CannaAid & Peak; something new for everyone.

Dispelling the FDA Myths:Understanding the Facts

Let Science Direct Public Policy on Kratom – Not the FDA Bias Against all Dietary And Botanical Supplements

The kratom community believes public policy related to kratom should follow the science. To learn more about the science that supports the fact that kratom is a safe natural botanical, and why the FDA claims being made about kratom are just wrong, visit the following page to download and review the compelling truth about kratom use by consumers: www.kratomanswers.org

Myth: The FDA claims there are deaths associated with kratom use and warns consumers from using it.

There has not been a single documented fatality that can be linked to use of the natural kratom plant alone. The FDA claimed deaths “associated with kratom use” are actually deaths caused by polydrug use, underlying medical conditions, or the use of adulterated kratom products laced with toxic levels of dangerous substances, including opioids. National Institutes on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) newly-updated conclusions agree that unadulterated kratom use does not cause overdose deaths

Myth: Kratom’s primary alkaloid, mitragynine (MG) and metabolite 7- hydroxymitragynine(7-HMG) are dangerous opioids and have the same effects of opioids like heroin.

MG and 7-HMG, like many other substances like Chamomile, St. John’s Wort, etc., do bind to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain. Kratom’s alkaloids are actually only partial agonists, with lower dependence and abuse potential. The sectors of the brain kratom impacts are pain relief and mood sectors, not the sector that produced euphoria and, most importantly, scientific evidence demonstrates that kratom does not cause respiratory depression like classic opioids, a common cause of fatal overdoses.

Myth: Kratom is highly addictive and is abused as a drug

Like coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks, consumers can develop a dependency on kratom, which is vastly different from an addiction. Two NIDA funded scientific studies completely debunk the FDA theory. The Hemby study in June 2018 concluded “MG does not have abuse potential and reduces morphine intake,” and the Yue study in July 2018 reported “limited abuse liability and potential for mitragynine treatment to specifically reduce opioid abuse.” Recent studies confirm that fact.

Myth: The kratom industry has no production standards or consumer safety protocols.

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is committed to supporting regulations that provide consumers with safe, properly manufactured kratom products. The kratom community supports adherence to FDA product testing protocols that meet or exceed Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines set by the FDA for dietary ingredients/supplements and support appropriate age restrictions and labeling guidelines outlining responsible use. The kratom community has called upon the FDA to use its existing regulatory authority to remove adulterated kratom products from the market and prosecute individuals or companies who produce or distribute dangerous adulterated kratom products, but in more than 65 reports provided by the AKA, not a single prosecution by the FDA.

Recent Articles

This article is the second in a two-part series examining the impact of international policy on domestic cannabis legalization. This installment shifts focus to recent global milestones, such as Canada’s federal legalization and Mexico’s ongoing reforms, and considers how these changes could shape America’s fragmented cannabis policies.
We all deal with Uncle Sam, but smoke shop owners face unique challenges compared to everyone else. Here at HeadQuest, we’ve compiled our favorite tips and tricks to get you through your least favorite time of year.
For nearly two decades, Aficionados owner Tony Williamson has offered Augusta, Georgia, more than a retail experience. His smoke shop, located in the heart of downtown, has evolved into a hub for those who don’t fit in elsewhere.
Fred Scorsch, a seasoned glassblower in Tempe, Arizona, and a 36-year veteran of the head shop industry now finds himself navigating the unpredictable world of American glass artistry, facing challenges that are upending the lives of homegrown artisans in a globalized economy.
Joey DeStefano’s journey from a young entrepreneur & musician to Chief Commercial Officer at Puff Brands is an inspiring tale of innovation, passion, and perseverance.
While Trump carried all seven swing states and the popular vote, the red wave that swept him into office also delivered a stinging rebuke to drug reform advocates. Legalization efforts in both Dakotas as well as Florida failed, and Massachusetts rejected a measure to make psychedelics great again.
As an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe of the Columbia River Plateau and a descendant of Chief Looking Glass, Mary Jane Oatman is on a mission to bring Indigenous communities back into the conversation around cannabis, hemp, and plant-based healing.
The federal government and e-cigarettes can’t seem to get along. Like two cats fighting, it’s mostly terrible noises and ridiculous posturing with extended pauses between any actual bouts of scratches and bites. Yet something about a recent dustup seems to signal the feud has reached a new intensity.