Kratom – what’s the big deal?

Derivatives Mitragyna speciosa, also known as kratom, are becoming an increasing focus of attention. The herbal preparation of this plant (indigenous to SE Asia) is growing in popularity in North America and is now being advocated as a treatment for pain and for opioid dependence. The plant does not appear to be entirely benign. It seems likely that use of derivatives of the plant will spread in other jurisdictions. Read more about Kratom from the US Food and Drug Administration.