Kratom Harmony: Understanding Legal Perspectives for Health

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Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, has registered a tremendous surge in popularity in the last couple of years due to its perceived therapeutic benefits. Both scientific and anecdotal studies have found that the herb might remedy a host of medical issues. That explains why kratom extracts are now available in different parts of the world despite the plant being originally from Southeast Asia.

But like many herbs, Mitragyna speciosa isn’t globally accessible. So, it’s important to understand the legal implications of selling, distributing, or consuming kratom supplements in your jurisdiction before dealing with such products.

We’ve prepared a guide to kratom’s pharmacological applications, with a focus on its legality in select jurisdictions around the world.

What Are The Benefits Of Kratom?

Kratom boasts immense therapeutic benefits. The herb is available in different preparations, too. Popular ones include kratom powder, capsules, extracts, and infused teas.

All kratom formulations contain the plant’s healing properties. However, powders stand out for their versatility and ease of administering.

Pain relief is probably the most common reason people consume kratom powder or other kratom-based supplements. The herb treats pain by impacting specific opioid receptors in the body, particularly those spread around the brain and central nervous system (CNS).

You might also use kratom powder for inflammation. Like most herbs, kratom soothes inflammation by diminishing the release of the key proteins, such as cytokines, involved in transmitting inflammatory messages across the body.

Many kratom users also laud it for its incredible efficacy against anxiety and depression.

The plant’s extracts relieve anxiety by improving the body’s signaling of happiness-inducing chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine.

Some studies further indicate that kratom might improve mental health by stabilizing the mood. The herb’s sedating properties designate it as a potential treatment for sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea.

People struggling with chronic fatigue might benefit immensely by integrating Mitragy naspeciosa into their wellness routine. Certain kratom strains are remarkably stimulating, hence a potential remedy for physical and mental fatigue. In fact, kratom shares the same botanical family as coffee. And as you shall find, its energizing properties are nearly similar to caffeine’s.

There’s a long list of other medical issues that you might address using kratom-infused supplements. These include diminished cognitive performance, nausea, inappetence, erectile dysfunction (ED), etc.

Is Kratom Legal Worldwide?

As already hinted, kratom isn’t globally legal despite its well-documented therapeutic value.

Many regulators take issue with the herb’s potential psychedelic properties and have gone ahead to restrict access to it. Some countries have banned kratom altogether.

Let’s have a look at kratom’s legality in select jurisdictions.

1. United States

Kratom isn’t federally regulated in the United States. The implication is that relevant agencies like the FDA and DEA cannot guarantee the safety or quality of kratom supplements sold within US borders.

However, despite the apparent lack of federal regulations, kratom remains legal in most US states.

2. Canada

Canada is one of the pioneers in the race towards global kratom legalization. While the country has no specific acts regulating access to kratom, the herb is legal throughout all its provinces and territories, provided it’s not marketed as a consumable.

In other words, kratom vendors are better off dealing with alternative kratom supplements, such as topicals and aromatherapy products.

Note that this restriction doesn’t apply to kratom users, though. As a consumer, you can legally administer Mitragyna speciosa in all its conceivable forms, including oral preparations like powders and capsules.

3. United Kingdom

Kratom laws in the United Kingdom are rather fuzzy and somewhat contradictory.

The plant isn’t explicitly listed in the Psychoactive Substances Act, presumably legalizing its possession and use. However, the Misuse of Drugs Act prohibits vendors from selling kratom.

Simply put, it may be against the law to sell, but not necessarily possess or use, kratom in the UK.

4. China

Mitragyna speciosa is technically legal in China as no laws are banning it. In fact, there appears to be no official mention of the herb in the country’s law.

But considering China’s somewhat unpredictable judicial system, it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to psychedelic drugs like kratom. Be sure to consult a licensed legal practitioner before using or being in possession of kratom.

5. Southeast Asia

As kratom traces its roots to Southeast Asia, it’s intuitive to imagine that the plant is legal throughout all countries within the region. But that’s not exactly true.

Kratom is presently illegal in Malaysia. The herb is legal in Indonesia, although that might change in 2024 if recent government announcements are anything to go by.

Kratom was banned in Thailand for several years before the country legalized it for medicinal use in 2019 and for all applications in 2021. These were significant milestones, considering Thailand accounts for most kratom sold in the West, including the legendary Maeng Da strain.

Summary

Kratom’s legality isn’t the only factor to consider before adding this powerful herb to your wellness routine. Other aspects include strain and dosage recommendations.

Note that kratom comes in numerous strains, each having its signature effects. For instance, white-vein strains are energizing, while red-vein counterparts are generally soothing. It’s best to pick a cultivar depending on your desired effects.

As for the dosages, remember that a bit of kratom goes a long way. Always moderate your serving amounts to avoid experiencing any adverse reactions to the herb. Start with doses as little as 2 grams daily if you’re a new user.

S43 STLP: Driving on the Road to Freedom

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After 3 seasons of online production, driven with their artistic passion for theatre, Artistang Artlets finally opened their 43rd season with an onsite production for their Senior’s Theater Literacy Program (STLP) entitled, “Maoyu Transit”.

For years, Artistang Artlets has been producing Theater Literacy Programs not only to entertain their audiences but to also educate them with the elements of theater. This year, Artistang Artlets opts to show their audiences the importance of symbolisms in theater by staging this moving story of love, acceptance, and freedom.

In “Maoyu Transit,” audiences will embark on a journey with a mother and a daughter boarding a peculiar bus. The driver, Mang Domeng, will help Aling Fe and Maya with their current predicament, and free them from their burdens. Little does he know, he too is on a journey of liberation. This emotionally charged play explores the power of compassion and human connection, rising above the limits of conventional storytelling.

