quote:

Selected Intelligence Brief
HERBAL DRUG UPDATE: KRATOM
[From the NDIC Narcotics Digest Weekly 2005;4(16):4
Unclassified, Reprinted with Permission.]
Some epidemiologists have reported that kratom--an herbal drug derived from a tropical tree
native to Southeast Asia--has significant abuse potential in the United States, where it currently
is legal. Kratom leaves (fresh and dried) and plants are widely available on the Internet and
probably are sold at some "head shops" in the United States. Dried kratom leaves are relatively
inexpensive, often selling for $10 to $40 per ounce. Kratom users typically chew fresh leaves or
make a tea from dried leaves, but some users smoke the dried leaves. Because kratom abuse has
been recognized in several regions of Asia, the herb has been made illegal in Australia, Burma,
Malaysia, and Thailand.
The primary active alkaloid in kratom is mitragynine; however, other alkaloids are present and
account for a variety of effects, which are dose-dependent. Low doses usually produce stimulant
effects; higher doses usually produce sedative and euphoric effects. Some users report “lucid
dreaming.” Effects typically begin within 5 to 10 minutes after ingestion and last approximately
6 hours. Individuals who chronically use kratom become thin, their skin darkens (particularly on
the cheeks), and they experience dry mouth, constipation, and frequent urination. Withdrawal
symptoms can include muscle and joint pain, hostility, aggression, eye-watering, and spastic
limb movements. Users who combine kratom with nervous system depressants may experience
respiratory depression, which may cause them to stop breathing.
MICROGRAM BULLETIN, VOL. XXXVIII, NO. 7, JULY 2005 Page 115
NDIC Comment: Kratom's wide availability on the Internet suggests that demand is extensive;
however, kratom abuse is not monitored by any national drug abuse survey, and NDIC has not
yet received law enforcement reports regarding kratom abuse in the United States. Newspaper
reports regarding kratom abuse recently were published in Malaysia, similar reports have
surfaced in Great Britain, and several web sites - some based in the United States - frequented by
recreational drug abusers contain extensive information about kratom. It is likely that kratom
abuse is unrecognized in areas where it is occurring because the crushed, dried leaves resemble
other plant-based drugs, and the effects mimic effects of other drugs.
One potential user population for kratom is opiate addicts who may attempt to self-treat if they
do not have access to methadone programs or if they are reluctant to seek professional treatment.
Some medical researchers have speculated that kratom may be useful as a substitute for
methadone in treating opiate dependency, although more research is needed.