The Kratom User’s Guide: What Is Kratom, How Do You Use It & The Truth Behind This Controversial Natural Herb.

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From relaxation, to quelling appetite, to killing pain, I've recently been using an herb called “Kratom” (ever since I injured my back several months ago and I needed something other than an opioid based painkiller to stop the discomfort and allow me to sleep and engage in my normal day-to-day function).

When I first used Kratom, I felt the effects within minutes – and also experienced a pleasant euphoria, and even a drop in appetite, with none of the side effects of a painkiller and none of the psychosis of something like marijuana.

Advocates say the herb kratom offers relief from pain, depression, and anxiety. Scientists say it may hold the key to treating chronic pain and may even be a tool to combat addiction to opioid medications. But the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is now trying to ban this potent herb, citing an “imminent hazard to public safety.”

So is kratom safe?

Addictive?

How do you use it?

What are the different strains?

What else can kratom be used for?

In today's podcast with Chris Bell, you'll discover the answers to all these questions and much more. This is a must listen, in my opinion, especially since President Trump just declared the opioid crisis in America a “national emergency”.

Chris “Boar” Bell is an American director, producer and writer, known for his documentaries Bigger, Stronger, Faster and Trophy Kids and Prescription Thugs. He is the brother of Mark Bell and Mike Bell, both of whom were featured in Bigger, Stronger, Faster. In 1997, Bell obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Film Production from the University of Southern California. He currently resides in California, where founded his film production company Bigger Stronger Faster Inc, which is devoted to producing educational documentaries, films, and TV shows…

…Chris also happens to be an expert in all things kratom, and even claims in this video that kratom is “the cure for the opioid epidemic”.

During our discussion, you'll discover:

-How Chris went from being in intense pain 24-7 to nearly destroying his stomach with ibuprofen and advil to being completely addicted to opioid based painkillers…[8:55]

-How Chris originally discovered kratom…[20:50]

-What kratom is and where it comes from…[23:45 & 25:00]

-How you feel when you take kratom…[26:05]

-The difference between the different kratom strains, like red, white and green…[27:25]

-Whether kratom is safe on the organs…[31:15]

-Where Ben and Chris get their kratom…[38:20 & 40:45]

-Whether kratom is addictive or habit-forming…[42:15]

-If kratom is banned by WADA or USADA…[47:10]

-Whether kratom can be combined with anything to enhance its effects…[50:50, 52:50 & 54:00]

-How long kratom takes to “hit your system” and how long it lasts…[59:25]

-The new kratom documentary Chris is working on…[60:30]

-And much more…

Resources from this episode:

-My podcast on “Drug Dealer, MD”

Leaf Of Faith Instagram

Show Sponsors:

-Rover – The nation's largest network of 5-star pet-sitters. Go to Rover.com/ben and use promo code “BEN” to get $25 off.

-Kettle & Fire – Go to BengreenFieldFitness.com/chickenbroth and get 20% off your order or chicken broth!

-Organifi – Go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/organifi Discount code BEN for 20% off your order!

-Podchaser – Want to help me make this podcast even bigger? For the next week or so, you can visit the site and leave ratings and reviews for episodes you want to see commemorated. To keep it simple — 1. Head to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/podchaser  2. Log into Podchaser. New user? If so, enter “Patreon” to get FREE access. 3. Rate and review your favorite episodes! Don’t forget to log in and vote. Thanks in advance for your support!

Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Chris or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!

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71 thoughts on “The Kratom User’s Guide: What Is Kratom, How Do You Use It & The Truth Behind This Controversial Natural Herb.

  1. Harvey says:

    Great podcast. Kratom questions have been revolving in my head for the past couple of days though I’ve been using this product for the past 3 years for my chronic pain management and it has always helped me. Talking about legality I just feel that the kratom deserves a “legal status” so that everyone can take advantage of this medicinal plant.
    Anyways, Ben, do you think Kratom can effect your kidneys if taken regularly? This question has eaten up my brain.

