Research and regulation are better approaches than prohibition for kratom

In recent years, the use of kratom has generated substantial attention and sparked intense debate. It has been alternately hailed as both a miracle supplement and a dangerous substance.

Despite an estimated 15 million users nationwide in the United States, there are still many people who don’t know what kratom is, where it comes from or how people use it.

Originating from Southeast Asia, this herbal supplement derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family, has, for centuries, been consumed by native communities for various purposes, including social interactions, as an energy booster for manual labor, in religious and cultural ceremonies and to ease pain and discomfort.

The use of kratom in the United States has been growing over the past 40 years, as more and more consumers seek out natural herbal supplements as part of their wellness regimens. Common methods of consumption are as a whole or diced leaf, gel caps, tea, powder, or as a manufactured drink.

A notable benefit reported by those who consume kratom lies in its potential to enhance mood and mental well-being. On the heels of a global pandemic where many people were isolated and their general well-being suffered, kratom has shown an ability to help.

Kratom leaves contain compounds that may support the healthy function of neurotransmitters, leading to an enhanced sense of well-being after using kratom in moderate amounts.

In addition to its mood-enhancing properties, kratom has gained popularity for its ability to provide an energy boost. Users have reported increased productivity, improved concentration, and enhanced mental clarity after consuming kratom. It is often used as a natural alternative to caffeine.

As life becomes increasingly more hectic, everyday stress and anxiety have become pervasive challenges. Kratom is regarded as a potential aid in promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels by helping individuals unwind and find relief from daily stress.

Currently kratom is legal in 44 of 50 states, but products found in many of those states can be under-regulated, leading to variations in quality, potency, and purity. Lack of standardization increases the risk of adulteration and contamination, potentially putting users at risk and lessening the plant’s helpful properties.

Peer-review research in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, recommended U.S. agencies should study and regulate rather than ban kratom sales outright because of its safety and potential. Survey research from Johns Hopkins also suggested a need for more research and more consistent regulation of kratom but not a total ban of the herbal supplement.

The U.S. kratom industry generates an estimated $1.3 billion in annual sales, millions in tax revenue and accounts for thousands of jobs, millions in labor income and contributes millions to the U.S. GDP – and California is a major driver of that.

To date, 11 states – Utah, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Virginia, Florida, and Texas – have enacted the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which requires kratom vendors to use good manufacturing standards, independently test their products, label the products with directions for use, and set appropriate age limits.

Better regulation of kratom can help address safety concerns by enforcing quality standards, ensuring accurate labeling, and implementing age restrictions. Proper regulation would also promote research to better understand kratom’s effects, helping individuals make informed decisions about its use.

It is important to strike a balance between ensuring public safety and preserving potential benefits while considering the cultural significance of kratom in its native regions. And education is key in this effort.

JW Ross is the Founder and CEO of Botanic Tonics, LLC based in Santa Monica.

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