Kratom appears to be generating as much controversy in the western world as is the case with marijuana, but less is known of this plant-based drug than is understood about cannabis. Is it good, bad, or a bit of both?
Should Kratom be controlled, banned even, or should sensible consumers have recreational access? Might it be possible to use Kratom in the way marijuana is used to treat pain and might it be legalized as an analgesic in the future?
The Pain Question
This is perhaps the most important of all subjects relating to Kratom: should doctors be permitted to prescribe Kratom in place of regular narcotics like morphine and codeine? Some arguments suggest this drug is not as addictive; that the body does not become tolerant of Kratom as quickly as it becomes tolerant of and reliant upon opioids.
Studies do not portray the drug this way officially because there have been so few studies and clinical research is badly needed. The scientific and medical communities have to conduct more research to confirm the usefulness, safety, and side effects of this Asian herb before they can say, unequivocally, that Kratom is safer than Oxycodone.
If studies are conducted and the results are good, this plant could become the basis of slow detox for substance abusers and even prescribed in place of stronger analgesics.
Schedule 1 Controlled Substance
In the meantime, athletes should not use this drug to provide stimulation and improved focus in the ring or in competition of any kind. To do so would be to risk one’s status and career as an MMA fighter, boxer, runner, or soccer player.
Testing will uncover the presence of this substance and a person will indeed pay the penalty for using it. If a test is inevitable for you, check out this information.
The DEA banned the substance this year, so it is now illegal to sell, own, grow, or use Kratom in the United States as it is in many countries. Sports regulators are always on the lookout, but with these new regulations in place from the FDA there will undoubtedly be heightened awareness of the potential for Kratom to turn up in urine and blood tests.
How Is It Used?
People who persist in using the leaf will potentially chew it, make a tea from the leaves, or create a powder. Its bitter flavor has to be tolerated or mitigated somehow, so a number of special drinks have been devised to mask this horrible flavor. You can find several cocktails and concoctions on the internet with suggestions for experimenting in relative safety if one can claim there is such a thing.
Should You Take Kratom?
How dangerous is this product? Greatest among concerns in the medical and legal communities is how little anybody knows outside of folklore and anecdotes from ancient communities and current Kratom users. They take it as a stimulant, a sedative, and a painkiller. One has to take this product at the right level to attain a desired effect; otherwise, stimulant becomes sedative or vice versa.
Kratom is potentially addictive; advocates are not claiming otherwise. They suggest the leaf is merely less potent than hydrocodone and fentanyl, a substance related to many deaths across North America in recent months. One can certainly experience the same side effects of use or withdrawal which are associated with narcotics like heroin such as nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Reliance is possible and deadly too.
Illegal Supplies and their Dangers
There is also the risk, inherent in any illegal transaction, of inadvertently buying a more potent drug or one which has been cut with toxic chemicals. This is far more dangerous than taking a drug which has been diluted with a weaker herb, as frustrating as that might be. When a substance is purchased illegally, one can never rely on the source to produce a pure and unadulterated substance for sale.
About Jake Hansen
Jake is a marijuana advocate and voice of the people who are for the legalization of marijuana. As the webmaster, all views, opinions, and reviews on this website are based on his personal experiences. He hopes to educate people as well as help them find the best methods to pass drug tests.
