Kratom Strains: Green Vein

-An in depth examination of the Green Vein kratom strain

Red, white, and…Green?

It’s not quite the triumvirate tint that we think of, and yet it’s an important distinction. The kratom tree, originally native to SouthEast Asia, comes in three distinct strains that are defined by their coloration. As we examine Green Vein kratom, bear in mind that genetically, only three strains exist. 

Why, then, have we heard of other colors, like Gold? And still other outliers exist, like Maeng Da, a kratom product that doesn’t even have a color attached to it. Strain colors that do not fall under red, white, or green, can be induced to certain coloration via processes of drying and curing; some mixes, like “Yellow” kratom are just mixes of white and green; names that do not include the color are still one of the three strain colors, but sometimes are recognized by their country of origin – which can significantly impact its effects based on climate and soil conditions – and still others are named as a means of marketing. 

Which brings us back to Green Vein kratom. (The “vein” comes from the distinct veins visible in the kratom leaf, whose colors often distinguish the strain, but do not always have to.) Green Vein kratom has always been a popular, well respected strain. Most users report that Green Vein kratom has a balanced effect that seems to be a mixture of both Red and White vein kratom. Kratom’s genetic similarities to the Coffee plant plays a role here as users report similar effects as one would find were they to drink coffee.  Green Vein kratom also retains some of the aspects of Red Vein strains, as users have reported that Green Vein satisfies their expectations of medicinal potential. Green Vein kratom is reported to have balanced, enjoyable effects, often considered more mild than Red Vein Kratom – but not necessarily less potent. Its potency is partially genetics, but also depends on; the methods of the farmer, the drying and curing techniques, and its climate of origin – in addition to the season it was harvested – can all have significant impact on how the user perceives the effects of the product.

Green Vein Kratom           

Green Vein kratom has veins that run through the leaf with a greenish hue (As opposed to Red Vein, which is often more brown) though the rest of the leaf has a relatively rote appearance, with Green Vein looking the most like a ‘normal’ tree leaf of all the strains. The strain is thought to originate in Thailand or Indonesia, then spreading across the South Pacific, and eventually, the globe. Green Vein has enjoyed a surge in popularity as many users report its compatibility with their work life, but also its balance that allows some strains to be enjoyed at night and in a medicinal capacity, as reported by some users. In our fast paced world, the reported effects of Green Vein kratom helps many kinds of workers, businessmen, and students, all of whom have noted the mental clarity and focus they enjoy from taking the herb. The flexibility offered by Green Vein kratom also permits users to purchase just one strain to meet all their needs.

A kratom user often has certain expectations of a product. Some aspect of pain relief – anti inflammatory properties are anecdotally reported often –  assistance sleeping, and a counter to anxiety and depression are all commonly reported effects most commonly associated with Red Vein kratom. But these effects are also inherent to the kratom plant, to an extent. Thus, while Red Vein kratom is often thought to have the most medicinal potential, many users have reported enjoying the same medicinal benefits from Green Vein kratom as well. It’s entirely possible that a certain Green Vein kratom strain could be better suited for one users medicinal needs than a Red Vein; it comes down to the unique chemistry of the user, the quality of the product, and the specificity of that type of strain and phenotypes of kratom presented. It’s even possible that a kratom farmer mislabels their kratom product! Generalities regarding the effects of kratom strains are important to know, but there are always exceptions to the rule, based on the large number of variables.

Green Vein kratom, however, has a certain balance and disposition of the compounds found in kratom which seems to best catalyze the reported effects of a mix of both Red and White Vein kratom; this means that some of the effects of both are generally reported, with some being more pronounced than others, based on the strain. Green Vein kratom has effects that are most dependent on the strain, as a result, whereas Red and White Vein kratom are dictated more by their “color” designation. A significant study by Yale Medical (linked above) has lent credence to mounds of anecdotal evidence which supports the claims of Green Vein kratom. This falls in line with reports from the kratom community.

The Origin of Green Vein Kratom

Most kratom strains also have a location attached to their name. One example of this would be the popular “Green Malaysian”. This means that it is Green Vein kratom that was grown in Malaysia, or the strain is native to Malaysia (The origin is more common an indicator now, as kratom farms have spread across temperate climates and countries). The country of origin and/or growth is very important. Green Malaysian could be a popular strain because kratom farms in Malaysia are uniquely suited to cultivate the specifics of the Green Malaysian genetics, and the climate and soil seem to agree with the requisites for reaching the maximum potential of the all-important alkaloids, the compounds which impart the effects of kratom.

Thus, while some strains may be identical genetically, its area of origin is a vital aspect of its growth; it’s the idea of “nature versus nurture”. For example, White Thai kratom is another popular strain. This is because kratom users have found it to be particularly effective. The reason for this would be that this particular strain agrees with the climate and soil conditions in Thailand, and maximizes the strain’s potential, even though some users would swear that the famous Red Bali is “more potent.” A wide range of variables, including the user, impacts the final effects of the product.

The season when kratom is harvested also has a significant impact on the overall impact of the strain. Many farmers harvest their best crops in early fall, after the monsoon season in the South Pacific. The rains provide an extra boost in watering the roots and washing additional nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, into the kratom tree. But bear in mind that some strains of kratom may prefer a drier environment – thus, it is not inconceivable that a type of White or Green Vein kratom would be best harvested in mid summer, before the monsoons hit, thus maximizing its potential.

Finally, the drying and harvesting techniques employed not only impact the appearance, scent, and impact of the plant, but also the nomenclature. Some farmers use different curing techniques to freshen up their stock; for example, a few extra days drying in a low humidity environment could lead to a plant with a brighter appearance. This changes a White Vein kratom product into a “Yellow” vein – while there may be some differences in the final product, remember that it is still a White Vein strain, and the effects will be associated accordingly. Always remember – the only kratom strains are Red, White, and Green vein. All others strains are a derivative of these three.

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Green Vein kratom has been enjoyed by countless users in the kratom community. Taken in low doses, many users report a boost in energy. Higher doses often lead users to report a more sedative effect better suited towards nighttime, analgesic scenarios; while these effects are most commonly reported in Red Vein kratom strains, the seemingly paradoxical impact of dosage does seem to apply to all kratom strains, to an extent. Whatever your intention, ensure that you trust your kratom vendor so that you can be sure that you are indeed receiving the Green Vein strain that you hope for.

Chances are, you won’t be disappointed. Few are.