The burgeoning popularity of Kratom in the United States, particularly in Florida, has led the Global Kratom Coalition, under the leadership of executive director Matthew Lowe, to advocate for the regulation of this mood-altering herb. Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has been lauded for its potential to ease anxiety, depression, and assist in opioid addiction recovery. However, its critics warn of its habit-forming nature and potential for addiction, with medical examiners linking it to hundreds of deaths over the past decade.
Despite these concerns, Kratom remains unregulated by the FDA, and while the DEA has marked it as a Drug and Chemical of Concern, no steps have been taken to schedule the herb or its active compounds officially. Lowe describes the current Kratom market in the U.S. as akin to the “wild, wild west,” a situation he believes needs urgent reform. The coalition, formed six months ago, aims to bridge the gap in public education and misinformation surrounding Kratom, advocating for government regulation to ensure product safety and accurate labeling.
Florida is among approximately ten states that have enacted laws regulating some aspects of Kratom, signifying a move toward Lowe’s vision of a safer and more informed marketplace for Kratom consumers.
For more insights into the coalition’s efforts and the full conversation with Matthew Lowe, visit WMNF.