So you are in the smoke shop and come across an interesting product. It’s a triangular, resealable bag standing in a line on the shelves. Through a small, clear display window in the packaging, you can see a find green powder. The labeling indicates the product is kratom. To you, it looks like tea and sounds like the name of a ring around Saturn.
It’s true that kratom is a highly-misunderstood and mysterious plant. But with the right education and knowledge, you can make the best choices for yourself concerning its use.
What is kratom?
Kratom is an herbal supplement derived from a tropical evergreen tree found in South Asia. The tree is actually part of the coffee family, but extracts from its leaves have been used as an alternative medicine, including as stimulants and sedatives. Much like CBD, there have been few studies or clinical trials involving kratom and therefore it has not been approved by the FDA for medical use. That being said, it’s legal in the US (though not in the countries from which it originates or in some European countries) and can be found anywhere most supplements can be bought.
Uses for kratom
Kratom is an interesting plant because in low doses, it creates a stimulant effect in users. And at higher doses, it creates a sedative effect. With just a few grams, it promotes alertness, increased sociability and decreased motor function, a little like the effects of alcohol. At a dosage of 10-25 grams, kratom works more like a sedative, producing euphoric effects and dulling sensations and emotions.
How is it used?
Most users consume kratom by steeping the leaves like tea, but it’s also popularly found in tablet and capsule form. The large majority of people who take kratom report using it for pain management purposes. It has been said that kratom acts much like a mild opioid in the body. Some users turn to kratom as a way to avoid hard opioid drugs that have caused an epidemic in our country. Others use it to help wean themselves off of an opioid addiction.
Why the controversy?
Because of kratom’s association with opioids, many are cautious to suggest it use. As with any substance, there is a possibility of abuse with overuse. Side effects of long-term use of kratom include constipation, loss of appetite, severe weight loss and insomnia. Experiencing withdrawal from kratom has only been linked to high usage. Studies have found that users who ingest more than 21 doses of five grams or more over a week are at risk of becoming dependent.
Still, as with any supplement, it’s wise to proceed cautiously. The abuse of even longtime legalized substances like alcohol can have serious health effects on the body. Kratom, when used responsibly, has the natural ability to relax people and help them better manage pain, anxiety and depression. It may, after more studies are released, even be our best bet in escaping the horrors of the opioid problem in our country.
