What is the difference between kratom colours?

As you might have noticed, we've been stocking the shelves of the Zamnesia Smartshop with an ever-growing variety of kratom products, including powders, shredded dry leaves, teas, extracts, and more.

Available in different colours (green, white, and red), kratom products can deliver a wide scope of effects, ranging from energising and motivating to deeply soothing or even sleep-inducing. So, how do you know which strain or product to choose?

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What's the difference between types of kratom?

Kratom is an evergreen plant native to Southeast Asia. A member of the Rubiaceae family (the same family as the coffee plant), it boasts a rich history of traditional use throughout regions such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Like other plants, kratom varieties can vary from one region to another. Most commonly, they are separated into green, red, and white varieties based on the colour of the central vein in their leaves (which changes as the plant matures). Yellow kratom products also exist, but the colour of these products doesn't come from yellow-veined leaves but from a unique fermentation process.

Besides being categorised based on the colour of their leaf veins, kratom varieties can also be characterised by their region of origin. Some common geographic regions from which kratom is sourced include:

• Bali (Indonesia)
• Hulu Kapuas (Indonesia)
• Thai (Thailand)
• Malay (Malaysia)
• Borneo (Borneo)

How many kratom colours are there?

Kratom strains come in three main colours: green, white, and red. Remember, this doesn't refer to the actual colour of the leaves of the plant—instead, it refers to the colour of the leaves' central vein.

Generally speaking, red kratom varieties are more soothing while white varieties are more energising. Green kratom, on the other hand, offers a nice mid-point and delivers some degree of physical relaxation as well as mental clarity.

White vein kratom

White vein kratom is made using young leaves with a white central vein. Due to a lower alkaloid content, these leaves produce a more energetic effect that many users enjoy early in the morning or during the day.

Generally speaking, white-veined kratom should leave you feeling mentally alert yet stress-free and functional—ideal for when you need to stay focused and motivated, or before a big workout. Many users enjoy white kratom in the morning, as it produces few physical effects.

Popular white vein kratom strains

Some popular white kratom varieties include:

• White Thai: This is made from young kratom leaves grown in Thailand.
• White maeng da: Also from Thailand, maeng da (or “pimp-grade”) kratom is considered top-shelf due to its elevated potency.
• White Bali: This type of white kratom is sourced from young plants grown in Indonesia, where kratom has been used at least since the 19th century.

Kratom Thai 15x Extract (1 gram)

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Kratom Thai 15x Extract (1 gram)

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Red vein kratom

Red vein kratom is the complete opposite of white vein kratom—it's made with very mature, red-veined leaves and undergoes a special fermentation process that further contributes to its dark colour. Highly potent, red kratom strains deliver a very soothing, fast-acting effect.

Enjoy these varieties in the evening, after a heavy workout, or on the weekends when you plan to kick up your feet and rest. Some people also use red vein kratom to promote sleep readiness. New users should stick to low doses when using red kratom until they become more familiar with its effects.

Popular red vein kratom strains

Some popular red kratom strains include:

• Red Borneo: Grown on the island of Borneo, red Borneo kratom delivers a heavy-handed effect that's ideal for when relaxation is your top priority.
• Red maeng da: This top-shelf red kratom is from Thailand and renowned for its potent effects.
• Red Bali: This is a well-known red kratom strain from Indonesia.

Kratom Microdosing Tablets - Maeng Da Red (Zamnesia)

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Kratom Microdosing Tablets - Maeng Da Red (Zamnesia)

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Green vein kratom

Green vein kratom strains strike a middle ground between red and white varieties. Made from semi-mature, green-veined leaves and with minimal processing, these varieties have a bright green colour and deliver balanced effects. Green vein kratom supplements deliver a subtle physical effect coupled with cerebral stimulation. They can be used during the day, as they'll leave you feeling relaxed but mentally active and focused—ideal for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Popular green vein kratom strains

Some popular green vein kratom strains are:

• Green maeng da: Thailand's pride and joy, it offers clear-headed energy and mild body relaxation.
• Green Bali: Well-balanced, green Bali provides a mild potency and gentle stimulus.
• Green Malay: This type of kratom is appreciated for its high quality and ability to promote relaxation.

Kratom Powder - Maeng Da Green (Zamnesia)

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Kratom Powder - Maeng Da Green (Zamnesia)

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Is gold or yellow kratom legit?

Wondering why we haven't talked about yellow kratom yet? Well, it's because it's not really a strain, and doesn't get its unique golden colour from its vein colour or maturity. Instead, gold and yellow kratom varieties undergo a unique drying process.

Popular in Thailand and Vietnam, yellow vein kratom is usually made from semi-mature green-veined leaves that are hung to dry in the sun for several days. As they dry, the leaves lose chlorophyll and develop a golden-yellow colour. Yellow kratom is usually made in small batches and is harder to come by than red, green, or white varieties. Its effects are similar to green kratom and provide a nice balance of cerebral clarity and physical relaxation.

Kratom Powder - Maeng Da Yellow (Zamnesia)

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Kratom Powder - Maeng Da Yellow (Zamnesia)

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Does kratom’s colour really influence its effects?

As we’ve seen, different strains (or colours) of kratom promise to deliver different effects. But how do they do so? Well, given that mitragynine is considered to be the main active compound in kratom, one would rightly assume that the different effects of different kratom colours come from variances in their mitragynine concentration. However, research shows that it might not be that simple.

In 2023, Huisman et al. examined the psychoactive differences between kratom strains. The study was based on a survey sent out in a newsletter to clients of a well-known online kratom retailer. Generating over 600 responses from regular kratom users, the study found that the perceived effects of different kratom colours generally aligned with the effects by which kratom varieties are usually marketed. That is:

• Red kratom is more relaxing and soothing
• Green kratom has uplifting effects on mood
• White kratom is energising

However, research hasn’t found any significant variances in the mitragynine levels of different kratom strains. So, why is it that kratom users report such notably different effects from different colour kratom products? Unfortunately, we don’t know for sure. It could be that users “expect” to have these effects because of how kratom is marketed.

However, it could also be that terpenes and other non-alkaloid chemicals in kratom are responsible for its varied effects—similar to how terpenes may be responsible for the notably different effects of different cannabis strains.

Which colour of kratom is right for you?

Looking to try kratom for yourself? Following the “colour codes” outlined here is usually a good place to start—even if there’s little science behind it. If you’ve never taken kratom before, start with low doses to gauge your reaction to it, and keep notes of how you’re feeling. If you’re not getting the desired results, try another colour or strain until you find what works best for you.

Steven Voser

Steven Voser is an independent cannabis journalist with over 6 years of experience writing about all things weed; how to grow it, how best to enjoy it, and the booming industry and murky legal landscape surrounding it.

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