  2. dar says:

    Wot an eye-opener, thanks, Ben. my Four decades of mishaps from many m/bike vs car,roofing,swimming pool,horseback, lic.auto mechanic ‘hits’,CO poisoning,RhArt,pleurisy & the cherry on top: a third degree burn on lower half of throttle foot…& the only pain remedies used were homeopathics, along with transdermal magnesium,ascorbic acid powder,cc oil,PEMF & LLLT! FYI -https://homeopathyplus.com/withdrawing-from-drugs-and-alcohol-with-homeopathy-2/

    https://www.huffingtonpost.com/maura-henninger-nd…

  3. Stella Evans says:

    Kratom has been around for quite some time, so it is no surprise that being able to use it in many ways has already been discovered. Due to this discovery, it is now available for many other people to use it in many ways. They can purchase the powder, tinctures or other items made with the supplement and then take it to relieve many things that they’re going through. Everyone is different, however, so it is important to consider how it is going to work when you take it.

    1. Karen Geschwender says:

      Im new to this I have red vein borneo I bought from costline i do not know how much to take Im in pain from back surgery i do not sleep well and have anixiety i need to relax sleep at night please help i have a scale coming and have not taken yet….im 67 i do not take pain meds i hate them

      1. http://kratomonline.org is a great resource for learning more about Kratom!

  4. Amber Payne says:

    If you look on the Coastline Kratom website, it DOES say NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. Same for URBAN ICE. I can send you the screenshots from each website. Just an FYI. I listened to the podcast you when Chris mentioned it, you said it didn’t say that on their website. Thought you may want to know for credibility reasons. Love your podcasts and I may try anyway!

    Amber

    1. DJD says:

      In my experience Kratom works better than ibuprofen, acetaminophen or hydrocodone (which is always mixed with acetaminophen – bad for the liver) for pain management. I’ve had zero stomach issues or constipation with Kratom unlike ibuprofen or hydrocodone. It’s also non-addictive. Since it’s pricey ($3 to $4 per dose) I don’t use it often, but I’m happy it’s legal and available if I need it for the time being. Just buy it from a reputable seller.

      1. CHRISR says:

        Its non addictive? Why you lying?

        1. Dusty says:

          Kratom is a powerful opioid, which some folks have denied, denied, denied, because it’s a green plant, and because it does not produce depressive effects on the respiratory system.

          It should never ever be taken on consecutive days, as the body quickly downregulates endorphins, and within weeks, you’re in DEEP SHIT.

    2. CHRISR says:

      Everyone in the black market sells products that say NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. Its for liability purposes. They can see as long they say its being sold for research purposes. You should be smarter than that.

      1. CHRISR says:

        *Sell it

  5. Monica says:

    How much of this are you suppose to take if it’s your first time using it? An which kind do I purchase of I am trying it to help ease withdrawal? So many questions I have and nobody I can ask 😢

  6. Luis Gonzalez says:

    Anythoughts on which strain is better for back pain? I don’t really understand the differences between the red, the green, and the white. Thanks!

    1. Noah says:

      Hello Luis. I don’t know if you’ve found your answer yet, but as a long time kratom user, I have found reds to be the best for pain relieving and relaxation. These properties are different from person to person, and if you’re interested, try all three types and different strains. What’s best for me may be completely different for you. However, red vein is generally the safest bet for pain relief.

      I have to suggest Reddit for all things kratom. The link is www.reddit.com/r/kratom. There are many kratom users there discussing such things as we are now. It is also a great encyclopedia of information for the plant, and you can use their vendor list to find a place to purchase the kratom you want.

      Good luck!

      1. Luis Gonzalez says:

        Thanks!!

  7. NCDad says:

    I started using Kratom after hearing this podcast (huge fan of BG for about a year now BTW)… I was having some chronic pain in my jaw following some dental work and am avoiding the normal ‘anti-inflammatory’ crap. I found some favorable results after starting this regimen so thought I would share.

    I’m using Coastline Kratom and started with 1/2 teaspoon… I’m now up to 1 teaspoon in my morning coffee daily (about 2.3 grams). I like the white vein particularly… Started with a starter pack red/green/white which included the white vein bali variety. I ordered a white vein only variety pack (did Maeng Da today and this seems to be my favorite so far).

