What to Know About Kratom and the FDA

In its most natural form, Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree that grows in the tropics of Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. It’s an evergreen plant in the coffee family, and the active ingredients are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

However, Kratom is a polarizing topic. Staunch supporters and advocates of Kratom’s pain-relieving properties line up against the misinformation being publically displayed across many sources in a battle over the allowed uses of Kratom in the United States and if there should be any such use at all.

Early Opposition From the DEA

The DEA left no question as to its concerns in 2016 when it moved for a complete ban on Kratom to be effective September 30 of that year. They called it an “imminent hazard to public safety.” The DEA changed course after constituents flooded the offices of elected officials with messages and calls challenging the ban. Congress asked the DEA to reconsider, and the agency relented and changed its course.

Instead of a ban, the DEA announced in August 2016 that Kratom would be added to the list of Schedule 1 drugs with other substances such as marijuana, heroin, and ecstasy. The agency encouraged further study into the possible benefits and dangers of Kratom, even though the proposed ban would have made such research more difficult. The DEA’s concerns with Kratom include:

• A high potential for abuse and psychological addiction, if not physical.
• Unproven or nonexistent medical uses.
• The "Supposed" occurrence of psychotic symptoms.
• Fifteen deaths allegedly related to Kratom between 2014 and 2016.
• A sharp increase in the number of consumers.
• A tenfold increase in Kratom-related calls to poison control centers between 2010 and 2015.
• The potential for Kratom to serve as a gateway to opioid addiction.
• The possibility that Kratom might lead someone addicted to opioids to forego “real” treatment in favor of using Kratom, in effect swapping one addiction for another.

Status With the FDA

In February 2018, the FDA issued a statement labeling Kratom as having “opioid properties” and connecting it to 44 deaths between April 2011 and December 2017. However, the American Kratom Association (AKA) points out that the FDA drew these conclusions based only on the simple presence of Kratom in the body of the people who died. The AKA contends that a presence of the substance doesn’t mean Kratom is to blame for the death. The AKA former chairman, Dave Herman pointed out, “the FDA is saying people died, and they found Kratom in their system. It’s like if I drank a Coke and got hit by a truck.” Indeed, the FDA’s documentation seems to support that. Many of the cases cited in the review of deaths lacked the information needed to determine the cause of death, and in others, the subject was using other prescription or over the counter drugs along with the Kratom. Other deceased subjects suffered from medical conditions that complicated the cause of death determination. The AKA also points to the small number of adverse incidents among millions of Kratom consumers and to the lack of well-controlled scientific studies that support the FDA Kratom position. Kratom is not considered a dietary ingredient or food at this time. Most of the FDA’s claims against Kratom involve data gleaned through a computer model called the Public Health Assessment via Structural Evaluate (PHASE). This technology uses three-dimensional models to show how a given chemical affects the molecules of the body and mind. Those who believe in the positive impact of Kratom feel that making such broad decisions based only on computation rather than on actual research is reckless. Herman, from the AKA, voices the opinion of many on the pro-Kratom side when he says the war on the plant has more to do with the FDA’s need to show some progress in the fight against opioids than on any real danger. They also point out that they have not taken action against energy drinks which have far more scientifically demonstrated harmful effects than Kratom.

Visit Laughing Lion Herbs

With so much information out there, it’s up to you to decide if Kratom might be an option for you. Contact Laughing Lion Herbs to learn more about some of the truths and myths surrounding Kratom. For example, many people wonder, “is Kratom legal?” The answer at the moment is yes, for most locations. However, some states and cities have banned specific substances that use Kratom in combination with other formulas.

While you can find this information and more on our website, if you’re in the area of Monument, Colorado, visit us at Laughing Lion Herbs.