Kratom Strain Chart: Comparing Effects, Colors, and What to Expect

Kratom can do a lot. Boost your energy, support your chill, lift your mood, and help with full body comfort... It's like nature’s multitool, if your multitool came with a hammock and an espresso shot.

But if you’re a new kratom user, the strain names can feel like a quiz you forgot to study for. Red Bali? Green Maeng Da? White Borneo?

We get it, so in this article, we’re going to break it all down for you.

See, kratom is a leafy little powerhouse from the jungles of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia (pro tip: it’s where Borneo is too…we had to Google it). Locals have been chewing the leaves or steeping them into tea for centuries to help with everything from pain relief to boosting energy.  

But what actually makes one kratom strain relaxing and another one energizing? Spoiler: It’s not about different types of kratom trees. In fact, all kratom varieties come from the same tree: Mitragyna speciosa. What we call “strains” are really just the result of when the leaves are harvested, how they’re processed, and where they’re grown. 

Understanding Kratom Strains: Veins, Regions, and Alkaloids

When people talk about different kratom “strains”, they’re usually referring to a combo of:

• Vein color: Not just the literal vein on the leaf, but also a way to gauge leaf maturity and how it’s dried or fermented after harvest.
  • White vein kratom = younger leaves, typically indoor-dried to preserve stimulating alkaloids
    
  • Green vein kratom = mid-maturity leaves, often shade-dried for balanced effects
    
  • Red vein kratom = fully mature leaves, usually sun-dried or fermented to bring out the calm alkaloids
• Region of origin: Different soils and climates can shape the leaf’s chemical makeup.
• Alkaloid profile: The balance of active compounds and alkaloids in the kratom leaf are the result of leaf maturity, the drying and fermentation methods used, and where it was grown. These factors influence the amounts of the two primary alkaloids found in kratom:
  • Mitragynine = the “get-you-going” alkaloid
    
  • 7-hydroxymitragynine = the “calm-you-down” alkaloid

These alkaloids interact with the μ receptors in your brain, leading to:

• Stimulating effects: Like a smooth cup of coffee that helps you focus without the jitters.
  
• Relaxing effects: Like kicking your feet up after a long day and feeling the tension melt off your shoulders.
  
• Balanced effects: Like being in the zone — clear-headed, steady, and able to roll with whatever the day throws at you.

See? Just like a multipurpose tool.

Whether you’re looking for something to chill out, perk up, or help manage occasional aches and pains, there’s probably a kratom strain for that. Next, we’ll walk you through all the major types—what they do, where they come from, and how to find the right one for your needs.

And when you’re ready to try it for yourself, Cheech and Chong’s Kosmic Kratom has your back with lab-tested, high-quality options that make dialing in the right vibe way easier. No guesswork, no stress—just good, clean kratom.

Kratom Strain Chart: Match the Vibe, Skip the Guesswork

The effects of kratom can vary a lot depending on the strain — but that doesn’t mean you need to guess your way through it. A little clarity goes a long way. This chart lays out the essentials: vein color, region, the general vibe, and what each strain tends to work best for. So whether you’re looking to recharge, relax, or just feel a little more like yourself, you’ll know what to reach for.

*What’s the deal with yellow and gold kratom?

You might see names like Gold Maeng Da, Yellow Sumatra, or Bali Gold out in the wild — but these aren’t separate strains in the traditional sense. They’re usually custom blends created by a brand through post-harvest fermentation, extended drying, or mixing different vein colors. The result is a mellow middle ground that tends to feel smooth, balanced, and easygoing.

Kratom Strains: From Leaves to Final Product

So you’ve looked at the strains of kratom, checked out the chart, maybe even picked a favorite. But what actually makes one kratom strain energizing, another relaxing, and a third somewhere in between?

Turns out, every kratom strain — no matter the name, effects, or vein color — comes from the same plant: a tree called Mitragyna speciosa. In this way, kratom is kind of like coffee, since where it’s grown and how it’s processed can totally change the flavor, strength, and feel. With kratom, its origin, harvest timing, and drying method all shape the personality of the strain.

Let’s start with where the tree grows: Soil, sunlight, and humidity in places like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia influence the leaf’s starting alkaloid profile.

