Recently, the topic of banning Kratom has become so popular, and more people are talking about the subject daily. There are so many areas where the Kratom ban has already taken effect while other areas are on the verge of doing the same. Other people argue that Kratom should be banned until more about the plant is discovered, while others are for the idea that the Kratom should be kept legal until proven harmful beyond doubt. Right now, there is a considerable debate throughout the Kratom community when you look at sites such as Reddit. The political debate on banning Kratom runs to the government. What is your stand on the prohibition against kratom?
Who spearheads the campaign to ban Kratom?
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Since 2016, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has outrightly declared war on Kratom. They have been advocating label Kratom as a schedule 1 drug, which will make it permanently illegal. Schedule 1 drugs are considered to be addictive and cause dependency on its users. These schedule 1 drugs include the likes of cocaine and heroin. Now, the Kratom community at large finds this to be ridiculous. However, the former FDA commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, had a slightly firm stance on Kratom. He was concerned that it affected the opioid brain receptors that morphine does, therefore exposing users to addiction, dependency, and abuse.
Most people thought that after he stepped down in April 2019, there would be some relief on the Kratom ban. However, the new commissioner, Norman Sharpless, seems to have a similar opinion about Kratom, and the ban campaign is getting stronger. There is currently no sign of relief for Kratom users, and more anti-Kratom campaigns have been launched all over the country. The FDA holds a slightly firm opinion when it comes to Kratom, and most people believe that this won’t change anytime soon. If Kratom gets classified as a schedule 1 drug, then it will be banned permanently, and its use will become illegal.
The FDA and opioid users
Opioid addiction can be rather challenging to deal with, and people affected by it have sought help from Kratom. They consider it a herbal supplement that provides relief, and the good news is that it is unregulated in places where it is not regarded as illegal. Although opioid users have found relief in Kratom, the FDA considers it to be quite a menace, according to the Newyork Times.
- The FDA has raised concerns that most of the Kratom marketing on the internet is false and misleading. It has also raised the issue of impurities being added to Kratom, which makes it quite a dangerous drug. There have been several calls within the Trump administration advocating for the complete ban of Kratom since it is directly linked to nearly a hundred overdose deaths.
- According to the CDC, Kratom was the primary cause of seven deaths as a result of overdose from misuse of the substance. This report was compiled after investigating 27,000 overdose deaths, where 91 of those cases were related to the use of Kratom.
Where has the Kratom ban already taken effect?
There are certain places where Kratom is considered illegal and categorized as a schedule 1 drug. The list is not final since it is continually being updated as new states are changing their laws and opinion on Kratom. The following areas, however, have declared a Kratom ban:
- Vermont,
- Sarasota,
- San Diego,
- Wisconsin,
- Denver Colorado,
- Rhode Island,
- Arkansas,
- Union County Mississippi,
- Indiana,
- District of Columbia,
- Alabama,
- and Jersey County, Illinois.
However, the American Kratom Association has unveiled what they are referring to as Kratom Consumer Protection Act to help protect the rights of Kratom users. It is a legislative effort to try and protect people’s rights to Kratom access while banning Kratom adulterated products. This means that any added impurities that alter the composition and potency of Kratom are considered adulterated. This act is regarded as a proactive step towards ensuring that Kratom is accessible to its users. Utah voted in favor of this act, and hopefully, more states will follow the same.
News outlets in Indonesia reported that authorities are considering banning the growing and exportation of Kratom. This news was reported somewhere at the end of June 2019, and so far, nothing is set in stone yet. So now the ban is projected to take effect from 2024 according to the country’s Drug and Food Control National Agency. The period is supposed to give farmers the chance to transition from the growing of Kratom and seek other alternatives. The FDA, however, maintains that it has no involvement with this proposed ban, although most of the Kratom used in the US comes from Indonesia.
Can you do anything to help?
If you want to help lift the Kratom ban, then the best place to start is donating to the American Kratom Association. They advocate for Kratom and are the only body that can legally take the mandate to help keep Kratom legal. Every little donation you make will make a difference in the fight to stand up to the FDA and the government and fight for Kratom user rights.
- The next logical and straightforward way that you could help is by talking about Kratom and its benefits to you. Don’t choose your audience but instead talk to anyone willing to listen. This will create awareness, and you could influence people to advocate for Kratom as well. Encourage people to follow science, and when you get the opportunity, try to educate them on the benefits of Kratom.
- You must remain respectful and courteous when talking about Kratom. This will help people hear and respect your opinions. You may encounter some resistance and arguments from some members of the community who believe that Kratom is not a potent herb. You need to remember to keep calm and respect their opinion too.
Conclusion
Kratom’s legal state is undoubtedly in constant motion, and it is quite difficult to project what the outcome will turn out to be. There is not a lot that Kratom lovers can do but wait for the final decision.
