Although red and green strains are similar in many ways, they’re actually more different than similar. Hence, choosing the one that is best for you requires becoming familiar with both.
After many years of using a wide variety of red and green strains, I’ll be happy to thoroughly explain everything you need to know, including:
- Origin & similarities
- Effects & potency
- Negative side effects & how to avoid them
- How to choose a color (in a nutshell)
Let’s jump in!
What Is Red & Green Vein Kratom
Both red and green strains are derived from the kratom plant, Mitragyna Speciosa, originating from Southeast Asia. The plants’ leaves, which contain the alkaloids 7-Hydroximitragynine and Mitragynine responsible for the plants’ medicinal benefits, have been used for thousands of years.
The alkaloids bind to the same receptors in our brain as opioid drugs, and produce very similar effects.
The color of the vein on the leaves dictate the color of the strain. For example, the leaves from the Green Malay plant will have green veins.
Fun fact: green and gold (yellow) strains were created by fusing red and white plants.
Both strains can be consumed in the same manner, including
- Kratom Tea
- Capsules
- Toss & Wash
- Extracts (liquid shots, pills, crystallized powder, & tinctures)
How you decide to consume kratom may produce slightly varying effects. For example, 3 grams of a Green Maeng Da consumed via the toss and wash will produce effects much faster than 3 grams consumed via capsules.
If you need help deciding how to take kratom, checkout the post I wrote down below.
Read More: How to Take Kratom For Maximum Results: Caps, Tea, & Powder
Green & Red Vein Effects
Although effects obtained by the same colored strains, such as Green Maeng Da and Green Elephant, significantly vary in potency, it’s a well accepted fact that all green strains produce roughly the same combination of effects, as is the case with all red, yellow, and white strains.
The biggest difference in medicinal benefits lies between colors, with some overlapping involved.
For example, red vein kratom strains are known for producing:
- Sedation
- Pain Relief
- Relaxation
- Appetite Suppression
While green strains are known for producing:
- Pain Relief
- Energy
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Appetite Suppression
As you can see, both red and green vein strains produce a different combination of effects.
However, although pain relief can be obtained by both strains, reds are known to produce more potent pain relief, which explains why most people prefer red strains for treating pain.
To get a very general overview of red and green strain effects and their potency, checkout the table below. 0 is non-existent and 5 means extremely potency.
| Pain Relief | Energy | Relaxation | Euphoria | Sleep | Appetite Suppression | |
| Greens | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Reds | 5 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
Keep in mind, a small minority of strains are known for producing effects which you would normally see in other colors. For example, Red Maeng Da is a red strain. However, it’s known for producing energy instead of sedation. These strains are the exception, and not the rule.
Read More: Red Maeng Da vs Red Bali: Side by Side Comparison
Pain Relief
Greens: 4
Reds: 5
Both green and red strains are great for treating pain. As you can see from the table above, green strains are only slightly less effective for reducing pain.
This doesn’t mean you should always use red strains for pain relief and completely disregard green strains. Remember, red strains will also put you to sleep.
Therefore, reds are ideal for treating pain before going to bed, and green strains for treating pain during the day.
Pain relief from both red and green veins can be used to treat:
- Minor headaches
- More severe migraines
- Arthritis
- Soreness
- Osteoporosis
- Physical trauma
- Inflammation
- Back pain
- Chemo pain
- Sciatica
- Body aches
- Fibromyalgia
Once you have consumed a red or green strain, the pain relief will last about 3-5 hours.
Read More: Best 2 in 1 Strain For Sleep & Pain
Relaxation
Greens: 4
Reds: 5
The relaxation produced by both strains is mental and physical. The mental relaxation can be described as a clearing of the mind, like a break from negative and stressful thoughts.
The physical relaxation relieves your body from physical tension. You’ll notice your muscles relax and your heart rate decrease.
I would argue that reds are a bit more physically relaxing than greens, making them more ideal for taking the edge off after a stressful day at work. However, both can be used for the same purpose, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Social Anxiety
- Stress
- Muscle Tension
- Opioid Addiction
You can expect to feel relaxed for about 3-5 hours.
Energy
Greens: 4
Reds: 0
Energy boosts are one of the effects that differentiates reds and greens the most. Although not as stimulating as white strains, greens can still pack a punch, especially strains like Green Maeng Da.
Reds, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. They will put you to sleep, but more on that in the next section.
The energy boost is not like that of caffeine, it’s more gradual and balanced. Therefore, it’s much less likely to make you feel jittery or anxious.
The energy boost can be used for:
- Pick-me-up
- Long strenuous work
- Chronic fatigue
The energy boost is known to last about 1-3 hours.
Read More: White Maeng Da: The King of Stimulants
Sedation
Greens: 0
Reds: 5
Green strains are not at all sedative, but reds are the best for inducing a good night sleep. As with all strains within the same color category, the potency will differ.
However, if you’re looking for the best sedative strain, check out Red Bali.
Keep in mind, sedation takes the longest to kick in, sometimes delaying up to an hour before you will experience any drowsiness.
You can use red kratom to help with:
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Sleep Paralysis
- Randomly waking up
How long the sedation effect lasts will highly depend on wether you went to bed or not.
If you went to sleep shortly after experiencing drowsiness, the sedation can last up to 7 hours. I have felt the effects in the morning after waking up on more than one occasion.
If you did NOT go to bed after feeling the initial sleepiness, the intense sedation will last about one hour, then begin to quickly wear off. I highly recommend you refrain from operating heavy machinery and/or driving after consuming red strains.
Read More: Red Bali: Best Red Strain For Sleep, Pain, & Relaxation
Appetite Suppression
Greens: 5
Reds: 4
When it comes to appetite suppression, reds and greens are virtually equal. However, I have noticed that euphoric strains tend to suppress hunger more than non euphoric strains, which is why I ranked green strains slightly higher.
We live in a world surrounded by fast food and easy access to everything our heart desires. Hence, restraining yourself from bad eating habits can prove to be rather difficult, but all hope is not lost.
With red and green strains, you can:
- Eliminate cravings
- Treat binge eating disorders
- Lose weight
- Diet effectively
Both strains will suppress hunger for about 2-5 hours.
Euphoria
Greens: 5
Reds: 2
Greens are the most euphoric of all kratom colors, with Green Maeng Da taking the throne. However, some red strains can also boost your mood.
The euphoric feeling produced by these strains can best be described as a surge of optimism that completely eradicates stress and anxiety, and increases motivation combined with productivity.
The euphoric effect can be used to treat:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Chronic or temporary stress
- Lack of motivation
- ADHD
- Inability to focus
The peak of the euphoria lasts about 30 minutes, but the overall mood boost lasts about 3-5 hours.
Read More: Green Maeng Da: Best Kratom For Euphoria