Next comes when the leaves are picked:

• Younger leaves are used for white strains — higher in mitragynine and generally more energizing.
• Mid-maturity leaves become green strains — naturally balanced for daytime ease.
• Mature leaves are used for red strains — often fermented or sun-dried for deeper, calming effects.

Finally, how the leaves are processed — whether they’re dried indoors, in the sun, or fermented — gives each strain its finishing touch and final feel.

So no, “Red Bali” and “White Maeng Da” aren’t different plants. They’re different outcomes of the same plant, handled in different ways. Same leaf, different journey, totally different experience.

Where It’s Grown = Kratom’s Foundation

Before anything’s picked or dried, it starts with the land. Kratom is like wine, coffee, or anything fancy that tastes different depending on where it comes from. The soil, the sun, the humidity… it all shapes how the plant grows and what kind of experience it delivers.

Even strains with the same name can feel different depending on the region they’re from, because the environment affects how the alkaloids develop. That’s why two Maeng Da strains from different countries might hit a little differently. 

Here’s how the region plays into the ride.

• Indonesia
  • Home of Bali, Borneo, and Super Indo strains.
    
  • Strains from this region are often more rounded and reliable, especially for beginners.
    
• Thailand
  • Where Maeng Da was born, and home to the Thai strains.
    
  • Known for stronger, more stimulating strains.
    
  • Great for energy and seasoned users.
    
• Malaysia
  • Source of the legendary Green Malay.
  • Strains from Malaysia tend to be long-lasting, smooth, and mentally uplifting.
    

So even if two strains are both Maeng Da kratom, the one grown in Thailand might have more energizing effects than one grown in Indonesia thanks to the region’s influence on the plant’s alkaloid content.

Harvest Timing = Kratom’s Genetics

Timing isn’t just a farming detail — it’s the foundation of a strain’s personality. The exact moment a leaf is picked determines how much of each alkaloid it contains, and that shapes how the final product feels. Younger leaves are uplifting and peppy. Older leaves are deeper and more grounding. And the stuff in between, more balanced.

Here’s how it breaks down:

White kratom: 

• The leaf is picked early while the leaves are still young, and goes on to become White kratom.
  
• Higher in mitragynine (the main alkaloid in kratom).
  
  • Best for: Boosting focus, motivation, and mental clarity
    
  • Think: Natural brain fuel without the caffeine crash.

Green kratom: 

• The leaf is harvested mid-maturity and has a balanced effect profile. 
  
• Offers a smooth combo of mood support and low-key energy — without tipping too far in either direction.
  
  • Best for: Daytime use, mood support, low-key energy
    
  • Think: feeling focused and upbeat without feeling wired.

Red kratom: 

• The leaf is harvested late when the leaves are fully matured, and goes on to become Red kratom.
  
• Rich in 7-hydroxymitragynine (the “calm you down” alkaloid).
  
  • Best for: physical relief, sleep support, mellowing out
    
  • Think: relaxing on your couch with your favorite playlist with nothing urgent to do.

Yellow and gold kratom:

• These technically aren’t strains, they’re usually red or green that have been dried, blended, or fermented in special ways.
  
• Processing gives them a mellow, balanced alkaloid profile that skips the heavy relaxation of reds and the jolt of whites.
  
  • Best for: Functional afternoons, and anyone avoiding edge or couch-lock
    
  • Think: That golden-hour feeling when everything’s soft, warm, and full of good vibes.

So basically, the leaf’s maturity tells the farmer when to harvest, and that harvest timing, in turn, shapes how it’s processed. Together, those choices define the final strain.

The Drying Process = Kratom’s Upbringing

Once the leaves are picked, how they’re dried plays a huge role in shaping the final effects. Younger leaves are typically dried indoors to preserve their energizing alkaloids, while mature leaves benefit from slower outdoor drying (and even potential partial fermentation)  that brings out more relaxing compounds.

In other words, this is where the leaf’s personality really starts to come through.

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Here’s how it works:

• Indoor or shade drying
  • Used for white and green strains (young or mid-maturity leaves).
    
  • Helps preserve mitragynine — the alkaloid behind energy, focus, and mood enhancement. 
    
• Sun drying or fermentation
  • Used for red strains (mature leaves).
    
  • Increases 7-hydroxymitragynine for deeper calm, tension relief, and that signature chill. 
    
• Extended drying, partial fermentation, or blending 
  • Used to create yellow and gold strains.
    
