What is Kratom?
Kratom is the common name for Mitragyna speciosa, which is a type of evergreen tree related to coffee. Kratom is native to Southeast Asia (specifically Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea), where its leaves have been used for over a century as a sort of opium substitute. The kratom drug is made by grinding up the tree leaves or brewing them in a tea.
Is kratom an opiate? No, kratom is not an opiate (i.e., a drug that grows naturally in the opium poppy), nor is it an opioid (a drug derived from an opiate). However, kratom is considered to be an opioid-like drug in that it activates opioid receptors in the brain. It also acts as a stimulant, similar to cocaine. As such, kratom is an unusual drug because it does not fit into any specific drug category.
Kratom in Florida
Is kratom legal in Florida? Yes, at the moment. Due to increasing reports of kratom poisonings and deaths, the FDA arranged to have kratom imports seized beginning in 2014. In 2016, the DEA made kratom a Schedule I controlled substance (unsafe, with no medical uses and a high potential for abuse). However, groups of kratom enthusiasts, backed by a group of U.S. senators, lobbied for stopping this measure and the DEA took the unusual step of withdrawing their intent.
At the present time, kratom is illegal in six states and D.C., but remains legal in Florida, although it is banned in Sarasota County. At the federal level, it remains in limbo while the public debate about the issue continues. The FDA is warning people to not use kratom because there is no researched evidence to support any therapeutic uses, and there is a high potential for harm. The DEA placed kratom on its list of “chemicals of concern,” and remains intent on making kratom illegal.