Plant That Gets You High and Reduces Opiate Addiction Is Taking Off in the US—And It's Legal

[madokie]

Have you heard of Kratom?

Why are people across the U.S. chewing on the small, glossy leaves of the Southeast Asian kratom tree? An ancient plant medicine related to coffee, it produces a high that’s both euphoric and legal. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has long been used in Thailand and Malaysia to relieve pain, settle the stomach and reduce opiate dependence. Now it’s taking off in the West.

According to SageWisdom.org, kratom leaves can be chewed fresh or dry, powdered, or brewed into a tea. It is not usually smoked, because the “amount of leaf that constitutes a typical dose is too much to be smoked easily.” It's most commonly sold in powdered form in packets, both online, in head shops and in kava bars, alcohol-free bars where people can consume tea made from the legal Polynesian kava root. An ounce costs between $20 and $30, which is enough kratom for one very strong dose*, or several more mild doses.

The fact that kratom can mitigate the painful effects of opiate withdrawl is significant, given that heroin use has reached staggering rates in the U.S. A report by the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy estimated 1.5 million chronic heroin users in the US, which doesn't account for users who use heroin fewer than four days a month.

While it is regularly used to curb opiate addiction by reducing the withdrawal symptoms, kratom itself can be addictive. One mother in South Florida told the local CBS news the story of her 17-year-old son’s spiral into kratom addiction after he tried the plant at a kava bar with friends. She blames the addiction for her son’s eventual suicide, saying he was “not the same person,” after using kratom.

http://www.alternet.org/drugs/plant-gets-you-high-and-reduces-opiate-addiction-taking-us-and-its-legal

[Ed Suspicious]

1. Not for long. Publicity will kill it quickly.

[NaturalHigh]

3. Not sure about that - it's been around for a while.

I remember reading about it four years ago.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. Wait....this makes no sense.

A plant substance that creates a high, reduces pain and can be addictive IS an opioid like substance,
so naturally it can curb withdrawal symptoms from use of other opioids.
That's like taking morphine to handle cocaine withdrawal.
Which, incidentally ,is the topic of the show The Knick.

the only logical part of the article is that the leaves are legal.

And points out why serious drug or alcohol withdrawal should be a medically supervised procedure.

On another note....had no idea there were kava bars.
Kava kava is another plant that can be used for health reasons in moderate doses and can be abused in high doses.

[Bluenorthwest]

6. An opiate addict is addicted to opiates, not to similar substances. Cocaine is not an opitate nor is

it a similar substance. To say this is another opiate is simply incorrect. Totally incorrect. The most common substance used in 'medically supervised' opiate addiction treatment is in fact Methadone, which is absolutely another opiate, lacking in the 'high' but curbing the symptoms of withdrawal.....

[Ligyron]

13. Oh, methadone gets you plenty high

Trust me. Like high for two days.

[madokie]

18. I used to know a guy who made a weekly trip to Dallas

to get his heroin fix and he'd bring it back to Tulsa and trade if for Methadone. Said the high was much better. He's dead and gone now.
He was well liked anywhere he went and I met one of our real famous persons through him. He met her at the clinic where he was going to get his Heroin as she had a problem with it too and she'd come back here to spend some time with Him and his wife. It would blow you away who this famous person is but I won't drop any names as she would be embarrassed if it got out that she was dumb and crazy as a young lady. She would have been in her early 20's at the time. Anyways they, Him and her liked the high from methadone much better than Heroin what got them there to begin with.

This was all happening back in the early to mid 70s

[KamaAina]

10. I had no idea there were any on the mainland

there have been some in Hawai'i for at least ten years.

[Sunlei]

4. interesting article, I haven't heard about the Kratom plant. Sounds like another opiate with

a painful withdrawal.

So many addicted persons, even alcohol addiction has a withdrawal that people can die from.

[Le Taz Hot]

5. I couldn't help but notice:

"An ounce costs between $20 and $30, which is enough kratom for one very strong dose*, or several more mild doses"

That is REALLY expensive. Personally, pot does the same thing for me, is way more affordable AND, it has no addictive qualities.

[madokie]

9. I smoked the old devil weed for 45 + years

and when I decided to quit I quit. No withdrawals, no climbing the walls or any of that. In fact I would say I wasn't addicted to pot at all even though I'd smoked it for years and years pretty much every single day. I think about going back to a toke from time to time but so far I haven'done it. Been 2 years for me now. More than likely I won't ever smoke again. Lung problems is what made me quit. I'm enjoying my straightness now if you can call it that.

