DEA Classifies Kratom As Schedule I Narcotic
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been concerned about Kratom for several years, and announced on August 30, 2016 its intention to add its active ingredients to the Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
Kratom is the Mitragyna speciosa shrub and evergreen green in the coffee family and is native to Southeast Asia including Thailand. Kratom has been sold as a legal supplement used to treat chronic pain, withdrawal from opioids, and for recreational use.
The DEA has decided to identify the active compounds of Kratom, Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, as narcotics having a high potential for substance abuse and having no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
The DEA reported the American Association of Poison Control Centers cited only 2 cases related to kratom exposure from 2000 and 2005. It appears their concerns are based on the increasing calls to U.S. poison centers that have risen to 660 with a 5 year period between 2010 and 2015.
Proponents of the use of Kratom say the consumption of the plant helps to reduce pain and to help them overcome their addiction to opiates. It appears that moderate use of Kratom is safe and helpful, and the problem is in its abuse.
Kratom is not an opiate but acts similarly. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that kratom abuse can cause irritability, increase blood pressure and heart rate, vomiting, and drowsiness. Serious side effects include liver toxicity, seizure, and psychosis.
The DEA stated there were 15 kratom-related deaths between 2014 and 2016.
