In some of the best Kratom news of 2021, the United Nations World Health Organization, or the WHO, has decided not to recommend an international ban on Kratom. This decision comes after a thorough and robust scientific review from medical experts around the world. This comes as welcome news, as the number of people ordering Kratom online has doubled in just a span of a few months.
While there has been some pushback from conservative lawmakers in the United States, Kratom advocates both in America and around the world are celebrating the news and are hoping that this is the first step to mainstream acceptance of the plant-based product.
An Almost-Unanimous Rejection On An International Kratom Ban
Leading the review of the Kratom ban was the WHO’s Executive Committee on Drug Dependency, or the ECDD. Initial reports gave rise to concern that the ban might push through, as the ECDD has had a history of taking a conservative approach to plant-based products like Kratom.
It’s also worth noting that the ECDD was operating on fairly misappropriated information regarding Kratom, thanks to the plant’s undeserved label as an ‘opioid’. Opioids are a class of drugs that directly control the opioid receptors in the brain, leading to dependency and severe negative side effects. Notorious opioids like heroin and opium have long been known to be dangerous drugs, and some uninformed lawmakers and even some misinformed medical experts have tried to add Kratom to that list.
However, the ECDD has found that, while Kratom does influence the opioid receptors in the brain, there is simply not enough scientific and medical evidence for Kratom to be classified as an opioid drug. The natural painkiller has been seeing successful use as a safe alternative to many prescription drugs, and the ECCD has taken this into account in their review.
Following a rigorous review of the medical research. The ECDD voted 11-1 to reject an international ban on Kratom, choosing instead to continue monitoring data on the health impacts of Kratom over the next few years. Great Kratom news for everyone.
How Is The US Government Taking This News?
Currently, Kratom is not scheduled under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, nor is it part of any international drug treaties that our countries are party to. The FDA, however, has been trying to consider restrictions on the plant-based substance. Thankfully, the FDA has faced very strong grassroots resistance against this ideav. Backed by bicameral lawmakers, the FDA has currently been unsuccessful in trying to regulate or ban Kratom on American soil.
There were, however, concerns that the FDA was going to use the WHO convention as an opportunity to circumvent the lack of regulation by using the international ban as a way to regulate supply in the country. Thankfully, this did not come to pass, and the FDA’s ignorance has once again failed to stop Kratom from being pushed as a safe and all-natural alternative to many OTC medications.
And while civilian resistance to a Kratom ban is strong, the people have found a surprising ally: US lawmakers. In a surprise move, a bipartisan, bicameral duo of congressional lawmakers sent a letter to the secretary of the U.S. Department Health and Human Services and the country’s United Nations ambassador in October, imploring them to plead the case to the WHO to reject any international ban on the plant.
Although various Federal agencies have continued to debate on whether to schedule Kratom or not, lawmakers have continued to push back, saying that there has been no conclusive evidence that would warrant the United States voting in favor of an international control of this substance. This is a de facto pro-Kratom stance, despite the FDA’s hesitance.
Is Kratom Legal In The US?
Kratom is LEGAL in the United States on the FEDERAL level, and it’s practically legal in many states. However, there are still some states, counties, and cities with oppressive, anti-Kratom laws and statutes that do more harm than good.
This is why the WHO’s outright rejection of Kratom’s international ban is great news, because it will hopefully encourage local lawmakers to revisit these anti-Kratom laws and ordinances and outright start rejecting those, too.
So What’s Next for Kratom?
At this point, we hope that Kratom’s powerfully positive effects can finally start being recognized by the mainstream medical community and the government at large. Maybe then we can start implementing holistic, organic, and all-natural treatment programs for patients who need it.
Dakind Botanicals is extremely excited for what’s coming next, and if you’re looking to order Kratom online, let us know so we can also talk you through any concerns you might have regarding this wonderful, organic product.
