Kratom and Weed: What Happens When You Combine the Two?

Mixing kratom and weed is more common than you’d think, and way more debated. But what really happens when you use both? Here’s what we do know: there's a growing number of people co-using both, the science is catching up, and there’s more to this combo than meets the eye. In this guide, we’ll walk you through reports, current findings, and what to keep in mind if you’re exploring both.

What’s the Deal with Kratom and Weed Together?

Mixing kratom and weed isn’t new, but there’s no solid research to tell you what actually happens when they’re combined. People say all kinds of things; some swear by the combo, others regret trying it even once.

Both kratom and cannabis are from plants, sure, but they work totally differently in your body. Kratom’s active compounds hit opioid receptors. Cannabis, especially something like D9THC, does its thing through the endocannabinoid system. That's like trying to run two apps that were never meant to sync.

So, what's driving the popularity? Here's where it gets interesting:

• A recent national survey found that over 92% of kratom users had also used cannabis in their lifetime. That’s not a typo.
• A study by NIDA researchers confirmed the overlap. And not just lifetime use, this includes regular co-use in the same timeframe.
• There’s no formal guide on using them together, but users aren’t waiting around for one.

You can get deeper into that discussion with our article on mixing kratom and marijuana. It unpacks what the community is saying, without the scare tactics.

Here’s what you should know before even thinking about combining the two:

Primary Action

• Kratom: Works on opioid-like receptors
• Cannabis: Works on cannabinoid receptors

Typical Use

• Kratom: Commonly taken in powder or capsule form
• Cannabis: Common in edible, flower, or extract formats

User-Reported Effects (Varied)

• Kratom: Energy or chill, depending on strain
• Cannabis: Depends on strain and dosage

Legal Status

• Kratom: Legal in many states, varies locally
• Cannabis: State-dependent legality

What Users Say When Mixed

• Kratom: Can be relaxing, can also cause nausea or dizziness
• Cannabis: Effects change depending on timing and tolerance

(We’re not endorsing mixing, just laying out what’s being said.)

Some people jump into mixing without really knowing what either one does on its own. That’s where things get messy. Even if both are legal and available from trusted sources like Apotheca, that doesn’t mean combining them is predictable.

If you're exploring both, we suggest starting with information like this. Learn how each one works, read personal stories, and keep it real. No combo is one-size-fits-all.

Is It Safe to Mix Kratom and Cannabis?

There’s no confirmed safe way to mix kratom and cannabis. People try it, sure, but they’re mostly relying on guesswork, not medical advice or proven data.

Let’s not sugarcoat it. You’ve got two active substances. Two different systems in the body. And no official safety playbook.

Now, are people mixing them anyway? Most of the time. But that doesn’t make it safe or smart. Most of what’s out there is based on personal stories, not actual science. One user might say, “This combo chills me out like nothing else.” Another will tell you it knocked them out cold, gave them the spins, or triggered anxiety for hours.

So what should you keep in mind?

Here’s what we’d think about first:

• You’re working with two compounds that have totally separate ways of interacting with your body. That alone makes it unpredictable.
• The timing matters. Some people take kratom first, then cannabis. Some do the reverse. It changes the outcome every time.
• Tolerance plays a big role. If you’re new to either one, combining them ups the chances of side effects.
• Your body chemistry is your own. What hit your friend just right might wreck your entire afternoon.
• Some users report feeling lightheaded, sluggish, or dizzy. Not always, but it happens enough to be part of the story.

As mentioned earlier, over 92% of people who had used kratom also had a history of cannabis use. And many were using both around the same time. But even with that overlap, there’s no formal guideline on what’s considered “okay” when these two substances are taken together.

If you’re even slightly unsure, talk to someone who knows what they’re doing. We don’t offer medical advice, and we’re definitely not handing out instructions. But we can help you make informed choices. You can always explore our cannabinoid collection or look through our full kratom product lineup to better understand your options, just keep them separate unless you’ve done your homework.

How Do Kratom and Cannabis Affect the Body?

Kratom and cannabis impact totally different systems in your body. That’s why mixing them can feel inconsistent, sometimes fine, sometimes weird, sometimes nothing at all.

They might both come from plants, but that’s where the similarities stop. Kratom and cannabis are wired for different pathways. Think of it like trying to run two apps built for different operating systems. They might open, but don’t expect them to sync.