    As expected, I noticed a euphoric feeling even at this low dose. I felt enough of a release of anxiety that I was able to quit snuff tobacco (for about 1 month now) with very little want/need for tobacco in general. I do use nicotine lozenges @4mg, but these alone never really kept me from wanting tobacco on previous attempts to quit. I’m feeling pretty confident that I will be able to drop my tobacco habit for good now.

    I didn’t realize that my “chaw” habit was helping me deal with anxiety… I’ve had it all my life so never really new any better until I started using kratom. Kratom just does a much better job of helping me get over my anxiety so when I take it, I don’t long for the snuff any more. I find it much easier to engage my parasympathetic nervous system so my meditation has been enhanced as well. I do notice that I am more productive as well as a result which is a huge bonus.

    Other supplements: I also started taking Organifi red in the AM and green at night… These are great as well and seem to amplify and/or extend some of the kratom effects for me (much more energy from the red for sure). I started these a couple weeks after I started kratom and quit tobacco.

    1. AWESOME!! Thanks for sharing– where did you order from? I'd love to pass this on to them.

  8. ct says:

    Even at the “responsible” dosage, this will tend to be like other drugs over time. Slowly, you’ll notice a malaise and lethargy setting in either several hours before or after you consume. Outside activities will lose their appeal, and you’ll find yourself craving kratom.

    Do this a year or more, and you’ll have withdrawals. Restless leg, extreme drowsy spells, stomach aches, loss of appetite.

    I speak from experience. I’ve been using it about 2 years, averaging 8-10g/day now. Not a whole lot, but more than the first year. I upped because I was feeling so crappy and tired all the time after about 1 year. This last year, I’ve wished I had never started, but kept up to keep the w/d symptoms at bay.

    I’ve been tapering down for about 10 days. I’m down to only 4g, still its NO FUN. So, use if you want, but it is not free of addictive qualities. Very naive to assume that.

  9. Great podcast as usual, I love it when Ben knows more than the “Expert” ; ) Keep up the awesome work Ben!!! You are my hero!!!!

  10. Fred says:

    Ben, can specify what “red” and “white” Katrom products you use from Coastline? Thanks, Fred

    1. All of them…I've used the red sample pack and also the white sampler pack! I like to vary from strain to strain.

  11. Terri Bolton says:

    I have used kratom for the past decade. At 37 I was diagnosed with cervical cancer and severe endometriosis. I was facing the rest of my life being thrown into early menopause and severe pain from endo cells forever in my spine and abdomen. For those of you not familiar with the disease, those cells can never be removed and cause internal bleeding due to any hormonal fluctuations. Kratom allowed me to treat pain instead of narcotics such as dilaudid and percocet. As someone who has spent my life avoiding pharmaceuticals and anything not natural I believe kratom has been such an amazing alternative to that which I have always tried to avoid. And while I appreciate those with the point of view that kratom is addictive I strongly feel that addiction is part of the individual’s genetic make-up and with anything or any substance, one can become addicted. Kratom has never been something I was concerned about addiction with. This plant has allowed me to live relatively pain free and healthier than I would have been without it.

    1. Ric says:

      Not blaming the plant, dude. Everyone keeps saying that, and while it sounds good to keep saying we are just a bunch of irresponsible junkies who are mad at a plant, all we are trying to say is take kratom if you want, but before you do, know this: You can get addicted to it. It is proven to cause cross-tolerance to other opioids in mouse models. That alone is sufficient evidence that it acts just as an opioid does. Just want people to know what they are getting into–that is all. Also, just because something is all-natural doesn’t mean it’s all good. It is just a syllogism that sounds like it makes sense. Opium is also all natural.

      1. Dan says:

        Good point!

    2. Ric says:

      Sorry. That comment was for responsible user.