[Le Taz Hot]

11. I've been smoking for about that long.

Last year I went back to Oklahoma to visit relatives. I obviously didn't bring any because it's like the death penalty or something if you get caught with it. I didn't suffer any withdrawal symptoms but after 10 days of going without I could barely move my arthritic fingers. When I got home the first thing I did was take a hit and within an hour I could move my fingers again. I've noticed that as I've aged I've put on a LOT of weight and, as a result, I don't get shit-faced high anymore like I did when I was below 100 lbs. Now I just get a nice little buzz which is good too. And since I grow it myself it's free which is always a plus.

[B Calm]

21. I smoked pot for 27 years and quit smoking it for 17 with no withdrawals. Now that I'm retired and

don't have to worry about my employer drug testing me, I'm smoking and enjoying retirement.

[UglyGreed]

28. You may not

have gone through withdrawal but many people do. If you body is used to having anything in it system for a long time be it caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, opiates or MJ you are most likely going to go through some type of withdrawal.

I stopped using fentanyl because I lost a lot weight and was in fear to increase my dose since it is approximately 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine and many times more potent than heroin. I did so by slowly decreasing my dose over a few weeks and had no symptoms of withdrawal. I don't think that is the norm.

http://www.livescience.com/23494-cannabis-withdrawal-symptoms.html

That said, I rather see people smoke pot than drink. Much less harmful to the person drinking and their families. Never mind the innocence people killed by alcohol.

[Comrade Grumpy]

29. Sure, pot has a withdrawal syndrome. Just not much of one. Like quitting coffee.

[UglyGreed]

32. Like I

said it really depends on the person, I have no idea what you may feel as you would not know how I may feel. A person may have horrible psychological withdrawal symptoms, or it may be related to a physical changes in the brain. Withdrawal varies from person to person but lets be open to finding out the truth.


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606131705.htm

[Eleanors38]

7. I'll stick with ganja.

[Xyzse]

8. Nope never heard of it.

[nomorenomore08]

12. Kratom works. Don't ask me how I know. n/t

[dilby]

14. $20 to $30 a dose sounds crazy if you ask me.

Here in Portland you can get spoon full of heroin for under that, a user will go for what is affordable over what is logical.

[JonLP24]

15. What does it do for "dope sickness"?

One thing I notice with heroin addicts and a big reason why they can't quit, not even for a few days is they become very ill. That was one reason why I never wanted to try it. I'm not sure what weed can do for that grip, if it wasn't for the sickness it would be so much easier for those to quit which I really think is the only reason they still use as it losses its effect pretty quickly.

On edit - I can see any type of THC replacing an early addiction or as an alternative downer.

[dilby]

16. Weed does nothing for dope sick.

My old boss became a heroin addict and smoked weed all the time. When he tried to quit heroin he moved to crack but even that did not keep him from going back to heroin. He was smoking weed the entire time, so I would say don't ever try heroin, just not worth it.

[JonLP24]

17. Don't have to worry about me

I was only asking in the interest of weed & opiate addiction.

I has far as heading off dope sickness I hear suboxen works pretty well but I imagine it is hard to come by, especially since I never known anyone selling it on the black market but I haven't known too many dealers (not counting the number of times strangers either try to sell or buy drugs from me walking down the street)

[UglyGreed]

19. Just a FYI

Drugs from Plants

Ethnobotany & Chemistry
There are over a hundred chemical substances that have been derived from plants for use as drugs and medicines. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the plants, names of chemicals, or uses for those chemicals, but it should serve as a useful starting point for further research. For your convenience, I have listed the common name of a plant next to its scientific name. Be advised that common names are very imprecise and often assigned to completely different plants, so use the scientific name when looking for additional information concerning a plant.



