Table of Contents
Introduction
Kratom has a centuries-long history of medicinal and recreational use. Initially, it was popular in some countries and was utilized for limited purposes, but since it has become a renowned herb, its uses have also multiplied.
The benefits sound great, but there are also some myths and unproven information about it. Some people believe that it has a risk for dependence and misuse and also has side effects. But if it is so, how come people use it? Is Kratom a controlled substance? Is it legal? Let’s get to the bottom of the answers to these queries and more under this article. Keep reading!
What Is Kratom?
Mitragyna Speciosa, also known as Kratom, is a tree that is widely grown in Southeast Asia. Its leaves have been popular for years for carrying therapeutic properties. Initially, it was only available in the form of dried leaves or powder but now it is present in the market in several forms. Furthermore, it comes in multiple strains, mainly white, green, and red. These strains have varying effects.
In ancient times, people, specifically laborers, used to consume it to boost their energy levels. But lately, many other benefits of this substance have been revealed by users. However, scientific research is needed to say anything with certainty.
What Is a Controlled Substance?
Well, as you must be aware, there are two types of medicines: over-the-counter and prescription. You can get over-the-counter medicines without any prescription and as many as you want. On the flip side, the latter medicine needs to have a prescription to be bought.
Controlled and non-controlled medicines fall into the category of prescription medicines.
Medicines like antibiotics or those assisting with blood pressure or diabetes and more are non-controlled substances. In contrast, the medicines that are known to cause dependency are categorized as controlled substances. To purchase these, the medical practitioner has to write the prescription himself and you are allowed to buy only a limited amount. Moreover, every time you want to purchase it, you need to have a new prescription.
If a person is caught with any of the controlled substances without a valid prescription, they may have to face a fine or may also be jailed. There are people who buy it with a prescription and sell these medicines to people who don’t have a prescription. They do this to generate profit, but it is not free of risk.
When Did Kratom Become a Controlled Substance?
Although the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has considered putting its name under the list of controlled substances, but it is not a controlled substance so far. It is banned and regulated in some states because of its addictive nature and the reported side effects. In a nutshell, in some states, possessing it, selling it, and even cultivating it is banned. On the other hand, in some states, the authorities have put age restrictions on it. For instance, people under the age of 18 or 21 cannot have Kratom.
Top 3 Reasons Why Kratom Is Not A Controlled Substance?
Despite the efforts of the federal government to ban Mitragyna Speciosa, it is still available online and in shops and gas stations in many states of the U.S. It is because there is insufficient evidence to prove this substance is harmful. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are active in controlling its misuse, but it has not been banned in the U.S. Let’s have a look at the top 3 possible reasons why it is still not labeled as a controlled substance.
Lack Of Scientific Research
On one side, people are head over heels in love with Mitragyna Speciosa for the health benefits it provides. On the other side, there are a few reported cases where Kratom turned out to be harmful and, in some cases, fatal. However, these claims lack evidence because of a lack of scientific information. For the complaints, it was seen that people who came across the side effects mixed Kratom with other substances. Therefore, proper research should be conducted on it in order to ban it or mark it as a controlled substance.
The American Kratom Association
It is a non-profit organization that is also known as AKA, and it is funded by vendors and advocates. It fights for Mitragyna Speciosa to remain legal and also provides correct information to ward off any false information spread about it. It was made in reaction to the anti-Kratom campaign by the FDA, and Kratom users founded it.
Click here to read details about kratom testing and lab reports.
Support From People
Despite some complaints, numerous people have resolved their health issues because of this herb. Also, users prefer it because it comes from a tree, making it a natural substance. When the FDA tried putting restrictions on Kratom, it was not completely successful because a large number of people opposed this action.
Is Kratom a Controlled Substance In Any Of The States?
As stated earlier, the DEA tried labeling it a controlled substance, but it failed because nothing could be said for sure unless there was scientific proof. However, it is regulated and banned in some of the states. Let’s talk about some states where Kratom is legal but regulated.
- Arizona
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Colorado
- California
- Idaho
- Florida
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- Kansas
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- Montana
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Ohio
- New Hampshire
- New York
Click here to read about the states where kratom is legal.
Conclusion
Fortunately, now you have got the answer to your question, “Is Kratom a controlled substance?”. There have been times when the authorities considered putting it on the list of controlled substances, but they could not succeed. Kratom users hope to receive some good news regarding it, but it can only be made possible after the researchers provide scientific proof.
Keeping the popularity of Mitragyna Speciosa in view, it looks like it will not take long to bring forth the scientific study results, and the FDA is also encouraging more research in this regard so it can make a decision on solid grounds.
Evelyn is a Physician and Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics. She is an Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education at the California University of Science and Medicine. She takes care of outpatients a few times every week, but most of her time is devoted to Biomedical Informatics and research on kratom alkaloids. On the research side, she focuses on developing methods to improve the re-utilization of routinely collected clinical data for clinical and translational research, quality improvement, and public health. Evelyn is good at translating complex kratom researches to understand and educate on how to buy kratom powder on sale with full confidence.
