• Non-Intoxicating: CBD won't make you feel "stoned" or intoxicated. This makes it appealing for people looking for relief from certain symptoms without the mind-altering effects of THC.
• Sources: CBD can be extracted from hemp (a variety of cannabis with low THC levels) or marijuana (which typically has higher THC). In most legal contexts, hemp-derived CBD is what’s allowed.
• Common Uses:
  
  • Pain relief
  • Anxiety and stress reduction
  • Improving sleep
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Epilepsy treatment (notably, the FDA-approved drug Epidiolex is based on CBD)
• Forms of CBD:
  
  • Oils and tinctures
  • Capsules and softgels
  • Topicals (creams, balms)
  • Edibles (gummies, drinks)
  • Vape products
• Legal Status: In many places (like the U.S.), hemp-derived CBD is legal federally as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC, but state laws vary.
• Potential Side Effects:
  
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Interactions with medications
• Scientific Research: Still ongoing. While there’s promising evidence for some uses, much of the marketing around CBD outpaces the scientific validation.

1. Active Compounds:

• The main psychoactive ingredients are:
  
  • Mitragynine
  • 7-hydroxymitragynine

These compounds interact with opioid receptors in the brain, which is why kratom can produce both stimulating and sedative effects depending on the dose.

2. Effects:

• Low doses (1–5 grams): Mild stimulation, increased energy, alertness, sociability.
• Moderate to high doses (5–15 grams): Pain relief, sedation, euphoria; similar to opioids.
• Very high doses: Strong sedation, risk of side effects and toxicity.

3. Forms of Use:

• Chewing fresh leaves (traditional method)
• Powdered leaves (mixed with water, juice, or made into tea)
• Capsules and tablets
• Extracts and resins

4. Uses:

• Traditional: For manual laborers, to increase stamina and relieve fatigue.
• Modern: For chronic pain, opioid withdrawal, anxiety, and depression (anecdotally).

5. Risks and Side Effects:

• Nausea, constipation, dry mouth, loss of appetite
• Dependence and withdrawal symptoms (similar to opioids)
• Liver toxicity (in rare cases)
• Potential for abuse at high doses or frequent use

6. Legality:

• Legal status varies:
  
  • Legal and widely available in many U.S. states
  • Banned or restricted in others (e.g., Alabama, Indiana)

7. Regulation and Safety:

• Kratom is not FDA-approved for any medical use.
• There’s no standardized dosing, and the quality of kratom products can vary significantly.
• The FDA and CDC have warned about potential health risks, including contamination (e.g., with salmonella or heavy metals) and drug interactions.