Drug/Chemical Action Plant Source
Acetyldigoxin Cardiotonic Digitalis lanata (Grecian foxglove, woolly foxglove)
Adoniside Cardiotonic Adonis vernalis (pheasant's eye, red chamomile)
Aescin Antiinflammatory Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut)
Aesculetin Antidysentery Frazinus rhychophylla
Agrimophol Anthelmintic Agrimonia supatoria
Ajmalicine Treatment for circulatory disorders Rauvolfia sepentina
Allantoin Vulnerary Several plants
Allyl isothiocyanate Rubefacient Brassica nigra (black mustard)
Anabesine Skeletal muscle relaxant Anabasis sphylla
Andrographolide Treatment for baccillary dysentery Andrographis paniculata
Anisodamine Anticholinergic Anisodus tanguticus
Anisodine Anticholinergic Anisodus tanguticus
Arecoline Anthelmintic Areca catechu (betel nut palm)
Asiaticoside Vulnerary Centella asiatica (gotu cola)
Atropine Anticholinergic Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade)
Benzyl benzoate Scabicide Several plants
Berberine Treatment for bacillary dysentery Berberis vulgaris (common barberry)
Bergenin Antitussive Ardisia japonica (marlberry)
Betulinic acid Anticancerous Betula alba (common birch)
Borneol Antipyretic, analgesic, antiinflammatory Several plants
Bromelain Antiinflammatory, proteolytic Ananas comosus (pineapple)
Caffeine CNS stimulant Camellia sinensis (tea, also coffee, cocoa and other plants)
Camphor Rubefacient Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree)
Camptothecin Anticancerous Camptotheca acuminata
(+)-Catechin Hemostatic Potentilla fragarioides
Chymopapain Proteolytic, mucolytic Carica papaya (papaya)
Cissampeline Skeletal muscle relaxant Cissampelos pareira (velvet leaf)
Cocaine Local anaesthetic Erythroxylum coca (coca plant)
Codeine Analgesic, antitussive Papaver somniferum (poppy)
Colchiceine amide Antitumor agent Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus)
Colchicine Antitumor, antigout Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus)
Convallatoxin Cardiotonic Convallaria majalis (lily-of-the-valley)
Curcumin Choleretic Curcuma longa (turmeric)
Cynarin Choleretic Cynara scolymus (artichoke)
Danthron Laxative Cassia species
Demecolcine Antitumor agent Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus)
Deserpidine Antihypertensive, tranquilizer Rauvolfia canescens
Deslanoside Cardiotonic Digitalis lanata (Grecian foxglove, woolly foxglove)
L-Dopa Anti-parkinsonism Mucuna species (nescafe, cowage, velvetbean)
Digitalin Cardiotonic Digitalis purpurea (purple foxglove)
Digitoxin Cardiotonic Digitalis purpurea (purple foxglove)
Digoxin Cardiotonic Digitalis purpurea (purple or common foxglove)
Emetine Amoebicide, emetic Cephaelis ipecacuanha
Ephedrine Sympathomimetic, antihistamine Ephedra sinica (ephedra, ma huang)
Etoposide Antitumor agent Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple)
Galanthamine Cholinesterase inhibitor Lycoris squamigera (magic lily, resurrection lily, naked lady)
Gitalin Cardiotonic Digitalis purpurea (purple or common foxglove)
Glaucarubin Amoebicide Simarouba glauca (paradise tree)
Glaucine Antitussive Glaucium flavum (yellow hornpoppy, horned poppy, sea poppy)
Glasiovine Antidepressant Octea glaziovii
Glycyrrhizin Sweetener, treatment for Addison's disease Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)
Gossypol Male contraceptive Gossypium species (cotton)
Hemsleyadin Treatment for bacillary dysentery Hemsleya amabilis
Hesperidin Treatment for capillary fragility Citrus species (e.g., oranges)
Hydrastine Hemostatic, astringent Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal)
Hyoscyamine Anticholinergic Hyoscyamus niger (black henbane, stinking nightshade, henpin)
Irinotecan Anticancer, antitumor agent Camptotheca acuminata
Kaibic acud Ascaricide Digenea simplex (wireweed)
Kawain Tranquilizer Piper methysticum (kava kava)
Kheltin Bronchodilator Ammi visaga
Lanatosides A, B, C Cardiotonic Digitalis lanata (Grecian foxglove, woolly foxglove)
Lapachol Anticancer, antitumor Tabebuia species (trumpet tree)
a-Lobeline Smoking deterrant, respiratory stimulant Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco)
Menthol Rubefacient Mentha species (mint)
