and in high doses, it can act as an effective, sedative painkiller. The botanical medicine has also been used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Although its addictive properties have been debated, the DEA believed that mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine were linked to deaths, and calls to poison control centers over the last 5-6 years. The agency also believed Kratom had no medicinal properties and had the potential for excessive abuse.
The DEA will accept comments from the public on kratom before the comment period closes on December 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
