Vaping of Kratom has evolved as a new form of Kratom consumption in comparison to its traditional ways (such as in powders, capsules, or using teas). Through vaporizing kratom, one achieves a quick-action, inconspicuous, and adjustable effect. However, like any novel trend, vaping of kratom has both its possible positive aspects and some significant setbacks.
In this blog, we’ll discuss everything related to kratom vaping, such as discovering the safest kratom vaping methods, kratom vaping main benefits and risks, and kratom vaping side effects.
What Is Kratom Vaping?
Kratom vaping entails heating a liquid concentrate of kratom alkaloids, mainly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and vaping it through either a vape pen or e-cigarette gadget. It is commonly made with a liquid foundation whose content may include propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin to form the vapor.
This technique causes the rapid dispensation of the active compounds of kratom into the bloodstream through the lungs without going through the digestive system.
Upon usage, the effect of vaping the kratom can be noted to be quicker than the conventional way of usage, which is oral.
What is a Kratom Vape?
A kratom vape is a device that heats a kratom extract, typically in liquid form, to produce an inhalable vapor. This offers a different route of administration compared to traditional oral methods. Essentially, instead of ingesting kratom, you’re inhaling its vaporized compounds.
There are a few main types of kratom vape products:
- Disposable kratom vape pens: These are all-in-one devices that come pre-filled with kratom e-liquid. They’re ready to use right out of the box and are disposed of after the e-liquid runs out. They are known for ease of use.
- Refillable kratom vape pens: These devices have a tank or cartridge that you can refill with kratom e-liquid. They offer more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the long run, but require a bit more maintenance.
- Kratom e-liquids/extracts: This is the liquid form of kratom used in vapes. It’s typically a concentrated extract of kratom alkaloids, often mixed with other ingredients like vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) to create a smooth vapor.
Unlike kratom powder or capsules, kratom vape utilizes extracts, which may be more concentrated. Understanding the differences between these forms is crucial for responsible use.
How to Use Kratom Vape
Using a kratom vape is relatively straightforward but requires some familiarity with vaping devices:
- Choose a reputable kratom vape product: Look for products with third-party lab testing to ensure purity and potency.
- Charge your vape pen or device: Most kratom vapes are either disposable or refillable vape pens.
- Prime the coil: This helps prevent dry hits and prolongs coil life.
- Inhale slowly and gently: Start with a small puff to gauge your tolerance and the potency of the product.
- Wait for effects: Effects can be felt within minutes due to rapid absorption.
- Adjust dosage carefully: Because vaping delivers kratom quickly and efficiently, start low and increase gradually to avoid overconsumption.
Can You Vape Kratom?
It is possible to vape kratom, yet the process remains complicated despite the affirmative response. The kratom industry now presents its users with two new consumption methods, including vape pens and e-liquids.
People looking for urgent pain relief consider methods that quickly provide their bodies with Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine alkaloids found in Kratom.
The devices commonly used for vaping fail to demonstrate any improved speed when it comes to kratom consumption. Too much heat applied to Kratom alkaloids during the heating process causes significant damage.
A vaping device normally operates at temperatures between 400 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit to convert vape juice into vapor.
Kratom’s alkaloids aren’t stable if below or above temperatures of 39-176 degrees Fahrenheit.
When you get to those higher temps, like what is common for vaping devices and vape pens, then the active alkaloids are diminished, degraded, or destroyed.
How Does Vaping Kratom Work?
Through the highest temperature exposure, a substance transforms into vapor that the user breathes. In the case of kratom and vape, the process typically involves:
- Kratom Extracts: The main chemical agents in kratom are derived from leaf extraction and then transferred into a vapor delivery medium.
- Vape Pens or Devices: Vape pens, along with similar devices, accept liquid for heating into a vapor state.
- Inhalation: While inhaling the vapor, the compounds move from the lungs into the bloodstream.
Is It Legal To Vape Kratom?
Most United States regions permit the legal use of Kratom. As of now, the Food and Drug Administration has failed to establish any policy regarding preferred kratom consumption methods. Typically, the states may set the minimum age for Kratom purchase or consumption at 18 or 21.
