Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the kratom tree have been used as a dietary supplement and in natural medicines by folks in Bali, Indonesia, Thailand, and other Eastern countries for hundreds of years.
But kratom has only recently gained popularity in the West. Because it’s relatively new, some U.S. government officials and other detractors have reacted to kratom’s popularity with suspicion. Kratom misinformation is all over the place, from internet forums to debunked claims by the DEA. You may even have people in your life who repeat false rumors about kratom’s risks and side effects.
So, what’s the actual truth about kratom? How should you react if someone criticizes kratom or spreads misinformation? At Mitra Bros, we’ve compiled useful sources of information to help you share the truth about kratom. Read on to arm yourself against falsehoods.
Debunking Kratom Misinformation
There are a lot of myths about kratom. Some of these myths conflate the truth or ignore important facts and context, while other myths are straight fabrications.
For example, you may have heard that kratom is illegal or that it was banned by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. In reality, kratom is perfectly legal in 44 out of 50 states. Some states have regulations that apply to kratom, such as restrictions on age. Certain counties or cities may also have their own kratom restrictions, so it’s important to check your local and state laws.
The DEA & FDA on Kratom
The DEA did make an effort to treat kratom as a Schedule I drug–suggesting kratom was as dangerous as heroin or methamphetamine–but they walked that back after advocacy groups, Members of Congress, and others pointed out that the DEA’s approach wasn’t backed by science.
In the late 2010s, the Food and Drug Administration also considered harsh kratom regulations. Thankfully, those efforts were abandoned because they weren’t based on “the entire facts.”
Currently, the FDA treats kratom as an “unapproved new dietary ingredient” with limitations on how kratom can be marketed but no restrictions on sale. They have not yet approved kratom as a dietary supplement or approved it for the treatment of any medical conditions.
There have also been concerns floated about whether there’s a risk of addiction or overdose. Kratom interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors but is not itself an opioid.
Some research has found that significant, regular kratom use may carry a risk of dependency. But officials have found that, in cases of alleged kratom dependence, any symptoms of withdrawal are “relatively mild and typically diminish within a week.” Reported symptoms include things like cravings, weakness, lethargy, or anxiety.
Likewise, reports about kratom overdoses are very inconclusive. As explained by medical experts, “nearly all cases of kratom-associated overdose deaths have involved other congested substances such as alcohol, fentanyl, or benzodiazepines.”
How to Combat Kratom Misinformation Respectfully
If you have someone in your life who is critical of kratom, either by spreading myths or simply expressing their concerns that kratom may be dangerous, it’s important to approach the topic with respect.
A friend or family member may be acting out of love, even if they are misinformed. If you are friendly and non-combative, they will be more likely to listen to you with an open mind. One helpful approach is to share reputable sources, such as scientific studies or reports in medical periodicals, that debunk the unfounded concerns about kratom.
While research about kratom is still in the early stages, there’s plenty of promising literature. Scientists are currently researching whether kratom can be a safe and effective treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression, or opioid withdrawal. These studies discuss both the positive and negative effects of kratom.
Experts also point out that when agencies like the FDA pushed for kratom restrictions, they were “overstating the negatives and not taking into account any of the substantial body of reports of benefits from users and the relatively benign risk profile compared to other substances like traditional opioids or alcohol.”
In addition to directing your friends and family to primary sources, you can also share reputable kratom advocacy groups. Organizations like the American Kratom Association and Kratom.org are dedicated to educating the public about the realities of kratom. Even officials in other countries, like the European Union Drugs Agency, have taken a more balanced look at kratom.
Shop With a Trustworthy Kratom Vendor
Many of the concerns about kratom come from mixing kratom with other substances. Some unscrupulous sellers will even add other substances to their kratom products to alter the effects. They may also dilute their kratom with artificial ingredients like fillers and preservatives.
The best way to avoid those risks is to get your kratom from a trustworthy source, preferably one that has the American Kratom Association‘s stamp of approval for good manufacturing practices.
For safe, fresh kratom products that you can trust, check out the Mitra Bros online store. Our products are independently lab-tested for potency, purity, and freshness. We also have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so if you don’t love our product, you’ll get your money back. Shop today!
