The world of kratom strains is constantly evolving, with growers breeding new cultivars every so often.
Thanks to the sheer number of kratom varieties available, users are able to find products that deliver their desired therapeutic effects. Similarly, vendors can broaden their inventories by offering multiple kratom cultivars to suit picky customers.
But while different kratom strains produce distinctive effects, telling these cultivars apart is often challenging for newbies. That’s especially considering that most kratom trees have similar phenotypic characteristics and overlapping medicinal properties.
If you’re new to kratom and are wondering how to distinguish between the different cultivars, this article is for you. We’ve prepared a side-by-side comparison of two of the most iconic kratom strains ever developed – Red Bali and Green Maeng Da.
1. Leaf Vein Pigmentation
While most kratom trees have similar general characteristics, including growth rate and maturity period, individual plants vary considerably in their leaf vein pigmentation. Kratom leaves can take on three different colors – white, red, or green.
In terms of leaf vein pigmentation, red Bali kratom trees sport reddish hues on their leaf veins, whereas green Maeng Da are characterized by the greenish tints on their leaf veins.
However, red and green pigments not only spell out the aesthetic differences between red Bali and green Maeng Da (or any other kratom cultivar, for that matter). They’re also key when predicting the net effects of each strain.
The following sections shall help youlearn more about green Maeng Da vs. red Bali, as we delve deeper into what the colors say about each of these kratom varieties.
2. Origin
It’s common knowledge that kratom originated from Southeast Asia. However, kratom plants differ in their specific native range within this expansive region.
Red Bali traces its roots to Bali, the small Indonesian province between Java and Lombok.
Bali is an undisputed tourist getaway, teeming with active volcanoes, enchanting beaches, and lush tropical forests. It’s also home to multiple kratom variants, including red Bali.
On the other hand, green Maeng Da comes from Thailand.
The term “maeng da” in the Thai language loosely translates to ‘pimp’ in English. It’s unclear how the word came to be associated with kratom, although some pundits believe it has much to do with the strain’s superior purity and potency.
3. Signature Effects
Most white vein kratom strains are energizing. In contrast, red vein cultivars are generally relaxing.
Green veins are considered the powerhouse of the kratom world, delivering a blend of uplifting and soothing effects.
Going by that logic, you realize that red Bali is more likely to calm your nerves than supercharge your energy. It’s an excellent strain to consume if you crave peaceful moments free of racing or intrusive thoughts.
On the other hand, green Maeng Da can calm you down and charge you up at the same time. The net effects would depend on the actual serving portions.
4. Potential Therapeutic Value
Although both red Bali and green Maeng Da contain immense therapeutic properties, picking either strain depends on its predominant effects.
Red Bali is particularly effective at managing nervousness and sleep disturbances. Thanks to its calming properties, this strain can soothe your mind and help drift you off to sleep much sooner. It’s also an excellent remedy for body aches and mood swings.
Green Maeng Da can produce all the effects of red Bali, albeit to a lesser degree. Remember that the strain is a stimulant and relaxant, all rolled into one.
As an energizer, green Maeng Da activates the energy levels required to execute strenuous tasks, such as weightlifting. The strain may also combat mental slump and improve your concentration.
5. Dosage Recommendations
Kratom dosage plays an instrumental role in determining its overall effects. The doses are typically measured in grams as follows;
- < 1 gram/day: Microdose
- 1 – 3 grams/day: Small dose
- 3 – 5 grams/day: Medium dose
- 5 – 10 grams: High dosage
- 10 grams: Overdose
Note that all kratom strains are effective at moderate doses. That said, you require considerably lower quantities of stimulating cultivars than soothing ones.
Therefore, 3 grams of Maeng Da would theoretically produce the same effects as 5 grams of red Bali.
6. Ideal Time to Consume
There’s a reason caffeinated beverages are popular in the morning, while melatonin supplements are ideal for nighttime use. It has much to do with each product’s distinctive effects.
Well, the same logic holds for kratom strains.
As white vein strains are energizing, they’re best taken in the morning. That’s in contrast to the more soothing red veins, which are excellent for nighttime.
The best way to unlock red Bali’s effects is by adding it to your bedtime routine. Since green Maeng Da can provide broad-spectrum effects, it’s prudent to administer it from midday to early afternoon.
7. Adverse Events
Like most herbs, kratom may trigger certain unpleasant reactions if overdosed. Remember that an overdose generally constitutes administering over 10 grams of kratom a day.
Different kratom cultivars produce similar general side effects. However, the overall reactions may vary slightly across the strains.
The difference between red Bali and green Maeng Da’s adverse reactions depends primarily on each strain’s distinctive effects. As red Bali is generally soothing, an overdose may trigger drowsiness and lethargy. In contrast, the more uplifting green Maeng Da may make you feel edgy.
Ultimately, the severity of adverse events depends on the doses consumed.
8. Beginner Friendliness
A kratom strain is regarded as beginner-friendly if it triggers less dramatic adverse effects. That makes red vein cultivars more popular with new users than their white vein cousins.
By inducing relaxation, red Bali appeals to herbal enthusiasts looking for calming remedies. The strain is safe at relatively higher doses compared to most white veins.
However, the fact that green Maeng Da packs milder properties of white and red veins equally makes it popular with users seeking a blend between the two extremes.
So, regarding beginner-friendliness, red Bali and green Maeng Da have no fundamental distinctions.
Final Word – Which Strain To Choose?
Both red Bali and green Maeng Da have their defining features. Therefore, there’s no such thing as a right or wrong strain. Choosing one variety over the other depends on your desired effects.
While red Bali can soothe your nerves after a hectic day in the office, green Maeng Da may produce calming or energizing effects based on the serving portions. To unlock the benefits of either strain, start with lower doses and gradually build momentum until you achieve your sweet spot.
Not only is kratom counterproductive if overdosed. Exceeding the recommended dosage may also trigger unpleasant adverse effects, including irritability and drowsiness.
