plant dates back several hundred years. Kratom’s leaves have been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for generations, but they’ve only recently hit markets here in the West.

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Traditionally, kratom’s analgesic and therapeutic properties have helped users address chronic pain. Its energizing effects also made it popular among farmers, who often used kratom to prolong their physical energy and labor. Kratom’s influence was so significant that it even became a part of some religious ceremonies. 

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Locals typically use the plant by chewing on raw kratom leaves or using the leaves as an ingredient in kratom tea or other kratom drinks. Today, you can buy everything from kratom powder to capsules and more. 

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Related Reading: What is Kratom?

What does kratom do?

Kratom’s effects and impact on the body seem to depend on the dose an individual consumes. Low to moderate doses of about 1 to 5 grams of kratom tend to boost awareness and have stimulating effects. Meanwhile, moderate to high doses are more likely to be sedating and bring on analgesia. 

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We can thank kratom’s essential psychoactive ingredient, mitragynine, for these effects. Mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid in kratom and accounts for as much as ⅔ of the plant’s total alkaloid composition. 

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It affects the body by agonizing opioid receptors, which means it can trigger bodily changes similar to those of prescription opioid medications. Meanwhile, minor alkaloids in kratom can agonize serotonin receptors, which is part of why kratom is associated with mood-enhancing effects. 

Kratom Strain Chart: Understanding the Basics

To fully take advantage of the benefits of kratom, you’ll need to choose the product type and strain that best suits your needs. Take a look at the kratom strain chart below to get a feel for how different strains can produce different effects. 

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Kratom strains are named after two properties:

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1. Leaf vein coloring, which can either be red, white, or green; and
2. The country or region where the plant was harvested

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The resulting strain names combine elements of both. You might see strains like Red Malay, White Thai, or Green Indo, for example. 

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But wait a minute – where do these strain differences come from? That’s a subject of debate among many researchers. 

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Most kratom vendors sell different strains because they’re believed to have different effect profiles. However, experts aren’t exactly sure why different kratom strains create unique effects. Since different strains have distinct alkaloid profiles, it’s easy to assume that there are different active compounds in each that create diverse experiences. But that may not be the case. 

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One recent survey asked 64 kratom users to report their experiences after using different vein color strains. Survey respondents did report distinct experiences for each color, but a product analysis revealed there was no significant difference in alkaloid content between the strains. 

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So, what gives? One possibility is that the placebo effect may partially be at work. However, researchers also point out that alternative factors – like minor alkaloid profiles and terpenes – might also be responsible for the different effects of each kratom strain. 

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No matter what, it’s clear that people tend to experience each kratom strain in unique ways. Let’s take a closer look at all of the vein color types to learn more about them.

Red Vein

The deep red veins of kratom that fall into this category give it a unique look, but that’s not all this strain type has to offer. Red strains typically have a longer drying time or go through fermentation, which can enhance the alkaloids inside that are associated with effects like relaxation.

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Red vein kratom is best known for its sedative effects and its potency. It tends to be soothing, calming, and relaxing, making it great for evening use or bedtime. It’s also highly effective as an analgesic, which makes it a top pick for those treating chronic pain. 

White Vein

The opposite of red kratom is white vein kratom, which is mostly used as a stimulant due to its ability to increase energy levels and mental focus. It’s also believed to help activate and boost the immune system. 

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White vein kratom is so good at what it does that some people even use it as a replacement for coffee. It’s great at boosting alertness, creativity, and motivation, which means it’s a good fit for daytime use. In some cases, ground steams from kratom leaves are added to white vein strains to add even more stimulating alkaloids. 

Green Vein

A more mild and moderate experience can be found in green vein kratom, which is often viewed as a sort of hybrid between red and white strains. It can help you relax and lower pain levels, but it also does a good job of boosting your overall mood and energy levels. 

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While green kratom isn’t as mellow as red kratom, it’s also not as potent or intense as white kratom. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a balanced experience that won’t give that “couch potato” effect. 

Yellow or Gold Vein

Yellow kratom is not a traditional vein color classification. Many believe that yellow kratom is actually a blend of red, white, and green kratom that’s mixed together during harvesting. As a result, “yellow” doesn’t refer to the vein color on kratom leaves. 

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Another theory about the origin of yellow kratom suggests that farmers may use white vein kratom and a special drying process to create plant material with a yellow hue. Regardless of where it comes from, though, yellow kratom is a moderate strain type that strikes a balance between energizing and sedation.

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You might also see yellow kratom referred to as “gold” kratom. The terms might be used interchangeably, but “gold” kratom typically refers to yellow strains that are especially high-quality. 

Kratom Strain Comparison Chart

Now that you know a bit about each kratom strain type, you’re ready to see which is best for you. Take a look at our kratom strain comparison chart to see how each vein color stacks up against the others. 

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Overall, the best kratom strain depends on what you’re looking for. Want something to help you combat pain and get a good night’s sleep? Try red vein kratom. But if you want something that’s going to put some extra pep in your step, white vein kratom is probably for you.

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Green and yellow kratom strains offer more balanced experiences and tend to be the most versatile. If you’re new to kratom or want a product that gives you access to the best of both worlds, one of these options might be your best bet. 

Final Thoughts

Not all kratom strains are made equal. Whether you’re shopping for kratom capsules, powder, or something else entirely, it’s smart to pay attention to the vein color to ensure you choose something that fits your needs. You might even want to keep a kratom strain chart handy so you can reference it as you experiment with different product types.

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You can count on us here at The Green Dragon CBD to help you discover the best kratom for your lifestyle. Shop kratom online and explore products from some of the top brands in the industry, all for a price you won’t want to miss out on. 

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Still not sure what kind of kratom to choose? We’ve got your back. Reach out to our team at any time for a free consultation and guidance on product selection.