At Canada Kratom Express, we’re deeply committed to helping our customers make informed, confident decisions about their wellness journey. We believe that education is just as important as quality and that’s why we don’t just offer premium products, we also share trustworthy information.

Recently, we came across an insightful episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast, hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a professor of neuroscience at Stanford University. In this episode, Dr. Huberman sat down with Dr. Chris McCurdy, a leading researcher in pharmacognosy (the study of medicinal plants) from the University of Florida, to dive deep into the science, use, and controversy surrounding kratom.

The conversation explored kratom’s traditional origins, its modern applications, and the pressing need for responsible use and education. Because we know how valuable this information is for our community, we’ve summarized the full podcast for you and highlighting the most important takeaways in a clear, easy-to-digest format.

1. Introduction to Kratom

Dr. Andrew Huberman sits down with Dr. Chris McCurdy, a globally recognized expert in pharmacognosy and natural medicine, to discuss the complex and increasingly popular plant: kratom.

Known for its energizing and relieving effects, depending on dosage, kratom is used by millions worldwide. Dr. McCurdy brings a grounded scientific lens to help explain what kratom is, how it works, and why its use needs both curiosity and caution.

This podcast marks a rare moment where mainstream scientific discussion meets traditional plant medicine, exploring kratom’s potential in mental and physical health, recovery, and wellness.

“Kratom is not inherently good or bad—it’s complicated. It deserves thoughtful discussion, not fear.” – Dr. Chris McCurdy

2. Origins and Traditional Use

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. For centuries, its leaves were used by rural workers and farmers to ease fatigue, improve stamina, and relieve aches.

Culturally, kratom is a work aid and a part of daily life, often linked with social customs or ceremonies.

“In Southeast Asia, kratom has been used for hundreds of years, not to get high, but to help people get through their day.” – Dr. Chris McCurdy

3. Traditional vs. Modern Use

The traditional method of using kratom is worlds apart from how it is consumed today in the West. While fresh leaves and tea offer mild and controlled effects, highly concentrated 7-OH extracts remove the natural feedback loop (like taste and onset time), increasing risk. This discrepancy between traditional wisdom and Western commercial packaging contributes to many of the health and policy issues kratom now faces in North America.

“When you remove the cultural context, you change the way the plant is perceived and used.” – Dr. Chris McCurdy

4. Bioavailability and Dosing

Dr. McCurdy discusses a crucial scientific point: bioavailability—how much of a compound your body actually absorbs.

Synthetic 7-OH Extract-based kratom products have extremely high bioavailability, which makes them potent but potentially harmful. By contrast, traditional kratom tea or powder (and the only products CKE offers) is slower-acting, giving users time to feel the effects and adjust accordingly.

“The form in which a substance is consumed dramatically affects its pharmacology.” – Dr. Chris McCurdy

5. User Intent and Survey Results

Dr. McCurdy’s research lab conducted national surveys that revealed a surprising truth: the majority of kratom users aren’t chasing a high – they’re seeking relief, mood stabilization, or energy. In fact, many users are looking for a way to avoid traditional opioids altogether.

“People aren’t using kratom to get high – they’re using it to get better.” – Dr. Chris McCurdy

6. Use Cases in the U.S.

In the United States, kratom users often take it for productivity and well-being. It’s commonly used as a:

• Pre-workout stimulant to enhance focus and endurance

   

• Post-workout recovery aid for muscle aches

   

• Natural mood booster to ease stress or low energy

Still, Dr. McCurdy urges caution and consistency in usage habits:

“For many, kratom is about balance—getting through the day with less discomfort and more control.” – Dr. Chris McCurdy

“Understanding why people use kratom is key to how we regulate and educate around it.” – Dr. Chris McCurdy

7. The Role of Alkaloids

Alkaloids are nature’s bioactive compounds. Just as caffeine, dopamine and nicotine interact with the human nervous system, kratom’s alkaloids bind to protein receptors and influence brain chemistry.

Understanding how these compounds work opens the door to more targeted therapeutic research—but also reinforces the need for responsible use.

“Nature’s molecules, like alkaloids, have been the blueprint for many of our most powerful medicines.” – Dr. Chris McCurdy

8. Animal Intelligence and Self-Medication

Nature often teaches us what works. Animals self-medicate using plants when ill, and indigenous knowledge has long followed suit.
Dr. McCurdy notes that even in scientific settings, researchers sometimes rely on sensory cues—like bitterness or smell—to detect alkaloids, a method that dates back to pre-modern pharmacology.
This deep connection between living beings and the natural world underlines how kratom became part of traditional healing long before clinical trials existed.

“Humans learned from nature by watching animals heal themselves with plants.” – Dr. Chris McCurdy

9. The Disconnect in Modern Use

Modern users are often disconnected from the plant’s traditional context. U.S. consumers often take synthetic 7-OH extract tinctures, unaware of the fact it’s world apart from history, natural limits, or long-term effects.

In the past, people brewed tea and tasted its strength. Today, sometimes flashy packaging and vague labels conceal potency, leading to misuse.

Dr. McCurdy closes with a broader reflection: many of our modern medicines—like aspirin, morphine, or even diabetes drugs—were originally derived from plants and animals. The goal to understand it, regulate it responsibly, and use it wisely.

“Tradition offered built-in safety. Today’s convenience often removes that wisdom.” – Dr. Andrew Huberman

Curious to learn more straight from the experts?

Click here to watch the full podcast and hear Dr. Huberman and Dr. McCurdy discuss kratom in detail.

Final Thoughts

At Canada Kratom Express, we’re not just here to sell kratom, we’re here to support your wellness journey with transparency, education, and quality you can trust. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure every product is third-party lab tested, ethically sourced, and carefully packaged for consistency and safety.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we test our kratom and what makes our products stand out, be sure to check out our detailed guide on lab testing:

 How We Test Our Kratom – Learn More Here