    3. Dennis says:

      “As someone who has spent my life avoiding pharmaceuticals and anything not natural “. Maybe you should try morphine, codeine or thebaine? They are natural alkaloids produced directly from the poppy plant. If taken as directed they are far less addictive then a user who doesn’t follow the doctors instructions would experience. And since your ailments appear to be chronic or long term there is no need to worry about addiction anyway. I have been taking opiates for over ten years and only once suffered from withdrawals when I moved to another state and changed doctors. They do not work well during peak activity periods but recovery from painful physical activity is a lot quicker then having nothing or having something with far less strength.

  12. Responsible User says:

    I wanted to say that when used RESPONSIBLY, Kratom can be a miraculous, life changing, life enhancing plant supplement. I say supplement because that’s the attitude one should have towards it – treating it like something taken to enhance health, not to get high from. I have never exceeded more than 10g of Kratom in a day in my history of using it, and I never will. I respect my tolerance, the potency of the Kratom I take, and I DO NOT ABUSE IT OR GET HIGH FROM IT. I know for a fact many people complaining about how addictive Kratom is are abusing the plant and not listening to their bodies. They take 10-50g daily and wonder why they feel the way they feel. They are addicts, unwilling to address their underlying psychological motivations to use and abuse Kratom. It frustrates me to see people who didn’t know how to responsibly use the plant come on here and demonize it when it was them, the user, with the problem, not the plant itself. I don’t know why any logical person thinks 15+ grams a day is healthy. Who thinks ANY substance is harmless? If it makes you feel good, it’s logical not to abuse it. When you abuse it and it upsets you, was it the plant’s fault? Kratom, when used responsibly, with care, and with respect, IS the answer to the opioid epidemic.

    1. Flow says:

      Like you, I only took 5g/day, for over 3 years. It was definitely addictive, with heavy physical withdrawals that lasted a week, and another 6 weeks of PAWS. Quitting kratom was the hardest thing I ever did, even at those low doses. I’m in my late 30s, dedicated to health and fitness, and have never been addicted to anything else. So please don’t make blanket statements that it’s non-addictive for everyone at lower doses. Some people are unlucky, maybe bad genetics, but this stuff really messed me up.

  13. Adam says:

    I think the conflict with People saying it’s dangerous is they are the ones over doing it. Most take less than 10g a day and have no problems taking breaks, but you go to the quittingkratom sub on Reddit to see the ones trash talking this miracle plant we’re taking upwards of 30-50g a day and using extracts!! So yea it’s not so good when you abuse it and become irresponsible, caffeine and coffee would be terrible to come off of at that amount.

    This plant has helped me in ways it would be hard to explain. I’ve been sober off traditional opiates for almost a decade, and now have a chronic injury. This plant allows me to continue life without being a slave to pharmaceuticals. I take breaks and only use around 10g a day. I have not experienced anything like what the people at quitting Kratom have said.

    The takeaway would be that this plant can be a lifesaver if used responsibly, and pretty uncomfortable if used irresponsibly. But even at irresponsible levels it’s still far safer than traditional opiates. It’s virtually impossible to overdose on. So please do not be deterred by the ignorance of some who can’t see past their own irresponsibility.

    1. Cathy Cooke says:

      I think is an over generalization here. I have tried to use Kratom ‘responsibly’ a hand full of times. Every single time I have gotten very depressed and anxious the following day. I was using a very small dose (about 3-4 grams). I have a good friend that took it sporadically for a few months (at around 5-6grams), when he stopped, he became severely depressed. He couldn’t work for over a month and attempted to get into rehab. I think this podcast is somewhat irresponsible in it’s miraculous claims. I am 100% pro-plant medicine, but not everyone responds well to everything. Please be cautious!

  14. EJcRV says:

    I have a 23yr old son who is profoundly disabled. I have blown out a couple of discs, hip is bad and a rotator needing surgery. All in my effort to continue his care and allow him to stay at home with my wife and I.

    Kratom as helped allow me to do this. Opiates are definitely not a road I want to go down. I suffered with withdrawl from opiates after I had major surgery a few years ago. I never want to go through that again.

    I have used kratom on and off for 4yrs now. I have had several labs done by my doctor and hospital and have never shown problems from kratom.

    Also, stopping kratom does not bring about the kind of withdrawls opiates do. It really has been a godsend. My stomach was even able to heal from the amount of ibuprofen I use to take.

