A Look At Kratom–Fear mongering and regulatory zeal to beat the band

Coach is Right ^ | 5/29/15 | Michael D. Shaw

[Oldpuppymax]

According to Google Trends, interest in the search term “Kratom” has increased sharply from 2011—by a factor of three. Insider blogs note that it trends higher than many other supplements. What’s more, vastly conflicting descriptions of its benefits and side effects are all over the Web, along with troubling reports of adulterated versions of the substance being sold online. Not surprisingly, eager beaver regulators have jumped into the fray.

But what, exactly, is Kratom? Formally known as Mitragyna speciosa, it is a tree that grows from 3-20 meters (10-66 ft) tall, native to Southeast Asia. The plant is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which also includes coffee. Kratom leaves have been used for hundreds of years by locals as a stimulant in low doses, a sedative in larger doses, an anti-diarrheal, and pain killer. This botanical has achieved a certain popularity in the US as an analgesic, taken as an alternative to over-the-counter and prescription pain meds, especially for patients suffering from conditions such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.

There are also indications for anxiety and attention deficit disorder, as well as addiction treatment. In a 2008 paper published in Addiction, entitled “Self-treatment of opioid withdrawal using kratom,” the authors note that the botanical “attenuates potentially severe opioid withdrawal,” and this finding has been echoed by such authorities as Pascal Tanguay of the International Drug Policy Consortium.

Sadly, Kratom has also achieved a certain notoriety, based on exaggerated, ratings-bait newscasts, alleging that it is dangerous and potentially addictive, frequently featuring local law enforcement officials or drug counselors comparing it to heroin and to trendy synthetic drugs like bath salts, K2, and Salvia. More often than not, however, media horror stories are conflating naturally occurring Kratom—boasting a near-perfect safety record—with spiked or adulterated Kratom. The adulterated versions include...

[ConservingFreedom]

exaggerated, ratings-bait newscasts, alleging that it is dangerous and potentially addictive, frequently featuring local law enforcement officials or drug counselors comparing it to heroin and to trendy synthetic drugs like bath salts, K2, and Salvia.

The MSM is in bed with those who directly profit from the War on Drugs and want to expand their franchise.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Oldpuppymax.

Formally known as Mitragyna speciosa, it is a tree that grows from 3-20 meters (10-66 ft) tall, native to Southeast Asia. The plant is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which also includes coffee. Kratom leaves have been used for hundreds of years by locals as a stimulant in low doses, a sedative in larger doses, an anti-diarrheal, and pain killer. This botanical has achieved a certain popularity in the US as an analgesic, taken as an alternative to over-the-counter and prescription pain meds, especially for patients suffering from conditions such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. There are also indications for anxiety and attention deficit disorder, as well as addiction treatment.

If only there were a pill you could take to treat addiction...