Since regulators have not established rules for vaping, the substance receives similar treatment to Kratom.
Federally, the practice is legal, while flavored disposables have been outlawed to protect the youth to whom these products were targeted.
This follows concerns over lung disorders associated with vaping and concerns over teens becoming addicted to using vapes for nicotine.
A large number of botanical substances have entered discussions about vaping. CBD, CBD flower, other cannabinoids, marijuana, chamomile, passionflower, hibiscus, and even catnip. And yes, Kratom.
As with many other botanicals, the federal government doesn’t get involved much if the substance isn’t listed as a drug to be controlled. So, the states are left to decide what’s best for their constituents.
Benefits Of Vaping Kratom
Many users find kratom vapes appealing due to their convenience and modern appeal. Below are some key advantages:
1. Rapid Onset
Comparison-wise, inhaling permits a faster transfer of compounds into the blood as compared to ingested forms of consumption. This is capable of bringing about more immediate impacts, though the time changes depending on the individual.
2. Potentially Enhanced Bioavailability
The higher the percentage of active compounds that can be absorbed during vaping, the more they occur. Some can be lost after being digested when you consume kratom. Vaping may help avoid this factor, thus resulting in a more productive use of the product.
3. Convenience and Discretion
The vape pens tend to be small, portable, and convenient. They are also not as smelly as some of the traditional methods of doing the same, making it a more discreet idea. To see more discreet ways to take kratom, read our blog: Kratom On The Go.
4. Potentially More Manageable Dosing
However, vaping is in no way foolproof, but some control can be gained over the dosage, particularly with the pre-filled cartridges. With a relatively consistent amount per puff, it is easier to know the amount of intake (though you still require close attention).
5. Flavor Options and Avoidance of Taste
Different flavors of kratom vape liquids exist, which are meant to cover the bitter taste of the kratom at times. This may be of great benefit to those who do not want to taste the natural flavor.
Kratom Vaping Side Effects
Despite the novelty of kratom and vape, there are significant risks and drawbacks to consider:
1. Lack of Research
Only scarce research about kratom vaping effects exists. The use of tea or capsules to consume kratom remains traditional since vaping this substance represents a recently untested approach.
Research data must be sufficient to evaluate the long-term security and performance of vaping kratom.
2. Potential Health Risks
The use of vaping as a method produces health dangers that damage the lungs and cause exposure to dangerous substances. The extractive process used for kratom and vape might unintentionally produce new unidentified substances.
The health risks from the improper purification of solvents become present when producing kratom e-liquids.
3. Inefficient Delivery
The alkaloids from kratom exist in a form inappropriate for inhalation as a form of consumption. The molecular composition of these compounds makes them less absorbable by lung tissue than by the digestive system, leading to a possible reduction in the intended results.
A higher frequency of vaping, often triggered by inefficient consumption, becomes a risk factor for adverse outcomes.
4. Quality and Purity Concerns
The kratom market operates without standard regulations, and this results in inconsistent quality levels of kratom vape products. Unsafe or unpredictable products exist due to their inclusion of additives and contaminants and variable alkaloid concentrations.
How to Use Kratom Vape Safely
- Start low and go slow: Begin with small puffs and wait several minutes before increasing the dose.
- Use reputable products: Only buy kratom vape liquids from trusted vendors with lab testing.
- Avoid mixing substances: Do not combine kratom vaping with other stimulants or depressants.
- Stay hydrated: Vaping can cause dry mouth and throat irritation.
- Monitor your body’s response: Stop use if you experience severe side effects.
- Maintain your device: Clean and replace coils regularly to ensure safe vaporization.
Final Thoughts
Kratom vaping is an emerging method of consumption that combines convenience and rapid effects but comes with notable risks and unknowns. The benefits include quick onset, discreet use, and customizable potency, while downsides include potential lung irritation, risk of overuse, cost, and lack of long-term safety data.
Before trying kratom vape, consider your health status, research product quality, and consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying conditions. Responsible use and informed decisions will help you get the most out of kratom vaping while minimizing risks.