Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain two alkaloids that have been used as traditional medicine in the region for thousands of years.
Although it’s a controversial substance, for the right people it can support sleep, provide an energy boost, and relieve pain. In specific instances, it can support addictive withdrawal from alcohol, opiates, and more.
Today in the United States, kratom is widely available. However, it’s mostly unregulated, which means there are both a lot of terrible brands and a lot of misinformation on the internet.
If you see companies claiming intricate and detailed differences between strains of the same colors, you’re being duped for a marketing scheme. Testing the alkaloid content of kratom isn’t an easy process, and few companies do it.
Perhaps even fewer are transparent in their manufacturing process, which is why the only kratom brand we recommend is Viable Kratom, because they’re honest about their products, and have the strictest third-party testing in the industry.
What Do Different Strain Colors Mean?
In terms of what we can say about the differences in strains with certainty, we know that red and white strains have different alkaloid contents. Red vein kratom has higher 7-hydroxy-mitragynine, and white vein has higher mitragynine.
Practically, this gives red vein kratom more of a sedative effect, and white more of a stimulating effect.
We covered this phenomenon more deeply in these articles on kratom for sleep and kratom for focus.
Green Kratom is Just a Mix
Green kratom strains aren’t a third strain, really. They’re a mix of white and red. Green is typically the most popular strain because it’s the most balanced. It’s not too much of an upper, and it won’t knock you out either.
Why Are The Strains Different?
All strains are the same species. So think of this like the difference between green tea and black tea. Like tea, it all comes from the same tree, and other variables shift the caffeine content of the tea, as well as its color and other properties.
Red and White Kratom Strains are Dried Differently
Oh look, another kratom strain chart to show you.
Red vein kratoms are dried in the sun, at, well, outdoor temperature.
White vein kratoms are dried in a greenhouse. This greenhouse environment is about 20 degrees hotter. And, it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
This accounts for the changes in the alkaloid contents of the kratom. Exactly what happens on a chemical level or why, we’re still not sure. Some chemistry happens.
What Regions Does Kratom Come From?
Kratom only comes from where the kratom trees grow, which incldes three major regions.
Indonesia is where almost all commercialized kratom comes from. That’s why you’ll see “Borneo” and “Sumatra” kratom. These refer to different islands in Indonesia.
In Malaysia, there are strict regulations. And in Thailand, as of 2022 there are changes in the works right now to make kratom available.
Kratom Strain Charts to Ignore
All over the internet, you’ll find charts showing bars with all kinds of effects that kratom has, and intricate differences between strains of the same color. This is just marketing bullshit.
This doesn’t mean there aren’t differences in batches of kratom. But the differences all rest in the alkaloid amount and percentage. The difference between a red vein Borneo and red vein Sumatra isn’t much. And it’s definitely not one we can quantify.
Again, don’t get kratom from sources claiming to have data when there actually isn’t any available. To learn more about whether kratom can support you, check out our articles on kratom for sleep, kratom for energy, and kratom for alcohol withdrawal.
And if you’re looking to try kratom, we can attest to Viable’s transparency and quality.
May 8, 2022 at 9:02 pm
Awesome article. The green is just a combo! Good to know. Thanks
May 9, 2022 at 2:07 am
I’ve been using Kratom now for over 5 years daily and I have to disagree with these statements. For me, personally, I find that Red keeps me awake and gives me energy where White makes me real sleepy. I’ve shred Kratom with many of my friends and loved ones and they have had the same effects from the colors as I have. Perhaps every person is different, but I think the claims as to what colors have what effects on people should be taken down.
May 9, 2022 at 1:02 pm
Thank you for this information. I never could figure out which train to use for which purpose or even a dosage to take. I guess it’s just trial and error. So am I assuming right that the red strain is best for pain such as arthritis pain?
May 9, 2022 at 8:12 pm
Thank you!
May 9, 2022 at 8:37 pm
Thank you for this! When I need to reorder I will shop with you.
May 10, 2022 at 6:26 am
Wonderful, truthful article about life-saving Kratom. Thank you for typing this up 👍🏼
June 28, 2022 at 8:54 am
Thank you for reading.
September 26, 2022 at 12:02 am
A bit of the information is off but mostly spot on. What accounts for the difference in color is the age of the plant, the time in which it’s harvested. White is still a fully mature plant, but it’s harvested at an earlier stage. Green is more mature, harvested later than white, and red is the latest stage of harvest. As the plant ages the veins of the leaf change color. People often mistakenly use the terminology of “strains.” This is incorrect because all Kratom (as you correctly mentioned) is the same plant. Why harvest at different times? Secondary alkaloids (second to mitragynine) build up over time creating a slight difference in profile which accounts for slight differences between each color. You are also correct in stating there’s small variation between say, a red Sumatra and a red Borneo. Those are the same plant, (as all Kratom is) both late stage harvests (red), grown in different locations. Different conditions such as a difference in nitrate levels in the soil can cause slight differences in the end result to a user. The difference is very marginal, and as you stated, there’s a lot of gimmicky marketing bullshit. However, because each person has a different body chemistry, they might find one preferable over another depending upon what they’re looking for. I tell my customers that dosage is far more important than the color when achieving the desired effects one is looking for. Mitragynine is nicknamed the Charmeleon Compound. Kratom has complex behavioral effects in humans. At low doses, it induces stimulatory effects, and at high doses, it induces sedative, relaxing, and analgesic effects.
Therefore, at low doses, kratom acts as a psychostimulant and at high doses like an opioid, regardless of the color your taking. Someone might take a white vein for energy because it’s always marketed as such…if they take a high dose, they’ll get the more sedative effects and become tired. Conversely, some may take a red as a sleep aid because it’s always marketed as the more sedative of the colors… however, a small dose of red will cause energizing effects. The different colors are slightly geared towards different things, however, dosage is infinitely more important than any individual color when looking for specific desired results. The Kratom you recommended (Viable Solutions brand) is the highest quality Kratom on the market, without a doubt. It’s held to the highest standards possible. The third party testing their products are put through ensures the highest quality possible. This testing isn’t legally required. They test because they believe it’s the right thing to do for the safety of their customers. Lots of good info in this article. Just thought I’d chime in a bit.
September 26, 2022 at 10:20 pm
100%. Thanks so much for giving your thoughts and agree with everything you said here.