General

Washington State Moves to Classify Kratom as a Schedule I Substance

Leave a Comment / Current Events, General, News / By

Washington State’s Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission is weighing a potential ban on kratom, a plant-based substance often used for pain relief and other therapeutic purposes. On August 22, 2024, the commission, which operates under the Washington State Department of Health, announced its intent to explore classifying kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. This decision …

Washington State Moves to Classify Kratom as a Schedule I Substance Read More »

NYC Cafe Owner Sues City Over Kava and Kratom Tea Ban

Leave a Comment / Current Events, General, News / By

In a recent legal battle, Tobly McSmith, the owner of Here & Now cafe in New York City, has filed a lawsuit against the city for shutting down his establishment. The cafe, which opened in December 2022, specializes in serving teas made from kava and kratom, substances known for their relaxing properties. McSmith, who invested …

NYC Cafe Owner Sues City Over Kava and Kratom Tea Ban Read More »

“Congressional Briefing on Kratom Science and Policy” to Be Held in Washington Dec 13 Ahead of Federal KCPA

Leave a Comment / Current Events, General, News / By

On Wednesday December 13, 2023 at 11:30 AM- 1:00PM a Congressional Briefing on Kratom Science and Policy will be held in Capitol Visitors Center. Room 210/12, Reception Room 385, Russell Senate Office Building. Speakers include Director of NIDA Dr. Nora Volkow , Dr. Kirsten Smith of Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Mary Huestis of Thomas Jefferson …

“Congressional Briefing on Kratom Science and Policy” to Be Held in Washington Dec 13 Ahead of Federal KCPA Read More »

Johns Hopkins Requesting Participation of Kratom Consumers in a New Survey

Leave a Comment / General, Research / By

tinyurl.com/jhusupplementsurvey The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is seeking volunteers to complete an online survey study about substance use. We want to learn more about experiences with novel or less commonly used substances, such as kratom, kava, akuamma seed, and tianeptine. If you have used these substances, you may be eligible to complete the …

Johns Hopkins Requesting Participation of Kratom Consumers in a New Survey Read More »

AKA Responds to Farmers Co-ops, Denies Buying Kratom from Farmers, Processors

Leave a Comment / Current Events, General, News / By

Last week, news from CNN Indonesia and other sources reported that two Indoneisan farmers groups, PPHI and KOPRABUH, were calling on their president to pause kratom exports until trade regulations can be implemented. They accused kratom vendors and the American Kratom Association (AKA) of breaking agreements, and engaging in direct transactions with farmers in order …

AKA Responds to Farmers Co-ops, Denies Buying Kratom from Farmers, Processors Read More »

Indonesian Kratom Farmers Seek to Pause Exports to the US

1 Comment / Current Events, General, News / By

Farmers’ groups accuse American kratom industry, AKA of unfair business practices that keep prices, quality low ***Update 12/4/23 AKA has responded to these allegations. Two cooperatives representing Indonesian farmers are calling on their government to stop kratom exports to the United States until agreed-upon trade regulations are in place. On November 13, 2023, the Indonesian …

Indonesian Kratom Farmers Seek to Pause Exports to the US Read More »

Man Held in Arkansas Jail for 8 Months on Kratom Charge for Carrying Moringa

Leave a Comment / Current Events, General, News / By

  “In April of 2022, he was arrested for having kratom. And the kratom turned out not to be kratom.” In a video posted on Facebook by Attorney W. Whitfield “Whit” Hyman on November 21, 2023, Hyman speaks on the case of Scott Cook, who is sitting in the passenger seat of Hyman’s vehicle. Cook …

Man Held in Arkansas Jail for 8 Months on Kratom Charge for Carrying Moringa Read More »

Isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine Now Being Sold in Tablets and Liquid Shots

Leave a Comment / General, News / By

Companies are now selling isolated 7-hydroxymitragyinine in a grey marketplace that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) refuses to regulate. Found in near-zero amounts in plain leaf kratom, 7-hydroxymitragyinine has been shown in animal studies to have enormous dependency potential. Obeng et al 2020 demonstrated that while mitragynine, kratom’s most abundant alkaloid, has “a complex …

Isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine Now Being Sold in Tablets and Liquid Shots Read More »

DEA to Cut Opioid Supply; Now Accepting Public Comments

1 Comment / Current Events, General, News / By

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is threatening to cut the supply of opioids at a time when pain patients are struggling to access treatment, and illicit opioids are becoming more potent. The DEA is receiving public comments on the proposed cuts at this link:  https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0150-0001 . Comments are due by December 4, 2023. The Controlled …

DEA to Cut Opioid Supply; Now Accepting Public Comments Read More »

Kratom Shown to Inhibit Fat, Glucose Accumulation In Vitro

4 Comments / General, Research / By

Note: We report on ongoing science. Not enough evidence has been established to conclude that kratom or mitragynine is an effective treatment for any disease. Scientists have discovered that kratom can inhibit enzymes that play a role in fat absorption. In an in vitro study, scientists found that mitragynine is a potent inhibitor of lipase, …

Kratom Shown to Inhibit Fat, Glucose Accumulation In Vitro Read More »