Written and managed by Erin Moira Balbin, and directed by Ma. Cecilia Foja and Jenna Rose Macasaet, Maoyu Transit ran last November 30, 2023 with 4 consecutive shows running from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM..

"Iwas Paputok" Campaign: BAN Toxics Collaborates with Schools to Prevent and Reduce Firecracker-Related Injuries

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Toxics watchdog group, BAN Toxics, and Toro Hills Elementary School in Quezon City launched a joint "Iwas Paputok" campaign with 2,000 participants urging the public to avoid firecrackers and fireworks for health and environmental reasons, promoting a toxic-free and waste-free Christmas and New Year celebration.

The event was timely given the recent tragic incident in Lapu-lapu City, where a firecracker factory fire resulted in the loss of four lives and injuries to six others, including a seven-year old child.

Under the theme “Iwas Paputok, Iwas Disgrasya, Iwas Polusyon,” BAN Toxics collaborates with the school, local officials, and representatives from the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection assembled for an awareness-raising community parade. Students dressed in varied costumes portrayed the harmful effects of firecrackers and fireworks.

“We need to continue public awareness regarding the health hazards posed by firecrackers and fireworks, particularly among children. These festive items pose significant health concerns among children due to the presence of toxic chemicals that can severely harm the nervous and respiratory systems,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.

The chemicals and substances present in firecrackers include cadmium, lead, chromium, aluminum, magnesium, nitrates, nitrite, phosphates and sulfates, carbon monoxide, copper, manganese dioxide, potassium, sodium, zinc, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur. Exposure to these toxic chemicals can result in damage to the nervous and respiratory systems.

Aside from deaths and injuries caused by the unsafe manufacture and handling of firecrackers and fireworks, these products contain toxic chemicals that have been found to adversely affect people’s health. The chemical barium, used in firecrackers to produce the green color and prolong their shelf-life, has been banned in countries like India but is listed under controlled chemicals in the Philippines.

In 2015, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Joint Memorandum Circular 2015-143. This directive aimed to regulate the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers, polyvinyl pipe ‘BOGA,’ and other pyrotechnic devices. It also advocated for preventive measures to mitigate firecracker and firework-related injuries, deaths, and property damage. The circular mandated cooperation among concerned local government units, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Bureau of Customs during the holiday season.

To ensure a safer celebration for the coming year, BAN Toxics reiterated the call to abstain from firecrackers and fireworks, promoting alternative noise makers. This shift not only safeguards the environment but also protects human health, especially that of children.

According to news reports, last year witnessed a surge in fireworks-related injuries, reaching 307 cases—a 62 percent increase compared to the same period in 2021. The National Capital Region (NCR) consistently reported the highest number of fireworks-related injuries in both 2021 and 2022.

In incidents from June and November, firework-related injuries occurred due to an explosion in a Bulacan pyrotechnic devices stockroom caused by faulty wiring and a fatality involving a female firecracker factory worker in Barangay Bunlo, Bocaue, Bulacan, respectively, after a "kwitis" firework she was making exploded.

“We call the attention of the Philippine National Police, regulatory agencies, and local government officials to initiate monitoring and inspection, and eventual confiscation of prohibited firecrackers in the markets, both online and on-site to prevent firecracker-related injury among children,” he added.

Last November, BAN Toxics reported the early sale of various firecrackers openly being sold in Divisoria, Manila. These included crackling balls, crackers, pop pop, happy balls, dynamite, prohibited five stars, whistle bombs, and piccolos.

In alignment with government efforts to curb firecracker-related injuries, the group will lead "Iwas Paputok, Iwas Disgrasya, Iwas Polusyon" awareness campaigns in other communities to encourage safer and healthier holiday celebrations. 

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the chemicals and substances present in firecrackers and fireworks are as follows:

1. CADMIUM may produce irritation of the lungs and influenza-like symptoms. If cadmium is inhaled, ingested, or enters the body, it can accumulate and eventually damage the liver and kidneys. It is also a potential human carcinogen.

2. LEAD may affect the hematological profile of a person including the central nervous system and inhibits brain function. Exposure may also lead to developmental delays, growth retardation, behavioral effects, and learning delays.

3. CHROMIUM may cause skin damage and hypersensitivity, nasal mucosa ulceration, and nasal septum perforation. Long-term exposures may lead to lung cancer.

4. ALUMINUM has been noted to cause impaired memory, dementia, and convulsions.

5. MAGNESIUM dust and fumes when inhaled may irritate mucous membranes or upper respiratory tract and cause mental fume fever and deterioration of the central nervous system.

6. NITRATES, NITRITE, PHOSPHATES, and SULFATES may cause dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, and convulsions. Small repeated doses may lead to weakness, general depression, headache, and mental impairment. Phosphates may produce an acute effect on the liver and can cause severe eye damage and may eventually affect the central nervous system. Sulfates are skin and mucous membrane irritant and corrosive; it may cause edema of the lungs and can produce respiratory paralysis.

7. CARBON MONOXIDE (colorless, odorless gas) may cause euphoria, headache, eye irritation, narcosis, coma, may be rapidly fatal after formulation leads to anoxia of the brain, nervous system and heart.

8. COPPER dust fumes when inhaled may cause irritation in the respiratory tract.

9. MANGANESE DIOXIDE fumes cause lung irritation, pneumonia, with possible Parkinsonian symptoms, rigidity, muscular pains and tremor.

10. POTASSIUM irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. It may cause severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract with cough, burns and breathing difficulty.

11. SODIUM may cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and respiratory tract.

12. ZINC OXIDE fumes on lungs may cause mental fume fever symptoms like influenza, chills, fever, sweating and muscular weakness.

13. OXIDES of NITROGEN and SULFUR may reduce pulmonary function and mucosal irritation. Powerful irritants may cause respiratory damage.