    Most people need to truly educate themselves about kratom. Not read the negative, uneducated articles written.

  15. Mike says:

    I’ve taken kratom for quite a few months, about 10 grams a day, to help with mood problems. It gives me some resilience to deal with stress and conflict, helps me stay generous, patient, and sympathetic.

    A surprising side-effect: it made me quit drinking alcohol! I didn’t even want to quit, alcohol wasn’t a negative influence in my life. But I just started disliking it. Strange, but I accept it!

    1. Michael Shrieve says:

      Which strain are you using?

  16. Kyle says:

    This plant has improved my overall quality of life by quite a bit, and has given me nothing negative so far.

    I have taken kratom once daily nearly every day for more than 4 years. My dose is typically about 7 to 15g. I have occasionally had to take breaks of two weeks or longer due to international travel, and have never experienced withdrawal symptoms worse than a few yawns or a bit of trouble sleeping.

    As with any plant or drug, do your research and use responsibly. If you have an addictive personality, avoid it or set strict limits for your intake and you should be fine. All the comments here saying kratom is as addictive as opioid drugs are ridiculous. Your mileage may vary, but if you don’t enjoy it or feel you are becoming addicted, then simply stop taking it.

    1. abusafian says:

      Hi Jen B,

      Hope your well, I have ulcerative colitis and I was wondering what dosage do you take for Crohn’s and what strain of kratom do you use? As you know IBD can be very difficult to deal with.

      Cheers

      Abusafian

  17. Jen B. says:

    If used responsibly this plant is amazing. I have Crohn’s disease, along with chronic pain and fatigue, add anxiety on top of all that. Kratom has drastically improved my life since I started taking it. I take a set amount every day, always wait at least 5 hours in between doses, never chase effects, or take more to feel more, and take regular tolerance breaks. I treat the plant with respect and gratitude for the relief it has given me.

  18. SomeGuy says:

    Kratom saved my life. I’m eternally grateful for it. Made stopping opiates so easy. I’ve never looked back! And then stepped down the Kratom with no problems at all. If you’re a responsible adult there’s no real dependence to worry about. Avoid massive amounts and extracts and it’s an amazing plant. Seems like a lot of people here are trying to blame Kratom for their lack of responsibility. And some people will just get addicted to anything.

    1. Justin says:

      spoken like someone who has never had to kick an actual opiate habit.

    2. Julie says:

      good for you!

      Same thing for me. Gotta be ready to do it and take responsibility.

  19. Micah says:

    Kicking kratom is just as bad as kicking traditional opiates if not worse.

  20. Andrew says:

    If you are taking 3-4 grams of kratom a day there will be no withdrawal.

    I have taken kratom for a long time for anxiety.

    There are weeks that I go without it. No problems, nothing like some people in this comment section are describing

    I don’t believe it is as habit forming as people in these comments are letting on.

    If you take large amounts or extracts you are headed for trouble. Moderation is the key and taking pure plain leaf from a reputable source is important. Some vendors mix in phenibut or other substances into their kratom, those people should be avoided.

    Kratom helps me to live a more normal life. It should be respected and not abused. If you are taking large amounts frequently you are abusing it and should take a break

  21. James says:

    So I tried kratom from a smoke shop after listening to this podcast. My mood became more positive in high doses and at low doses I didn’t feel anything. I know the product I purchased must have been “low grade” but honestly it made me feel pretty good. I order the beginners pack from coastline because I have trouble sleeping. The most interesting effect from the Kratom is that it gave me energy and also helped me focus.

  22. Bruce says:

    I have been taking Kratom for over 5 years, I take frequent breaks and have had more problems stopping coffee then kratom when I take breaks. If you are taking a reasonable amount of plain leaf,less than 5 grams a day, then there are no problems stopping, at least in my experience. If you’re taking more than 5 grams a day you need to ask yourself why, when 5 grams or less can get the job done. As someone with arthritis and DDD I deal with a lot of pain, and kratom has saved my life. It’s about being a responsible person and not blaming a plant for having an addictive personality.

