Defining Abuse & Deciding on Strains

Although kratom is the proper name given to the leaf of the Mitragyna speciosa it is not the active ingredient that creates effects in users. Kratom leaves consist of alkaloids, in particular MG (Mitragynine) and 7-OH-MG. These are what are under investigation by government and other scientists in order to determine whether or not they cause a threat to the well being of the public. Or is it possible that they bring great benefit?

How does a substance become a drug that becomes prohibited in a particular state or country? The Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) defines “drug” most often by its intended use and not its structural or chemical makeup. This is a very loose definition but probably intentional in that it allows room for various possibilities.

This same FDCA guide line set describes drug abuse as follows:

  1. Abusing inhalants
  2. Use of alcohol or tobacco related products when prohibited by law
  3. Illegal use or abuse of drugs as listed in the DEA schedule I-V

Although the agency had initially added kratom to the Schedule 1 list and prepared to ban it from the American market, tens of thousands of letters and signatures poured into the situation on behalf of kratom and when Congress started taking up for the plant, the White House listened. It was probably a first and last of that type of democratic fervor, with a seemingly strong resolve for the liberation of kratom. The reason this is the case may be simpler than some give credit: kratom helps people live a better quality life. This can be seen in the way it can soothe certain pain or anxiety related activity. The fact that the DEA had initially claimed the plant to be an urgent threat to public health is pretty laughable when considered. Chuck Rosenberg, DEA Acting Administrator, responded in writing:

Since publishing that notice, the DEA has received numerous comments from members of the public challenging the scheduling action and requesting that the agency consider those comments and accompanying information before taking further action.”

This miraculous herbal found in Southeast Asia has been helping users who are addicted to pain medications, heroin, suboxone and other opioid substances for many years. It has been widely used in some Asian countries for hundreds of years. Interestingly it is just over the last decade or so that kratom’s popularity has really grown into part of the culture for many Americans. Traditionally it was often used by hard laborers as it was believed to remedy severe and chronic pain and other conditions such as PTSD, diabetes, anxiety and other ailments.

Choosing which strain to self-medicate is an important question that must consider all of the factors. What is your intended purpose of taking kratom? What do you expect to get out of this situation? What do you expect will not be an issue? These questions and others can determine the type of strain and dosage level that may be suitable for you at this time. The best rule of thumb is to always plan a little smaller for the day so that you do not over stretch your potential.

Kratom generally comes in three different varieties: red, white and green. Red is generally the preferred variety for people who are used to taking strong prescription opiates. It may be preferred for those looking for a sedative effect. People don’t generally reach for a red veined kratom for a burst of energy, in fact it is quite the opposite – they reach for red when they want to relax.

White veined kratom is known to cause a burst of energy, although it is often described as much more even and level-headed than even a cup of coffee can deliver. These types of benefits also cause some doctors and enthusiasts to question whether kratom may contain certain nootropic properties. These “brain-enhancers” could play a role in increasingly high levels and speed of development.

Bali kratom is often a preferred choice among people looking to feel calm after ingesting kratom. The strain is also known to pack an average amount of energy into each serving and generally serves as a pick-me-up. It can also improve attentiveness and clarity. These increased feelings of alertness and energy are a couple of the reasons these varieties have gained so much popularity. Maeng da is a similar variety that also improves energy. It contains high alkaloid levels compared to some other varieties.

Red-Veined Borneo kratom powder comes from the island of Borneo and has always been used for pain management and for the easing of withdrawal symptoms for recovering addicts. The Green-Veined powder, which imports from countries as far away as Sumatra and Borneo, is known to contain a rather even amount of alkaloids and is therefor looked at as balanced. Green veined kratom in general is known to be neutral, a hybrid of the red and white varieties. The leaves can still be more or less powerful, depending on strain, so it is always recommended to start with the smallest of doses and work your way up gradually.
Popular in bedrooms for some of our customers, Thai kratom can be known as a “sexual stimulant” among some users. This variety can cause a state that will last 4-8 hours and feel more energized and capable to finish tasks throughout a busy work day.

www.pabotanicals.com

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