Opium addiction has been a concern in this area and kratom has been known for centuries to ease the effects of withdrawal from opiates. The active alkaloids in kratom interact with the same opioid receptors as codeine but to a lesser degree, and kratom is not addicting.
Contrary to reports in the media, kratom is not a new ‘legal high.’ The kratom tree is in the same family as coffee and has about as much potential for abuse. Kratom is legal to use in the US and has become a popular herbal remedy for chronic pain and as an energy boost. Users report that small amounts of kratom (5-6 grams) provide a lift similar to coffee while larger doses (8-10 grams) are relaxing. Kratom is sold in smoke shops and head shops for the past decade in the US. 10 grams of crushed leaf powder usually goes for about $15.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree growing from 15-50 feet tall (5-15 meters) that is native to Thailand and Malaysia. It has broad, oval leaves that taper to points, yellow flowers that grow in clusters, and winged seeds.
The primary active chemicals are mitragynine, mitraphylline, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, all found in the kratom leaves. Kratom leaves have been chewed for stimulant, sedative, and euphoric effects by people in Thailand and South Asia for centuries.
Kratom can also be smoked, brewed as a tea, or made into an extract. Kratom use is relatively uncommon in the US and Europe, though kratom is available in raw and extract-enhanced forms from ethnobotanical vendors.
You can find where to buy kratom and what companies sell kratom on the right
