You're spot-on about prep being a PIA, Molson.
Kava, to me, tastes like ass (and you need to drink a ton of it!), but I've been able to "toss-n-wash" a teaspoon of Kratom @ a time... it makes me all-kinds of mellooooowww - NO paranoia, & 100% legal!
I'm not a big alcohol fan, brews make me feel bloated, alcohol in-general makes me sloppy (although I used to toss-back a few Bradors in my time).
I'm buying a capper for my Kratom powder, capsules will make dosing more pleasant & precise. Cannabis & Kratom work so well-together! (eh, for me at least).
Unless I'm thinking of something else,kratom can become quickly addicting and can cause opiate like withdrawal.just a warning.no experience but want to try it