WHO and A Potential Kratom Scheduling (Ban) Worldwide

News & Updates

WHO and A Potential Kratom Scheduling (Ban) Worldwide

October 18, 2021

The entire Kratom community is currently watching anxiously as a single meeting by the World Health Organization could radically change the future of the burgeoning supplement. The WHO could decide to schedule, a.k.a ban, kratom worldwide.

Add to cart

Where Did Kratom Stand?

Within the country, Kratom advocates are touting the substance as a possible replacement for opioids. They argue this could see millions who are currently facing addiction off the drugs. In 2020, about 70,000 were lost to the opioid crisis. And although the general opinion on Kratom may not be unified, what is clear is the majority of the public is behind the substance. At the point of writing, the government has tried to restrict Kratom’s use twice by labelling it a controlled substance. But, pushback by congress and the public ended those plans. 

Today, there are those who believe that this interest shown by the global institution could be an attempt by Washington to accomplish what it could not do. This time, on a global scale. At the moment, the WHO’s drug dependence committee will be conducting a pre-review analysis of Kratom. This analysis could then be used by global health regulators as a way to further scrutinize the drug. This potentially puts it on a path of being classified as a controlled substance. 

In Favor:

Proponents say that by scheduling the drug, the U.S. or WHO are creating more obstacles to get it studied. It’s a similar cry to numerous complaints from researchers within the country looking to study cannabis for over 50 years. Those researchers were only able to study “research-grade” marijuana that was from one federally approved facility.

According to a professor at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine – Albert Perez Garcia-Romeu; “Making this a prohibited substance is going to actually encourage people to go use more dangerous drugs,”

FDA Against Kratom

But a spokesman for the FDA, the agency would seek out the public’s opinion on Kratom if the WHO recommends any sort of ban on Kratom. And although the FDA might look to be holding off on scheduling Kratom, it is important to note that their public comment notice indicated that their view on Kratom is extremely low. In fact, the FDA had this to say about it; “Kratom is an increasingly popular drug of abuse and readily available on the recreational drug market in the United States,”

For individuals familiar with the history of the FDA and Kratom, these comments shouldn’t be too much of a shock as the FDA as continued to be highly critical of the natural supplement. They’ve placed numerous distributors on notice on claims of false marketing. In addition to this, the last two administrations also tried to ban the supplement. Of course, only to pull back when met by huge support for the supplements by the public. They also received support from members of congress including Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and former GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah.

Kratom in the U.S.A.

Kratom’s popularity has continued to grow all through the 2000s thanks in part to the opioid crisis. This false representation however, led the DEA to label it a ‘drug of concern’. Currently, it is illegal in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. Some states like Arizona and Utah have passed laws to regulate it.

Another reason for more scrutiny in Kratom is the way its major components interact with the opioid receptors in the brain. But Professor Romeu was quick to debunk that. He notes that the drug doesn’t slow breathing to the extent traditional opioids do. “It’s a double-edged sword that has abuse potential, but it also has medical potential,” he said.

Research on Kratom

Professor Garcia even conducted a survey in 2017 with a sample size of close to 3000 regulars Kratom in the country. According to the data, the supplement was used by most people to treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression, pain and opioid withdrawal. And 41 percent reported using kratom to wean themselves off opioids, with more than a third of that group saying they stayed off those drugs for more than year.

Those results and other studies are definite proof that Kratom is not only saving lives, it is healing lives. According to Professor Garcia – “When you see something like that, the signal is that, hey, you might have an effective treatment here for opioid dependence”

According to Mac Haddow of the American Kratom Association, Kratom’s future should see it regulated as a food product so the raw materials are tested for contaminants like salmonella and heavy metals. FDA regulation also would require good manufacturing processes and labeling requirements.

What Can You Do To Help?

Finally, as we roll down the days to this impending analysis by the World Health Organization, it is important our community comes together and bands their voice together. A great way to do this is to join the American Kratom Association. It’s home to hundreds of thousands of Kratom users and vendors. You can sign up here and join us to prevent any harmful bans to Kratom!