  • These aren’t tied to a specific vein color — they’re crafted post-harvest to create smoother, more balanced effects.
    

These alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) work by interacting with your body’s μ receptors. 

But unlike traditional opioids, which also act on your μ receptors, kratom’s effects tend to be milder and more functional, depending on the dose and the strain.

Final Form = Personal Preference

Once kratom is dried and ready to go, it can be processed into a few different kratom products — each with their own pros, depending on how you like to roll:

After drying, kratom can be:

• Ground into kratom powder (classic and versatile).
  
• Packed into kratom capsules (for easy, pre-measured use).
  
• Made into kratom extract (super-concentrated, small dose, big effect).
  

It’s the same plant, but totally different experience, just based on how it’s processed.

TL;DR (In Case You Zoned Out Back There)

• Vein color gives you clues about the effects (white = energy, green = balance, red = calm).

•  Processing shapes the potency and personality of the strain.

•  Region adds natural variation based on soil, climate, and sunlight.

Put it all together, and you’re way better equipped to pick a kratom strain that fits what you actually want — not just what the label says.

How NOT to Dose Yourself Into Another Dimension

Kratom isn’t one of those “eyeball it and hope for the best” kind of things...The dose makes all the difference — lower doses can boost your mood or focus, while higher doses can mellow you way out (sometimes too much).

Here’s a quick guide to keep things going in the right direction:

Effects vary depending on the strain, your body weight, your personal tolerance, and whether you took it on an empty stomach. 

Good Times Start with Wise Choices

Good times start with wise choices — and that includes knowing what not to mix with kratom. Definitely don’t mix it with alcohol, prescriptions, or other substances (unless you’ve had a chat with your doctor).

Here’s the TL;DR for how to keep your kratom experience a good one:

Start with a low dose:

• Especially if you’re trying a new strain or product. 
  
• Every variety hits a little differently.
  

Wait before taking any more:

• Kratom can take 30 to 60 minutes to fully kick in. 
• Give it time to fully kick in to avoid any surprises.

Stay hydrated:

• Kratom can be mildly dehydrating, so keep water close.

Choose your form wisely:

• Powders and capsules are great for consistent, measurable doses.
• Extracts pack a stronger punch, making them awesome for experienced users or anyone who wants quicker onset with smaller doses. 
• If you’re new, just go slow and follow the label.

Lab-Tested Kratom Only, Please and Thank You

Kratom only works if it’s clean, real, and actually what it says it is — and yeah, that’s not always a given. That’s why every batch of Cheech and Chong’s Kosmic Kratom is third-party lab tested before it goes anywhere near your hands (or your bloodstream). No weird fillers, no mystery powders, no guessing games.

Just high-quality kratom in capsules, powders, extracts, and chews — so you can focus on how it feels, not whether it’s legit.

And just so we're clear...

Even good kratom can hit wrong if you take too much or treat it like a free-for-all. Most people handle it well in reasonable doses — but if you go overboard, side effects like nausea, constipation, or brain fog can creep in.

There’s also ongoing research into kratom use, but please note that the FDA hasn’t signed off on any medical uses yet.

So if you’ve got health issues or you’re on other meds, have a quick check-in with a healthcare professional before diving in.
Oh, and one more thing before you Add to Cart…

Kratom is federally legal in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. Some states, cities, and counties have banned it or placed restrictions on how it’s sold.

Right now, kratom is illegal in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin — and a few local areas have their own rules too. So always double-check your local laws before you buy or try. 

You’ve Got the Kratom Codes Cracked

We covered a lot in this article — vein colors, alkaloids, drying methods, strain names... 

If you’re still processing all that info, here’s the quick-hit summary of kratom’s different effects.

• Red strains = mellow 
  
• Green strains = balanced and versatile
  
• White strains = energizing and dialed in

And those colors aren’t just marketing fluff — they’re shorthand for when the leaves were picked and how they were handled. Timing, drying, and origin all shape how each strain feels.

Once you understand how all the pieces fit — from region to timing to drying method — you can actually choose how you want kratom to show up for you.

And when you’re ready to put that knowledge to good use? Cheech and Chong’s Kosmic Kratom has exactly what you need: powders, capsules, chews, and extracts. All lab-tested. All quality. All legally shipped straight to your door.