Kratom Effects – The Complete Guide to Strains, Dosage & Legality
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant from Southeast Asia whose leaves can have either stimulating or calming effects depending on the dose. In Germany, kratom is becoming more and more popular as a plant-based alternative. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about its effects, the different strains, proper dosing, and the current legal situation.
Kratom Effects – How does it work?
The effects of kratom depend a lot on the dose and the strain you choose. The leaves contain over 40 different alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the most important. Kratom has a unique property: at low doses, it's stimulating, while at higher doses, it's calming.
| Dosage | Effect | Comparable to | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (1–3 g) | Stimulating, energizing, focusing | Strong coffee, mild stimulant | 2–3 hours |
| Medium (3–5 g) | Euphoric, mood-lifting, social | Mild euphoria, sense of well-being | 3–5 hours |
| High (5–8 g) | Calming, pain-relieving, sedating | Deep relaxation, drowsiness | 4–6 hours |
The effects usually kick in 15–30 minutes after oral use. Depending on the dose and your individual constitution, the effects last 2–6 hours.
Kratom Strains – Red, Green & White Compared
Kratom is divided into three main categories based on the color of the leaf veins. The color comes from different harvest times and drying methods, which affect the alkaloid profile and therefore the effects.
| Property | 🔴 Red Kratom | 🟢 Green Kratom | ⚪ White Kratom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main effect | Calming, sedating, pain-relieving | Balanced – energy & relaxation | Stimulating, focusing, energizing |
| Best for | Evening, relaxation, sleep | Everyday use, mood, balance | Morning, focus, productivity |
| Intensity | Strong | Medium | Medium–Strong |
| Duration | 4–6 hours | 3–5 hours | 3–4 hours |
| For beginners | ⚠️ More for experienced users | ✅ Good for beginners | ✅ Good for beginners |
| Popular strain | Red Maeng Da | Pure Green | Borneo White |
The Most Popular Kratom Strains
Red Maeng Da
Red Maeng Da is one of the most well-known kratom strains worldwide. It originally comes from Thailand and is known for its especially strong calming and pain-relieving effects. Perfect for evenings or relaxing after a long day.
- Color: Red
- Effect: Strongly sedating, pain-relieving, relaxing
- For whom: Experienced users looking for deep relaxation
Pure Green
Green kratom is considered the "all-rounder" among kratom strains. It combines mild stimulation with relaxation and is great for everyday use. Many users describe it as mood-lifting and balancing.
- Color: Green
- Effect: Balanced – energy and relaxation
- For whom: Beginners and everyday users
Borneo White
White Borneo kratom is known for its stimulating effects. Many people use it as a natural coffee alternative for more focus and energy in the morning. The effects are clear and focused, without the jitters from caffeine.
- Color: White
- Effect: Stimulating, focusing, energizing
- For whom: Productivity, focus, morning routine
→ See all kratom strains in the shop
Which Kratom Strain Is Right for You?
| You're looking for … | Recommended strain | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy & focus in the morning | Borneo White | Stimulating, clear, great coffee substitute |
| Mood boost for everyday life | Pure Green | Balanced, social, good for daily use |
| Relaxation in the evening | Red Maeng Da | Calming, strong, perfect for winding down |
| First time trying kratom | Pure Green | Mild, balanced, good starting point |
Kratom Dosage – How to Dose as a Beginner
Getting the dose right is key with kratom, since low and high doses have very different effects. The rule of thumb: start low and increase slowly.
| Level | Dosage | Expected effect | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 1–2 g | Mildly stimulating, alert | ✅ Start here |
| Light | 2–3 g | Stimulating, focused, euphoric | ✅ Recommended |
| Medium | 3–5 g | Mood-lifting, moving toward calming | ⚠️ Use with caution |
| Strong | 5–8 g | Very calming, sedating | ❌ Not for beginners |
Tips for beginners:
- Start with 1–2 g and wait at least 45 minutes before taking more
- Take kratom on an empty stomach for faster effects
- Drink plenty of water – kratom can be dehydrating
- Use a precision scale for accurate dosing
- Take regular breaks to avoid building up a tolerance
Kratom Ways to Take It
| Method | Description | Onset | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder (Toss & Wash) | Put powder in your mouth and wash it down with water | 15–30 min. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tea | Pour hot water over powder, let steep for 10–15 min. | 20–40 min. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Capsules | Pre-dosed capsules to swallow | 30–60 min. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Smoothie/Juice | Mix powder into orange juice or a smoothie | 20–40 min. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Is Kratom legal in Germany?
Kratom is in a legal gray area in Germany. The key facts:
- Not in the BtMG: Kratom is not listed in the Narcotics Act, so it's not a banned narcotic
- Not in the NpSG: Kratom also isn't covered by the New Psychoactive Substances Act
- Not an approved medicine: The BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) hasn't approved Kratom as a medicine
- Not a food: Kratom isn't approved as a novel food in the EU
- Sale: Sale is possible under certain conditions – as a raw material, incense, or botanical specimen
- Youth protection: Sale to anyone under 18 is prohibited
As of March 2026: Kratom can be legally purchased in Germany. However, the BfArM warns against its use, and there are ongoing discussions about possible stricter regulation. We keep this info up to date.
Kratom vs. Other Herbal Products
| Property | Kratom | Kanna | Blauer Lotus | CBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Southeast Asia | South Africa | Egypt | Hemp plant |
| Main effect | Stimulating / calming | Mood-lifting | Mildly euphoric, relaxing | Relaxing (not psychoactive) |
| Psychoactive | Yes | Mild | Mild | No |
| Legal in DE | Gray area | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal |
| Product form | Powder, capsules | Vapes, powder | Flowers, extracts | Vapes, oils, Flowers |
| In shop | Kratom | Kanna | Blauer Lotus | CBD Vapes |
→ Detailed comparison: Kanna vs. Kratom
Frequently Asked Questions about Kratom
How does Kratom make you feel?
It depends on the dose. At low doses (1–3 g), you feel awake, focused, and slightly euphoric – kind of like strong coffee. At higher doses (5+ g), you get a calming, relaxing effect that feels a bit sedating.
Is Kratom banned in Germany?
No, Kratom is currently not banned. It's not listed in the BtMG or NpSG. Sales happen in a legal gray area since Kratom isn't approved as a medicine or food.
Does Kratom get you high?
At higher doses, Kratom can cause euphoric and calming effects that some would describe as a "high." At low doses, the effect is more stimulating without a strong buzz.
Is Kratom an opioid?
Kratom isn't a classic opioid, but its main alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) bind to opioid receptors in the brain. The effect is different from classic opioids and the side effect profile is also different.
Which Kratom strain is the best?
That depends on what you're looking for. For energy and focus, white Kratom (like Borneo White) is best. For relaxation and calming, red Kratom (like Red Maeng Da) is the top choice. Green Kratom (like Pure Green) is the perfect all-rounder.
Which Kratom gives you energy?
White Kratom is the most stimulating type. Borneo White is especially popular for this. Green Kratom also has an energizing effect at low doses.
Can you combine Kratom with other substances?
Mixing with alcohol, medications, or other psychoactive substances is strongly discouraged. Combining with MAO inhibitors can also be dangerous. When in doubt, always ask a doctor.
Will Kratom be banned in Germany?
There are discussions about stricter regulation, but as of now (March 2026), no ban has been decided. The BfArM warns against use, which could be a sign of possible future regulation.