Here’s how they actually work:

Kratom

Let’s start here. Kratom’s main alkaloid, mitragynine, interacts with the same receptors opioids latch onto, but it’s not classified as an opioid. It acts on several types of receptors, including:

• Opioid receptors (mu, delta, kappa)
• Adrenergic receptors (alpha-1, alpha-2)
• Some serotonin and dopamine receptors, too

Now, how your body responds depends on what kind of kratom you’re using, how much, and how often. That’s a lot of variables. Different strains contain different amounts of active compounds like speciociliatine or paynantheine, and yeah, those names are hard to pronounce but very real in their effects.

Cannabis

Now flip the switch. Cannabis does its thing through your endocannabinoid system, a whole network of receptors designed to regulate things like sleep, appetite, and stress. Most people focus on two components:

• THC (specifically Delta-9 THC) which interacts with CB1 receptors
• CBD, which doesn’t bind the same way but still has wide-reaching effects

Cannabis works differently depending on how you take it, how potent the strain is, and what your tolerance is. Some people respond quickly. Others barely notice anything. It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal.

Let’s put this in context:

Target System

• Kratom: Opioid-like receptors
• Cannabis: Endocannabinoid system

Key Compounds

• Kratom: Mitragynine, 7-Hydroxymitragynine
• Cannabis: THC, CBD

Receptor Focus

• Kratom: µ-opioid, adrenergic, serotonergic
• Cannabis: CB1, CB2 receptors

Common Uses (Non-medical)

• Kratom: Focus, unwind, ritualistic use
• Cannabis: Ease, creativity, and personal reset

Risk with Combo

• Kratom: Amplified exposure, delayed effects
• Cannabis: Heightened response, unpredictable interaction

Here’s something worth noting: a recent pharmacokinetic study in rats showed that when kratom and CBD were used together, the body absorbed kratom alkaloids more intensely. Like, up to 6 times more for some compounds. That’s a huge shift. The same dose now hits harder and lingers longer. Not always in a good way.

What Are People Saying About Combining Kratom and Weed?

It depends on who you ask. Some say the combo works for them. Others say it was way too much. And then there’s a whole group that didn’t feel anything at all.

Scroll through Reddit, Discord threads, or niche kratom groups, and you’ll see a mixed bag of real-world feedback. That’s where most of the insight lives, because official studies haven’t caught up. People are trying this combo on their own and learning as they go, which isn’t always the smoothest approach.

And it’s not just internet talk. Research backs the crossover too. In a study of over 5000 kratom users, about 12.5% reported co-using cannabis, second only to CBD. That’s a pretty telling stat. 

People clearly try it, but not always for the same reason. Some are chasing balance. Others just happen to have both and experiment. There’s no one clear pattern, which makes it harder to predict.

Is There a Best Way to Use Both?

There’s no official method or safe protocol. Some people try it casually, others build routines around it, but there's no proven playbook to follow.

No government agency or research group has released any formal advice on mixing kratom and weed. People mostly learn through trial and error or word of mouth. Sometimes it works out. Sometimes they swear never again.

Still, there are patterns. In forums, reviews, and surveys, a few themes keep popping up.

Here’s what experienced users say they tend to do (not advice, just observations):

• Start small. People often test with a light dose of one, wait, then decide if the second even feels necessary.
• Avoid back-to-back dosing. Some space things out. One in the morning, one in the afternoon. Or hours apart.
• Track what you’re using. Not all kratom strains or cannabis products hit the same. A full-spectrum Delta-9 edible isn’t equal to a microdose gummy. Check the options here.
• Know your source. This isn’t the time for sketchy packaging or unlabeled bags. Every product at Apotheca is third-party tested and clearly labeled.
• Pay attention to the order. Some say they feel better when they use kratom first, cannabis later. Others say the reverse felt smoother. No one agrees.

We’re not here to encourage mixing. But we are about informed choices. If you’re interested in understanding both sides of this combo, get familiar with the source first. 

What’s the Difference Between Kratom, Kava, and THC?

They’re all plant-based, but they don’t act the same. Kratom, kava, and THC work on completely different systems in your body, and shouldn’t be lumped together.

Kratom

Comes from Southeast Asia. It’s made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree in the coffee family. People use it for everything from daily rituals to more specific routines. Its primary compound, mitragynine, interacts with receptors linked to the opioid system, but it’s not an opioid. That detail alone makes kratom stand out.

Kava

This one’s different. Kava is a root, traditionally used in the South Pacific. It contains compounds called kavalactones. These influence GABA pathways, which affect relaxation and motor control. You’ll usually see it in powder, extract, or drink form.

Here’s the catch: Kava has a reputation for being calming, but it can impact the liver with long-term use. That’s something many users overlook. It’s not as mainstream in the U.S., but you’ll see it in wellness shops more often now.

