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From the Kove Labs Science Team
We're pharmacists and scientists working to make kratom safer through clear, evidence-based education. This article is our interpretation of a recent study — translated into plain language, with context and care. We don’t claim the findings as our own, but we believe every kratom user deserves to understand the data behind what they take.

Kratom Effects by Strain Color: What 6,000+ Users Say About Red, Green, and White Veins

Todd et al. • Published 2023 in Frontiers in Pharmacology

Study Summary

This large-scale survey asked 6,150 U.S. kratom users to report their subjective experiences with red, green, and white vein strains. The study measured perceived effects (e.g., stimulation, sedation, pain relief), timing (onset/duration), and usage preferences. While clear patterns emerged in reported effects by strain type, the authors emphasize that these differences may reflect user expectations and labeling rather than pharmacological properties.

Key Insights

  • Red strains were most associated with sedation, pain relief, and relaxation.
  • Green strains were commonly used for balanced effects, mood support, and moderate stimulation.
  • White strains were linked to energy, focus, and stimulation.
  • Reported onset was fastest for white strains (~30 min), with red and green slower (~45–60 min).
  • Despite trends, the authors note that these effects may be shaped by marketing, expectation, and dose — not necessarily chemical differences.
Reported effects of kratom strains (Todd et al. 2023)

Our Take

This study reflects what many kratom users already believe — that red, green, and white strains produce different effects. However, unlike Boffa et al.’s lab-based findings, this is based on self-report. The authors are right to question how much of this is driven by expectation and labeling. Kove Labs supports further research that compares these subjective experiences to chemical and pharmacokinetic data in order to validate (or challenge) common assumptions.

Scoring Snapshot

Study Type:
Online User Survey
Sample Size:
6,150 U.S. participants
Strength of Evidence:
Moderate (subjective)
Risk of Bias:
High (self-reported, non-controlled)

Why It Matters

This study highlights the gap between how kratom products are labeled and how they may actually work — reinforcing the need for independent testing, clear dosing, and honest education.

Medically Reviewed by J. Lott, PharmD, MPP
Dr. Lott is a pharmacist and public policy expert working at the intersection of harm reduction and clinical research. Read full bio →
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