Countering Misinformation: Educating the Public on Kratom

Kratom, the tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has been used for centuries as a dietary supplement and home remedy. But its recent popularity in the United States and other western nations has stirred up some controversy. Despite the DEA’s failure to classify the main components in kratom as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act in 2016, the association with other dangerous and harmful drugs persists.

Kratom misinformation is rampant and contributes to its tarnished reputation, reminiscent of “reefer madness.” Public opinion of kratom can have a huge influence on federal and state regulation, and a negative reputation could jeopardize the kratom industry.

If you or someone you love uses kratom, you may wonder how to best educate your friends and family to help minimize kratom misinformation. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate kratom conversations with tips for remaining respectful and patient when countering kratom misinformation. We’ll also provide several reputable sources you can reference for more information.

Common Misinformation

To counter kratom misinformation, you’ll need to be aware of the most common misunderstandings and myths associated with kratom.

• Kratom is illegal: Kratom is legal in most of the United States, with only six states banning its use. Many states have even enacted Kratom Consumer Protection Act bills that help regulate the production and manufacturing of kratom. This ensures consumers are receiving safe and unadulterated kratom.
• Kratom is dangerous and harmful: Many kratom opponents suggest that kratom is unsafe. While more studies are needed, preliminary scientific research concludes that kratom has a significantly lower potential for harm than other substances, as well as far fewer negative side effects.
• Kratom has no potential health benefits: Although the FDA has yet to approve kratom or its main compounds for medical use, this does not mean there are no potential health benefits associated with kratom use. Many users report that kratom may ease physical discomfort, help balance mood, and offer other wellness effects. Studies about kratom’s therapeutic use remain ongoing.

Tips for Approaching Kratom Misinformation

1. Focus on the facts: Reference scientific evidence rather than your own opinions. Try to remain calm, even if you have strong feelings about kratom.
2. Acknowledge gaps in research and regulatory measures: Kratom research is a relatively new area of study, and we do not have all the answers yet. However, this is no reason to ban or restrict its use.
3. Balance anecdotal research with science: While anecdotal evidence can be moving, it is best to present a balanced approach with the understanding that personal stories do not reflect universal experiences.
4. Use reputable sources: We’ve compiled our favorite resources at the end of this guide to help you build a good foundation for kratom safety, legality, and other information.
5. Encourage independent research: Universities and research institutions, government agencies, health organizations, and kratom industry leaders can have a wealth of information.
6. Keep an open dialogue: Don’t assume you know everything about kratom. Express understanding of someone else’s perspective and listen to their concerns.
7. Be respectful: Changing someone’s mind requires empathy. Avoid being confrontational or taking things personally.
8. Be patient: Education requires time and work, so stay committed!

Reputable Sources for Kratom Information

American Kratom Association: The AKA is a great source for current information regarding kratom’s legal status, scientific research, and regulatory practices. The AKA is on a mission to help the kratom industry by supporting consumers, educating the public, providing the facts about kratom, contributing to kratom’s positive image on a global scale, and protecting natural resources.

As one of the top advocates of the kratom industry, the AKA’s website is a one-stop shop for news on kratom.

CDC: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides health information, conducts research, and generally works to promote the health of United States citizens. The CDC is a trusted source for studies and data related to drug reactions and overdose deaths, particularly where kratom is detected.

The preliminary research the CDC has conducted suggests that overdose deaths linked to kratom are extremely rare. In a 2019 study analyzing over 27,000 overdose deaths between July 2016–December 2017, kratom was detected in <1% of overdose deaths.

FDA: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration works to protect the public’s health by conducting research, compiling data, and making decisions about the safety and effectiveness of drugs marketed for medical use. The FDA regulates the sale of drug products and while it has not approved kratom for any medical use, it is a valuable source of information on kratom’s current status as a “new dietary ingredient.”

NIDA: The National Institute on Drug Abuse, like the CDC and FDA, focuses on using science to help improve public health, especially as it relates to drug abuse and addiction. The NIDA supports and conducts research relating to how kratom compounds work in the brain, debunking many of the common myths about kratom.

The NIDA is also working to discover possible medicinal uses for kratom, tracking kratom use effects and patterns, as well as drug interactions.

Stay Informed at Kratom Gecko

Here at Kratom Gecko, we’re committed to keeping our customers and the public well-informed on the facts about kratom. For more information about kratom, check out our blog. And as always, if you’re looking for the highest quality kratom available, shop the Kratom Gecko.