  23. Justin says:

    everyone posting negative comments is from the quittingkratom subreddit. most of the people there were incredibly irresponsible with their use of kratom. anyone claiming that kratom gave them severe withdrawals were more than likely taking massive amounts of it. it certainly can be addictive and there are downsides but the experiences of the people from that forum are NOT the majority. Ive been taking responsible amounts (5 to 10 grams) daily and regularly take breaks with minimal withdrawal. Ive been through real opiate withdrawal, the two are not even similar, at least not to me

  24. Rattadoor says:

    Please stay away from this stuff. It is very addictive. Took me a year to get off t. I Lost hair, my sex drive and developed a panic disorder. It is garbage. Do your research. Visit the quitting kratom thread on Reddit as others have suggested. We have no agenda here but preventing people from going what we went through. Please research!

  25. Rozalind says:

    Kratom destroyed my life. I got addicted to it after 3 years of responsible use for treating PTSD. If you think people can’t get addicted to it check out the quitting Kratom Reddit group. You’re just going from one addiction to another. I never had any opioid or addiction issues for that matter until I used Kratom. There’s always a negative side & people should know both sides.

  26. Mike says:

    Yeah… I fell for the “it’s addictive as coffee” story. It’s far, far, far from coffee. I mean, maybe it’s as easy to get hooked on kratom as coffee is? Quitting it is nothing like coffee.

    I would strongly advise against using such an addictive substance. The cravings are unbearable and make you miserable as balls. Depression to the point of suicide idealization for close to 1 month!

    That’s a long time to be looking at oncoming cars and bridges with an obscure point of view.

    It’s really not worth it. At all.

    By the time you know you’re hooked, it’s too late.

    1. SomeGuy says:

      I find coffee way worse withdrawal wise. It gives me extreme depression and migraines. Kratom just makes me drowsy for a day or two.

  27. My name is Patrick and I am an addict says:

    I think Chris brought up some valid points that people forget when regulation and oversight are implemented. That is, testing substances for containments and my biggest concerns are organophosphates, mold/mycotoxins, and adulterants. As someone who works in healthcare and prior to that drug rehab, I fear people forget there may be unknown variables at play not being accounted for their troubles with kratom. I take a potent form of kratom extract for pain associated with a hip replacement as well, more so prior to surgery though. It’s an 8% isolate of Mitragynine which is much different than these 15X or 50X extracts. This is a measured percentage of the alkaloids not just boiled down concentrates spray dried. It is amazingly helpful and I took massive doses of it as well as other contentrates. I was able to stop cold turkey with no side affects. I can’t say this is true for all of my pharmacological endeavors over the years. Phenibuit had terrible withdrawal symptoms, I’ve also withdrawn from alcohol, methamphetamines, opioids and believe it or not marijuana (yes you can have withdrawal symptoms). I truly believe if you WANT to get high off this product you can but that goes for permanent markers to heroin. I could make anything habit forming, why, because I am an addict. I was a homeless drug addict before graduating high school. Now I am clean for 13 years (06/21/04), this product helped me keep my clean time and not fall down the slippery slope of synthetic opiates and opioids. Which are hands down more dangerous than Kratom in isolation either whole leaf or extract will ever be. If you are addicted to kratom there is help for you, please find a meeting and share your experience. Ben is not an addict; he can drink wine, take mushrooms, smoke or ingest cannabis and not, in turn, ruin his life. People are different, I cannot drink but have no issues with kratom. The best starting place for recovery from any addiction is acceptance and surrender. A way to get there is to stop trying to be understood and try to understand.

  28. Tim Tepp says:

    I was curious because of the issues at hand, do you know if it would make you piss a negative on a pee test for drugs. Just don’t want to take any chances with it is all.

    1. In some states, Kratom Is illegal. You will test positive on a drug test if they are testing for it.

    2. Shannon says:

      Problem with the urine tests is that there is adulterated kratom on the market. Many reports of positives for other substances, while the user is only using kratom.

  29. Cass says:

    Just listened to this podcast this morning, got so excited for something natural that may help my hubby with his migraines other than pills and deep tissue massage and then I learn it’s illegal in Australia! FFS :(

    Got anything else up your sleeve that can help?