THC

This is the most well-known of the bunch. THC, especially Delta-9 THC, interacts with the endocannabinoid system. It binds with CB1 receptors in your brain, which explains why some people feel such strong effects even at low doses.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Kratom

• Source: Leaves of Mitragyna speciosa
• Main Target System: Opioid and adrenergic receptors
• Common Format: Powder, capsules, extracts

Kava

• Source: Root of the Piper methysticum plant
• Main Target System: GABA pathways
• Common Format: Teas, pastes, tinctures

THC (Delta-9)

• Source: Cannabis plant
• Main Target System: Endocannabinoid system (CB1/CB2)
• Common Format: Edibles, oils, flower

If you’re trying to understand the differences or shop smart, start with products that come with third-party test results and real sourcing info.

Should You Combine Kratom and Weed?

Mixing kratom and weed might sound simple, but what happens next can feel like a total wildcard. You’ve got two compounds hitting different receptors, reacting on their own timelines. Some users report a smooth ride. Others feel like they made a mistake they won’t repeat. That’s the risk when the combo has no roadmap.

So what now? You’ve read what people are saying. You’ve seen what the research is starting to show. You’ve probably asked yourself if it’s worth even trying. That’s your call, not ours. We just want you to go into it with your eyes open.

Got questions? Hit us up through our contact page or swing by one of our store locations. We’re not here to sell you on a feeling. We’re here to help you decide what fits.

FAQs About Kratom and Weed

Can kratom and weed be taken on the same day?

They can be, and some users do it regularly. But timing makes a difference. Someone might start their morning with kratom and not use cannabis until late afternoon. Others space them hours apart. If you’re asking this, it’s probably your first time combining them, so keep it slow, and don’t assume what works for someone else will feel the same for you.

Do kratom and cannabis interact in the body?

Yes. Research shows they both compete for processing enzymes like CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. In one study, using CBD with kratom increased exposure to mitragynine, the main kratom alkaloid, by more than two times. That means your usual kratom dose might feel different if cannabis is already in your system. It’s not just about feeling more or less, it’s about how long the effects last and how they show up.

Is there a preferred product type when combining both?

Not really. Some people go for edibles, others prefer capsules or powders. The combo itself isn’t standardized, and no single method works for everyone. That’s why transparency matters. Stick with tested products like what we carry at Apotheca, where you can actually read the label and know what’s inside.

How long do the effects last when you mix kratom and weed?

That’s tricky. When used together, some report that the effects stretch out longer than expected, sometimes hours longer. In animal studies, adding CBD delayed the time it took for kratom’s compounds to peak in the bloodstream. So yeah, it may hit slower, but stick around longer. Timing matters more than you think.

Are there people who shouldn’t combine kratom and cannabis?

If you’re new to either one or sensitive to strong effects, this combo probably isn’t for you. And if you’ve ever had a bad reaction to either, combining them doesn’t fix that. There’s also no guideline for people with underlying health conditions, so if that’s you, don’t guess.

Do people microdose kratom and cannabis together?

Some do. We’ve seen people mention low-dose pairings in online forums, especially folks experimenting with kratom powders and low-dose Delta 9 edibles. But microdosing is personal. There’s no official standard, and most of what you’ll find are anecdotal tips. If you're curious, try each product alone first. That’s how many users figure out what works.

Can combining both make you feel nothing at all?

Yes, it happens. Some users say they didn’t notice anything when using both, no synergy, no change, just a flat experience. It could be tolerance. It could be timing. Or maybe the products weren’t a match. Not feeling anything doesn’t mean it’s safe. It just means that dose combo didn’t do much for you.

Are there kratom strains that pair better with cannabis?

There’s no research confirming that. Some users say they prefer specific kratom strains based on what kind of cannabis they’re using, but it’s all personal preference. One person might like a red vein with a mellow edible. Someone else prefers green vein powder with something more energizing. Trial and error is how most people figure it out.

Why do some people combine them in the first place?

Curiosity is a big reason. Others try it because they’ve heard the combo can take the edge off or help with balance. The 2022 NSDUH survey found that over 90 percent of kratom users also used cannabis. It’s common, but that doesn’t mean it’s always intentional or well-planned. For some, it’s just a part of their routine that happened naturally.

Is it legal to buy both in the same state?

It depends on where you live. Some states allow both kratom and cannabis to be sold legally. Others restrict one or the other. Apotheca operates in states where products are compliant and tested, so you're not guessing if it's allowed. If you're unsure about your state, it’s worth double-checking before buying online or in person.