Kratom is an evergreen tree found in the coffee family. It is a native of the South Asian
countries like Malaysia and Thailand. Its leaves are used as a sedative and a stimulant. It has also been found to treat chronic pain and also help with the withdrawal from the dependence of opium.
Countries Where Kratom is Illegal
There are various nations where kratom is legal like the United States. But where is kratom illegal? Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia are some of the countries where using kratom is banned.An alkaloid known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, is found in kratom. This alkaloid is an opioid agonist. When it is released in the body, it can have the same effect as opioid will. Kratom can cause no significant health risks of the body. However, various people will experience some side effects like constipation, nausea, confusion, and irritability.
How and why people use kratom
Kratom works as a stimulant when it is used in small doses. Those people who use kratom in small doses were found to be more energetic and also more alert. On the other hand, when taken in high doses, kratom can be a sedative and produces some euphoric effects. It will also lead to dulled emotions and sensations.
The dark green leaves of the plant are mainly dried and crushed or powdered. The kratom powders are available in the market in green or light brown colors. The powders will also have extracts from different plants.You can also find kratom in the form of paste, tablet, and capsule. Kratom is mostly brewed like tea for the individuals who are self-managing pain and even the opiate withdrawal.
The reason for controversies
No in-depth study of kratom has been done. Therefore, there has not been any official recommendation for medical use. For new drugs to be developed, clinical studies are vital. The studies will assist in identifying the consistent, dangerous effects. They also help in identifying the harmful results when used with other medicines. The reviews are also vital in determining the dosages that are efficient and those that are harmful.
Kratom can be potentially useful on the body. It has as many alkaloids as the ones found in hallucinogenic mushrooms and opium. Humans are actively physically affected by the alkaloids. Some of the effects are positive while some of them raise some concern. Therefore, more studies of the drug need to be carried out.
In addition to this, kratom production has not been regulated. There is no monitoring of the safety or purity of these herbs by the FDA. No standards have been established for the safe production of the drug.
There have been reports on the beneficial effects of kratom. The herb may be proven to have potential in the future when studies are carried out. There has, however, been no evidence that can support the benefits that have been reported. Factors like the safe dosage, the harmful side effects, and the effectiveness of the drug are not known due to the lack of research. These things need to be weighed before the drug can be taken.
