Since the increase in popularity of kratom, many questions have arisen from people who are curious and want to know more about kratom. There are so many questions surrounding this herbal supplement, but there are five that are very common.
Below, we have compiled these five frequently asked questions about kratom to shed light on individuals who are eager to familiarize themselves with kratom. This way, we can help them better understand this product and aid in deciding whether this is a good alternative for them or not.
So, without further ado, here are the top five common questions about kratom along with the answers to help put these queries to rest.
What is Kratom?
To answer the question “what is kratom?”, kratom is an evergreen plant that belongs to the coffee species. It can commonly be found in South East Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. It is used as a recreational and medicinal drug by many individuals from anywhere in the world.
Kratom products that are sold on the market come in various forms like powder, resins, capsules, and the like. Kratom products are also known by the names Biak, Ketum, Ithang, Thom, and Kauam.
In the past, kratom was typically added to food during cooking, chewed, or brewed into tea. Today, it is either made into pills or is ground up and smoked like tobacco. Kratom’s popular stimulant properties are the key to its popularity.
Mitragynine works more like a sedative when taken in higher amounts, which is why it is compared to opioid medications like morphine and codeine. Kratom is used by people for a variety of things, but its most well-known use is to lessen opiate withdrawal symptoms.
The US Food and Drug Administration does not endorse the use of kratom for the treatment of anxiety, depression, or chronic pain.
Is Kratom Safe?
The next question that is frequently asked by consumers is: “Is kratom safe?”. Kratom is now being used by people all over the world to alleviate pain or control the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. But little research has been done on the safety and effectiveness of kratom.
Products containing kratom can be purchased online and in businesses that sell herbal or cigarette products in the US. Although many goods advertised as kratom have been discovered to contain dangerous impurities, such as heavy metals and pathogens, that’s why there are currently no FDA-approved uses for the substance.
That’s also the reason why you should purchase your kratom from a trustworthy kratom vendor to ensure that you will get a high quality kratom product that isn’t contaminated. There have been a variety of reported effects of kratom.
Increased energy, alertness, and a quick heartbeat are stimulant-like effects. Consciousness reduction, pain alleviation, and confusion are opiate-like effects. Kratom’s impact on the brain, its interactions with pharmaceuticals, and its potential for therapeutic application are all subjects of research. However, research is still in its infancy.
That’s why talking to your physician before consuming kratom is highly advised. By doing this, you can reduce the likelihood of kratom having a negative effect on you, like interactions with your prescription medicines.
Is Kratom Legal?
Another question that is often asked by many individuals before they start using kratom as an alternative to address their medical condition is: “Is Kratom legal?“. Kratom is not subject to federal regulation in the US.
Because of both federal and state legislation, kratom legality is still a complicated topic in the United States. It is theoretically acceptable to use and own kratom in the United States. However, several states have outright banned kratom.
Here is a list of states where kratom is considered legal to use,buy, sell, or possess.
- 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
Meanwhile, below is the list of states in the USA that it is illegal to use, sell, possess, or buy kratom products.
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Other countries also have different laws regarding kratom. There are countries that are open about the use of kratom, but there are also others that treat it as an illegal substance alongside opioids, marijuana, and psychedelics.
Whether you live inside the United States or outside, you should first check your local laws regarding kratom. So, as a result, you will know if you are allowed to use it in terms of legality or not. This way, you won’t get in trouble with the law.
What Does Kratom Do to Your Body?
There are many effects kratom can have on your body, depending on the dosage of kratom you have taken. If taken at a low dosage, kratom can increase alertness and energy. You will notice that you will become more talkative and active.
If you are aiming to increase your productivity at work or at school, taking kratom at a lower dose can provide you with that effect.
In contrast, taking kratom at a higher dose can provide the complete opposite. You will feel relaxed and calm. If you are taking kratom for insomnia, you should use it at a higher dose as it is the best dose that will give you a sedative effect.
Moreover, kratom is also known to be potentially addictive. That’s why you shouldn’t abuse kratom. Use it in moderation and only as needed. It’s also best to talk to experts who already have quite a knowledge of and experience with kratom.
When addicted to kratom, you will experience hallucinations, confusion, and delusion similar to the effects of opioids and other psychedelics. You can also experience itching, dry mouth, and the like.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
People use kratom for various reasons. However, the most common ones are for relieving tension, improving mood, sedation, and aiding in opioid withdrawal symptoms. Kratom is marketed as a herbal supplement that is a safe alternative to over-the-counter medications.
Since it’s organic, many people are attracted to using it and avoiding any synthetic medications that can be bought in pharmacies. People who are suffering from extreme symptoms of their health conditions resort to using kratom in the hopes that it will help them acquire a better life.
Final Thoughts
Kratom is a good herbal alternative to over-the-counter medicines for various health issues as long as you follow the right dosage according to your needs. You might also want to check on your local laws regarding kratom before you start using it.
With enough and correct knowledge, you will be able to get the best out of kratom and will finally be free from the suffering you are experiencing. But remember, always consult your doctor before you start trying alternative medicines and remedies to ensure your safety.
