Kratom is a native plant of many Southeast Asian countries, like Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand. This plant species belongs to the coffee family, which is why they both have similar effects. The kratom leaves are manufactured and sold in either powder or extract form. This product has been used by many to help with any digestive problems, help with opioid withdrawals and relieve tension.
However, despite the many kratom benefits claimed by its consumers, they still face challenges due to the controversy surrounding this herbal product. Here is a list of dilemmas faced by kratom users over the years and counting.
The Risk of Addiction is Present
One problem that many kratom users are facing is the fact that this product is potentially addictive. The reason behind this is that kratom has the same effects as opioid drugs such as morphine and heroin. It affects the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, which fuel addiction.
That said, kratom still has the potential to be addictive, especially if it’s used improperly. The FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, has released an advisory to warn consumers against kratom usage.
However, when it comes to kratom vs. opioids, the former is less risky to use than the latter. What you will need to do is to ensure that you consume kratom at the proper dosage. The chance of being addicted to kratom increases as you take a higher dosage of kratom.
The Legality of Kratom
One of the common questions asked by kratom consumers or by individuals planning to use kratom is: “Is kratom legal?”. Kratom is not subject to federal regulation in the US. This implies that no official agency oversees or certifies the efficacy and security of kratom products bought in the United States, even those ordered online.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has contemplated designating kratom as a restricted substance due to the drug’s addictive qualities.Kratom is theoretically legal on a federal level, but certain states and localities have chosen to ban it, making it illegal to buy, sell, possess, cultivate, or use it. Some people have set age limitations. The legality of kratom in each U.S. state is summarized below.
States where it’s illegal to use, possess, buy, and sell kratom:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
States where kratom is legal and regulated:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Despite being used as medicine in various parts of the world, kratom is well acknowledged as a potentially addictive substance. Numerous states and communities have voted to outlaw kratom in light of these findings. They intend to save their population from potential addiction by making it illegal.
Kratom Is A Controversial Product
Since kratom is still not properly examined, it hasn’t been formally advised for medical usage. Clinical research is crucial to the creation of innovative medications. Studies aid in identifying persistently negative effects and negative medication interactions. These studies also aid in determining dosages that are efficient and safe.
Due to the lack of in-depth studies about kratom, controversies have surrounded the kratom industry, making it difficult for its consumers to freely use the product. There are many misconceptions that haven’t been addressed and investigated yet.
With the lack of factual information about kratom and its effects, controversies will continue to arise, which puts kratom consumers in a difficult situation. Some kratom users are even ashamed of purchasing kratom products from a brick-and-mortar shop as they fear that they will be judged negatively.
Difficulty in Choosing the Best Strain
Kratom comes in various strains. It’s available in various colors and types that are equally effective. Many kratom consumers are torn between these strains. However, the only things that you need to remember when choosing the perfect kratom strain for you are compatibility and the purpose intended.
There is no better kratom strain than the one that’s highly effective in providing the effect that you are after. For instance, if your main goal in using kratom is to relieve tension, then the red vein kratom is the best for you.
The most potent form of the alkaloid 7-hydroxy-mitragynine, which is predominantly responsible for kratom’s analgesic effects, is found in red vein kratom.
Meanwhile if you are looking to improve your mood and increase your energy level without feeling anxious, the green vein kratom is your best bet. The green vein kratom is the best alternative to coffee. So, if you are having issues with the anxious feeling when drinking coffee, consider switching to green vein kratom.
Why You Should Use Kratom
There are many good reasons why you should consider using kratom. Despite all the dilemmas that you might face, the benefits you can get from it still outweigh them. What you will need to do is to not mind such issues and ensure that you are properly and responsibly using kratom to address your concerns.
Kratom, just like other over-the-counter drugs, has its pros and cons. But if you only focus on the drawbacks, you wouldn’t be able to experience its greatness. Instead, conduct your own research about this product to acquire enough information that will help you safely utilize it.
Additionally, with the proper information, you can also avoid getting in trouble with the law. Therefore, start your research now. Whether you are new to this product or have been using it for years, you must consider conducting your own study.
Always Seek an Expert’s Advice
Whether you are a new kratom consumer or have been using it for so long, it’s highly encouraged to seek an expert’s advice to ensure safety. You can acquire such support from groups of people who are studying kratom’s effects.
You can even discuss your concerns with the kratom vendor if they are legit and trustworthy. That’s why it’s vital that you carefully choose the kratom vendor from where you will purchase your kratom product.
