Whether you believe in holistic healing or are just trying to circumnavigate today’s expensive and tricky healthcare costs, you have probably heard talk about the substance kratom. You have probably heard some individuals say that the substance has the power to cure anxiety as well as minor aches and pains. You have probably also heard some other people say that the substance has no healing potential whatsoever and should be illegal. There are some individuals that are even classifying the substance with heroin and other dangerous opioids. So, what’s the truth and what’s the solution? A number of states have moved to completely ban the substance altogether while others have limited the sale and consumption to individuals over the age of 21. It seems that other states like Michigan are even taking a different approach.
The Introduction Of A New Bill
Michigan is proudly home to a republican state senator. Not only is he republican, but he used to be a medical doctor. And, this is exactly why senator John Bizon wants to regulate the substance to prescription use only. As of right now, the substance is simply available for purchase at gas stations and head shops. Heck, you don’t even have to be 18 years old in most places to buy the supplement. Bizon’s call for this new bill came after the alarming increases of deaths linked to the substance. And, this bill would be unique. It would be one that would still allow the use of kratom. It would just limit the use to individuals with proven medical conditions.
What The CDC Says
Unfortunately, there are just too little cases and studies surrounding kratom. Not only this but the studies as somewhat subjects. Just look at what the CDC is saying. In April alone it was reported that there were over 91 fatal overdoses throughout the United States involving kratom. However, here is where the subjective part comes in. Of these 91 cases, all of them involved the use of other drugs. Other drugs like fentanyl, heroin, benzodiazepines, cocaine, as well as other potentially dangerous prescription drugs. These reports really just don’t provide enough information because they can be interrupted in different ways. One could easily say that it was the kratom that caused the overdose, but you could also easily say that it was the other drugs. It is even possible that it was a mixture of the two. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough hard evidence.
That being said, there is certainly no denying that kratom was linked with a recent Salmonella outbreak. There were 199 reported cases of individual coming down with Salmonella after taking kratom. This span across 41 states and of those 41 states Michigan was the only one to have 4 reports.
What The Proponents Are Saying
Despite these findings, there are some individuals that are still more than willing to fight for the substance and everything that it has to offer. These individuals claim that the substance helps with minor pains and woes. Not only this, but there are even some studies showing that the substance has the potential to be a powerful opioid proponent. Since it produces similar effects it could potentially be used to wean addicts from opioids.
Possible Risks
According to most sources, kratom is possibly unsafe. This doesn’t mean that it is unsafe. It means that it could be. Remember that there are numerous potential side effects associated with kratom. For instance, you might end up experiencing nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and constipation. You have to be careful when taking kratom by mouth because the side effects can be annoying. If you consume too much kratom, there is a risk that you’re going to experience hallucinations. This is uncommon but anything can happen.
With that being said, you can see why some agencies and cities have taken steps to ban kratom. There is a possibility that buying kratom might require a prescription in the future. If this happens, it is going to be much more difficult to buy kratom. Sadly, kratom offers numerous benefits that this is going to make it difficult for consumers to take advantage of those benefits.
Getting A Prescription
Ultimately, getting a prescription for Kratom is going to be much more difficult than you could ever imagine. At the end of the day, a lot of doctors will not be eager to prescribe kratom as a herbal supplement. That might change in the future. However, it is not going to happen anytime soon. Remember that many doctors were hesitant to prescribe marijuana when it was first made legal medically. With that being said, you should know that it might be tough to buy kratom for the time being. You might be able to obtain a prescription but that is very unlikely.
Until opinions change regarding kratom, this is going to be a problem.
What Is A Herbal Supplement?
Now, you should find out what a herbal supplement is. Well, it is a type of dietary supplement. However, there is a major difference. This type of supplement must contain herbs or plants. It can contain any part of the plant. For instance, it may contain flowers, leaves, fruit, seeds, or roots. As long as the product contains one of these, it can be considered a herbal supplement. With that being said, kratom would indeed be considered a herbal supplement and you may be required to obtain a prescription to buy it in the future. Many believe that herbal supplements are safer than the alternatives but they might not be completely safe.
Therefore, you have to be cautious when using these supplements. Be sure to take your time and analyze the risks before taking these products.