  30. Scott says:

    A couple of quick comments:

    1. Kratom is not legal in a few states.
    http://speciosa.org/home/kratom-legality-map/

    2. Lots of online forums for people trying to quit Kratom, so some people may become addicted to Kratom.

  31. Rick Cartwright says:

    Ben, a lot of people listen to your words. Please be mindful that this stuff is not like coffee. There are 2635 people on Reddit quitting kratom that say otherwise. Long term use of this stuff causes loss of drive, hair-loss, and addiction and severe withdrawal syndrome.

  32. Rick Cartwright says:

    This stuff is nothing like coffee. It is addictive, and comes with a very long protracted withdrawal period. I am almost 70 days clean from it. I quantify my performance, and my time on my 5k is still way slower than pre-kratom levels. I have also taken many other opiates. I find little difference between kratom and other opiate withdrawals. Please do not act like this stuff is like coffee. That is exactly how I got hooked. I love your podcast, but, to appropriate a phrase from Joe Rogan, my B.S. meter went off the charts with this episode. Go to reddit-quitting kratom, and you will see 2,635 people who are addicted to this stuff. It affects sex drive and hormones after extended use, and many experienced pronounced hair-loss. I am not with the dea, or big pharma. I just think you should give people a clear picture of a product which you are recommending. Many people listen to your words.

  33. Sam says:

    Not saying that Kratom isn’t better than oxy or heroine, and I’m not saying i support any sort of drug

    prohibition, but this shit is definitely habit forming as fuck.

    Started using this stuff every evening about two months ago. Decided to stop this week because it’s expensive. Now I’m on day three of kratom withdrawals and it SUCKS. Full-body restless leg (terrible), depression (moderate), anxiety (periodic, but bad), etc. The first night, didn’t sleep one wink. Now, some 60+ hours later, still shaking uncontrollably (but less than i was) and the world seems sad and pointless.

    That’s my personal experience and i advise against anything approaching daily usage. If you’re using daily, taper it down rather than going CT (like I’m doing…. keep telling myself the worst part is behind me).

  34. Gary Patterson says:

    Duh, Chris Bell is a Kratom expert and didn’t know about Vit C enhancement ??

    I have been a part time user for a while and that’s one of the things you first pick up on, with rudimentary searches.

    1. Sterling says:

      © 2016 Coastline Kratom. All Rights Reserved. Coastline Kratom’s products are intended exclusively for soap-making and aromatherapy purposes, not human consumption.

  35. Anthony Llabres says:

    From the COastline Website: “Not intended for human consumption”

    1. Yep. The FDA regulates this stuff pretty heavily. ;)

  36. Steven R says:

    It drives me crazy how few people know about this amazing plant. Every time I read an opiate epidemic type story (feels like every day now) I think to myself if only these people knew about kratom yet there will be zero mention of it in these articles or in the comments section either. Everyone who supports kratom needs to do their best to help get the word out raise awareness. The more people who get exposed to the wonderful helpful effects this supplement can provide the more educated and less fearful our society can become. Kratom should and hopefully will be a household word very soon but isn’t going to happen unless we all stand up and speak about it.

  37. DD says:

    Kratom is works great for physical pain and mild depression but the downside is the price. My optimal dose is between 6-8 grams and I’m a muscular 185 lbs 5’9″ male. The dose seems to peak in an hour and fades significantly after 2 hours. I could easily use $200 plus worth of kratom per month. Too bad plants have to cost so much.

  38. Ed says:

    Hey Ben,

    Great podcasts, thank you.

    Just wanted to let u know the Sleep Master link below is broken, in case your not aware.

  39. Charles Hall says:

    Thanks for this podcast. It helped answer several of the questions I had about kratom. Unfortunately, we need to remind listeners that this herb is illegal in several states (including my own!). Let’s hope the DEA will give researchers the chance to clarify the alleged toxicity and addictive properties rather than just ban it completely.

    I also want to thank Ben for some great advice in general. I’ve tried several of the products he’s mentioned and some done nothing and others have helped considerably!

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