Introduction
What is Kratom?
Mytragyna Speciosa or Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to Southeast Asia. Also known as Biak, Ketum, Kakuam, It hangs, and Thom, it is commonly used in traditional medications in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and New Papua Guinea. Both the coffee plant and the Kratom plant are members of the same family of the flowering plants, Rubiaceae.
Uses of Kratom
- As a recreational drug, the leaves are chewed or drank as a beverage. It helps to lighten up the mood and enhance physical performance.
- The leaves or extracts of the leaves can be used as a stimulant and a sedative.
- It is also known for treating chronic pain and digestive ailments.
- It can also be used as an aid for withdrawal from opium dependence.
It is used for treating anxiety, depression, cough, diabetes, diarrhea, and high blood pressure. Although Kratom has medicinal values, is it totally legal? Kratom can be unsafe for people when consumed by mouth. Some of the adverse effects of Kratom are:
- Kratom can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if consumed regularly.
- It can cause many side effects like nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, aggression, restlessness, insomnia, tension, and fever.
- If daily consumption of Kratom is stopped suddenly, then people may experience loss in appetite, aggression, hallucinations, nervousness, frequent mood change, and other behavioral changes.
- Excessive consumption of Kratom may worsen existing mental disorders.
Kratom does have some medical properties, but if not used properly, it can be harmful. It was previously used only in Central Asian countries, but with time the whole world is aware of the properties of this plant. In some countries the use of Kratom is totally illegal, in some countries there are restrictions on the use of this plant but in many countries Kratom is legal. The legal charges can even vary from state to state.
The adverse effect of this plant is far more than the benefits. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have found no crucial evidence that Kratom has many therapeutic benefits. It affects the same opioid brain receptors as the morphine, says the FDA, and brings risks of abuse, addiction, and dependence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says more deaths from Kratom have involved other substances including opioids.
In general, Kratom is legal in the United States, but given some restrictions in other parts of the world. Even in the United States they differ from state to state. In the states like Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and many other states, the using and selling of Kratom is absolutely legal. In states like Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, etc., Kratom is illegal.
Speaking of the world, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian Country to legalize the use of Kratom. In other Asian countries like India, China, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and others the use of Kratom is legal. In most countries, Kratom is legal. Only a few countries buying, selling, and using this plant are illegal.
Conclusion
Buying, selling, and using this specific plant should have some restrictions. It is not completely safe to use Kratom. The Harms caused by it are tons more dangerous than the actual benefits. Students are buying and using Kratom for addiction. Without restrictions, Kratom is very easy to reach. It can be easily available online, in head shops, convenience stores, and gas stations in various forms like packets of a green powder, chopped leaves, gums, and capsules. If certain legal restrictions are implied then the number of deaths and suicides caused by the use of Kratom can decline. More attention should be given to this plant.
