The Impact of Kratom, Often Referred to as 'Street Heroin,' on Individual Bodies Unveiled
In a significant move, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent alkaloid found in the kratom plant, be scheduled as a Schedule 1 controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This decision is based on the alkaloid's strong opioid-like effects and significant health risks, including potential for addiction and respiratory depression.
The kratom plant, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is not legally marketed as a drug, dietary supplement, or food product in the U.S. The FDA has not approved any kratom-based products, including those containing mitragynine or 7-OH, and continues to warn against their use for medical treatment due to insufficient safety and efficacy data. However, kratom remains legally available in many states, though it is banned in seven states and regulated or restricted in others.
The focus on 7-OH does not directly target the natural kratom leaf products but rather concentrates on artificially concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products deemed more dangerous. These products can have very high potency, far exceeding the natural alkaloid content in kratom leaves.
As of now, there are no established, FDA-recognized safe intake methods for kratom. Its use is not supported by federal health agencies as a legitimate medicine due to concerns over safety, quality control, and efficacy. Consumers should be aware of the legal landscape and potential health risks when using kratom products.
Kratom products, such as powders, capsules, shots, and gummies, are commonly found in gas stations, smoke shops, and liquor stores. These products are often marketed as a "natural" tonic for more energy, increased focus, a better mood, and pain relief. However, it's important to note that Western kratom products are made from concentrated extracts and isolates, which differ from fresh kratom leaves due to factors like environmental exposure, processing, and accelerated rates of absorption.
One user claims that kratom effects, along with God, helped them stay clean from opiates for 21 years. The Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia, is known as kratom and has been traditionally used in the region for pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal. In Southeast Asia, kratom is often consumed to boost manual labor or enjoyed as a libation among men.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a plan to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a derivative of the kratom plant, as a Schedule I drug. Dr. Steven Ey, an addiction medicine specialist at Hoag, suggests that 7-OH should be viewed as a separate drug from kratom due to its differences in potency, effects, and risks. Dr. Michele Ross, a neuroscientist and author of "Kratom Is Medicine", states that kratom contains over 35 alkaloids.
Some people use kratom as a replacement for coffee, for a mood-boosting pick-me-up, or to combat depression or anxiety. However, it's crucial to approach the use of kratom products with caution, especially considering the increased potency and potential risks associated with synthetic forms of 7-OH.
The FDA has not approved any kratom-based products, including those containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), due to insufficient safety and efficacy data, making it uncertain about the wellness benefits often associated with the herb (e.g., boosting energy, improving focus, and alleviating pain).
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s plan to classify 7-OH as a Schedule I drug implies a view shared by some experts that it's important to distinguish this alkaloid from the natural kratom leaf due to its potency differences and unique health risks.
Kratom products can be found in various retail outlets such as gas stations, shops focused on smoking and liquor, and online platforms. These products often target fashion-conscious consumers seeking health-and-wellness alternatives, marketed as a natural means to cope with stress, anxiety, or pain.
Dr. Michele Ross argues that kratom contains over 35 alkaloids, asserting that it should be considered a complex plant with various health applications, not just a substance relegated to the Schedule 1 category.
