What is Kratom?

Mitragyna speciosa more commonly known as kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of this plant when ingested or chewed can cause an opioid-like effect which has been used as an herbal remedy throughout the region it is grown. In other parts of the world like the United States Kratom is used for medicinal purposes like pain relief or to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.

 

Kratom’s Uses

As stated kratom is used for medicinal purposes, but that is not all it is used for there are many who use kratom recreationally. In lower doses, it can act as a stimulant whereas a higher dose can bring on a euphoric feeling and reduce pain and even act as a sedative at even higher doses. kratom can be taken as a capsule, pill, extract, smoked, and eaten another way to use kratom is to chew on its leaves or brew them.

Is Kratom Legal?

Federally in the United States, kratom is not considered to be an illegal substance, but it is banned from 6 states. Although it is not federally illegal the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any uses for kratom. Due to its legality if you want kratom you can easily order some online and have it shipped directly to your home. Not only can you order it yourself, but it is sold as a supplement for a mood enhancer, energy booster, and pain reliever.

Safety Concerns

Whether kratom is used for medicinal or recreational purposes it has health effects and some of those include

• Nausea
• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Addiction

Addiction and Treatment

Kratom is a drug and like most drugs, there is a possibility of becoming addicted. Deaths from overdosing on kratom have not happened frequently and when they do a majority of the time it also involved the use of other substances. Despite the fact it does not happen often overdosing on kratom is still a very real possibility. As of now, there are no set treatments for kratom addiction because more research needs to be done, but some have found behavioral therapy to be a helpful way to get over the addiction.