The War Against Kratom
The US FDA says that kratom isn't safe and that there isn't any evidence to support the notion that kratom is effective for any medicinal purposes.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a southeast Asian herb that a number of people claim has helped them in a variety of ways, whether it be to assist them in overcoming addiction, seeking relief from depression, pain, and more.
However, the FDA says that a myriad of deaths have been associated with kratom and the DEA wants it listed as a Schedule I substance. Like with cannabis, the state nonsensically views kratom to be similar to LSD or heroin.
Those against kratom says that it has the same impact on the body that opioids have, though advocates of the plant claim that they are being dishonest in rushing to demonize the substance.
There are many people who regard kratom as a natural pain remedy and they say that it's beneficial for helping people to overcome their severe drug addictions.
Of those who've made the decision to try and seek remedy from kratom, are a growing number of veterans; struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and pain. Some have said that kratom helped to save their life by drastically improving their standard of living.
Just as with cannabis, the state is trying to prevent people from being able to exercise the freedom to make their own choice, by opting to try and criminalize and demonize kratom. Though, whether or not kratom is dangerous, it should be an individuals natural choice to decide what goes into their body, should it not? The state doesn't own our bodies so why should it get to decide what we can or cannot put into it?
And for those who might not gain access to kratom, which is seen by many as the best alternative to dangerous pharma painkillers, they could instead be left with some much riskier options including things like fentanyl or heroin etc.
Along with the rise in popularity for the substance, and the growing number of people in the US turning to try kratom, it's fueled a debate over whether or not it really is effective.
Despite the fear of risk that state agencies continue to hold, there are many who have suggested that this substance could have the potential to help to drastically improve the opioid addiction for many in the country.
Back in 2016, the DEA had attempted to have kratom listed as a Schedule I substance but there was a lot of negative backlash, prompting the organization to withdraw its plans.
They've also made frequent seizures of kratom supplements in the country, confiscating property that's worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
According to the American Kratom Association, it's estimated that at least 5 million people around the US are using kratom. There are a variety of places in the country that people can still obtain the substance, however some cities and states have moved to ban the sale and possession of it.
Kratom is currently listed as a banned substance in Alabama, Vermont, Rhode Island, Arkansas, Indiana, and Wisconsin. It's also illegal in Sarasota County, FL, San Diego, CA, Jerseyville, IL, and Denver, CO.
Pics:
Ninoninos via reset.me
Kraken Kratom
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The information that is posted above is not intended or implied to be used as any substitute for professional medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment. The above is posted for informational purposes only.
Sources:
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/02/10/kratom-natural-pain-remedy-addictive-heroin/
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/06/health/fda-kratom-opioid-bn/index.html
http://reset.me/story/5-reasons-why-kratom-must-be-kept-legal/
https://qz.com/1203123/the-fda-is-taking-aim-at-a-southeast-asian-herb-that-acts-a-lot-like-an-opioid/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/kratom-is-hailed-as-a-natural-pain-remedy-assailed-as-an-addictive-killer-the-us-wants-to-treat-it-like-heroin/2018/02/10/aaf4bf7c-077e-11e8-b48c-b07fea957bd5_story.html
http://www.bendbulletin.com/nation/5996861-151/kratom-the-drug-that-could-change-an-epidemic
http://www.kratomnews.org/kratom-legal-status-map/
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Of course they will try to ban anything if it cuts into their bottom line on making and getting people adicted to thier drugs as they rake in billions of dollars a year . Maybe people do overdose on it , but they overdose on other drugs too which are allowed , for me I stay clear of any drugs for as long as I can . I have seen what they can do to people and have been to , far to many funerals I care to count . Thanks for sharing @doitvoluntarily , I have never heard of this drug before.Upped and resteemed
Happy Valentines Day !!
Good to see you here Karen. Totally agree with your comment. These agencies are corrupt and can't be trusted. They are all in the pockets of big pharma. All you have to do is "follow the money" and it will bring to the root of all evil! lol....but that is really not funny. Great post @doitvoluntarily! Like usual!
You are so right Dan ! nice to see you here too , I have followed @doitvoluntarily for a long time now !
True story.
Good post!
No surprise that a centralized drug cartel would attempt to ban a substance it can't patent. It's hilarious that they even claim that their are deaths associated with Kratom. Kratom, unlike legal prescription opiates, cannot stop your breathing and cause a lethal overdose. Any death associated with kratom was actually a death caused by another substance. Its like if someone did a bunch of heroin, smoked a joint, overdosed, and calling it a marijuana related death. Banning Kratom will kill more people than it will help.
Kratom is an amazing herb, but I will not lie like some and say that it does not have a potential for abuse because it def does if used improperly. The community stood up loud for their rights in 2016, so let's hope that they do so again.
Makes you think that they're trying to protect big pharma's monopoly interests. What other reason could there be?
5 million people is a big number after many states imposing a ban on kartom. people see relief in kartom powder without seeing the bad consequences.
Thanks for this. I had never paid any attention to it until they threatened to make it illegal. As a medical marijuana advocate, I did not want to see the next plant called a "drug" to war on right as we were making progress on the last round of insanity. I am a hands on kinda gal, and I am old and I hurt some days. I tried it. INCREDIBLE. Absolutely UNBELIEVABLE pain relief. No ill effects at all, and I suffer side effects from almost anything. Yep. Here we go... "Kratom Madness" sweeping America.
yet another example of interference into people's lives. where is it exactly that we've given governments this powers?
i lean a new thing everyday on steemit Thanks for awareness thumb up
Thanks for awareness
There was a time i had an accident and i was so addicted to painkillers, it toom alot of therapy to get me off it and sometimes i get scared to slipping back