Shop Premium Kratom from us!

Shop Green Malaysian Kratom

Jasmin Weber

Jasmin Weber has been working in the kratom & CBD industry for 3 years with Grassroots Harvest and GRH Kratom. She regularly writes content for both the cannabis and kratom websites of these stores & can also be found featured on related sites around the web.

Similar products

Shop the most popular products in our lineup, and see what people are raving about! From kratom capsules, to blends, and more, these options are what’s hot right now.

gud tonics, gud, gud tonic, herbal elixir, kava, kratom, kava extract, kava root, kratom extract, grh kratom, tropicolada, flavor profile, tropicolada flavor, pineapple, coconut, pina colada

Introducing GÜD Tonics, now available from GRH Kratom. This exhilarating new kava elixir combines the natural power of kava and kratom extracts, delivering a unique crescendo of effects. Awaken the sunlit serenity within with our piña colada flavor, TropiColada!

What to Expect When Taking GÜD Tonics:

  • Beach Vibes
  • Big Smiles
  • GÜD Times

With GÜD Tonics, it’s always a sunny day.

Feeling GÜD isn’t a moment, it’s a lifestyle. Embrace the essence of ‘Sunshine in a Bottle’ and let it radiate from within. Whether you’re after a little relaxation or looking to lift your spirits, it’s time to feel GÜD with the tantalizing, tropical taste of our TropiColada. Your journey to wellness starts here. Take a sip, bask in the moment, and let the GÜD vibes roll.

$9.95$119.95

FOCUS Kratom Blend from GRH Kratom:

A new blend of kratom strains in the GRH lineup! FOCUS is a bright and methodical blend of kratom meant to enhance your concentration, amp up your energy, and clear the mind. Attention to detail? You’ll have it with FOCUS on your side.

A proprietary house blend of Yellow & Green Vein kratom strains. Hone your focus today with FOCUS blend!

$15.00$100.00

FOCUS Kratom Blend from GRH Kratom:

A new blend of kratom strains in the GRH lineup! FOCUS is a bright and methodical blend of kratom meant to enhance your concentration, amp up your energy, and clear the mind. Attention to detail? You’ll have it with FOCUS on your side.

A proprietary house blend of Yellow & Green Vein kratom strains. Hone your focus today with FOCUS blend! This is the filled capsule version. Half a gram (.5g) per capsule.

$3.00$120.00

A Royal Introduction to the best liquid kratom shot on the market:

KING K Liquid Kratom Shot

With these kratom extract liquid shots, anyone can be KING. Claim Your Crown today.

Two regal options:

Silver (500mg kratom extract/ 150mg mitragynine content) & Gold (1,000mg kratom extract/ 300mg mitragynine content)

  • Individual King K shots (Silver or Gold)
  • Royal Pair (One [1] Silver and One [1] Gold)
  • or Gold Crown / Silver Crown (Pack of 15)

Buy the Gold King K or the Silver King K here today! The original makers of King K Liquid Kratom Shots.

Recommended Usage: 1 capful dose (3.5mL)

$12.99$620.00

Our blend of white vein kratom is popular for long days or work-filled nights. It’s known for increasing focus and energy, without a nasty crash. We’ve combined multiple strains of white vein kratom for the optimal blend of effects. Energy that doesn’t set you on edge, focus that’ll help you hone your strengths, and effects that last long enough to get you through it all. Busy bees, we salute you. Now go conquer the world.

Half a gram (.5g) per capsule.

$3.00$120.00

Our blend of white and green vein kratom is popular for its ultra-pleasant effects. It’s known for enhancing sociability and giving a mood-boost. A go-to for those with anxiety. We’ve combined strains of green and white vein kratom for the optimal blend of effects. Heighten your mood, enjoy time with friends, be the ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. No bad vibes allowed!

Half a gram (.5g) per capsule.

$3.00$120.00
18+ Content on this page is only for people over 18 years old.