Methyl salicylate Rubefacient Gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen)
Monocrotaline Topical antitumor agent Crotalaria sessiliflora
Morphine Analgesic Papaver somniferum (poppy)
Neoandrographolide Treatment of dysentery Andrographis paniculata
Nicotine Insecticide Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco)
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid Antioxidant Larrea divaricata (creosote bush)
Noscapine Antitussive Papaver somniferum (poppy)
Ouabain Cardiotonic Strophanthus gratus (ouabain tree)
Pachycarpine Oxytocic Sophora pschycarpa
Palmatine Antipyretic, detoxicant Coptis japonica (Chinese goldenthread, goldthread, Huang-Lia)
Papain Proteolytic, mucolytic Carica papaya (papaya)
Papavarine Smooth muscle relaxant Papaver somniferum (opium poppy, common poppy)
Phyllodulcin Sweetener Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea, French hydrangea)
Physostigmine Cholinesterase inhibitor Physostigma venenosum (Calabar bean)
Picrotoxin Analeptic Anamirta cocculus (fish berry)
Pilocarpine Parasympathomimetic Pilocarpus jaborandi (jaborandi, Indian hemp)
Pinitol Expectorant Several plants (e.g., bougainvillea)
Podophyllotoxin Antitumor, anticancer agent Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple)
Protoveratrines A, B Antihypertensives Veratrum album (white false hellebore)
Pseudoephredrine Sympathomimetic Ephedra sinica (ephedra, ma huang)
nor-pseudoephedrine Sympathomimetic Ephedra sinica (ephedra, ma huang)
Quinidine Antiarrhythmic Cinchona ledgeriana (quinine tree)
Quinine Antimalarial, antipyretic Cinchona ledgeriana (quinine tree)
Qulsqualic acid Anthelmintic Quisqualis indica (Rangoon creeper, drunken sailor)
Rescinnamine Antihypertensive, tranquilizer Rauvolfia serpentina
Reserpine Antihypertensive, tranquilizer Rauvolfia serpentina
Rhomitoxin Antihypertensive, tranquilizer Rhododendron molle (rhododendron)
Rorifone Antitussive Rorippa indica
Rotenone Piscicide, Insecticide Lonchocarpus nicou
Rotundine Analagesic, sedative, traquilizer Stephania sinica
Rutin Treatment for capillary fragility Citrus species (e.g., orange, grapefruit)
Salicin Analgesic Salix alba (white willow)
Sanguinarine Dental plaque inhibitor Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot)
Santonin Ascaricide Artemisia maritma (wormwood)
Scillarin A Cardiotonic Urginea maritima (squill)
Scopolamine Sedative Datura species (e.g., Jimsonweed)
Sennosides A, B Laxative Cassia species (cinnamon)
Silymarin Antihepatotoxic Silybum marianum (milk thistle)
Sparteine Oxytocic Cytisus scoparius (scotch broom)
Stevioside Sweetener Stevia rebaudiana (stevia)
Strychnine CNS stimulant Strychnos nux-vomica (poison nut tree)
Taxol Antitumor agent Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew)
Teniposide Antitumor agent Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple or mandrake)
a-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Antiemetic, decreases occular tension Cannabis sativa (marijuana)
Tetrahydropalmatine Analgesic, sedative, tranquilizer Corydalis ambigua
Tetrandrine Antihypertensive Stephania tetrandra
Theobromine Diuretic, vasodilator Theobroma cacao (cocoa)
Theophylline Diuretic, bronchodilator Theobroma cacao and others (cocoa, tea)
Thymol Topical antifungal Thymus vulgaris (thyme)
Topotecan Antitumor, anticancer agent Camptotheca acuminata
Trichosanthin Abortifacient Trichosanthes kirilowii (snake gourd)
Tubocurarine Skeletal muscle relaxant Chondodendron tomentosum (curare vine)
Valapotriates Sedative Valeriana officinalis (valerian)
Vasicine Cerebral stimulant Vinca minor (periwinkle)
Vinblastine Antitumor, Antileukemic agent Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle)
Vincristine Antitumor, Antileukemic agent Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle)
Yohimbine Aphrodisiac Pausinystalia yohimbe (yohimbe)
Yuanhuacine Abortifacient Daphne genkwa (lilac)
Yuanhuadine Abortifacient Daphne genkwa (lilac)

Much of the material contained in this table is from Leslie Taylor's Plant Based Drugs and Medicines article, from RainTree Nutrition (2000). The RainTree site contains additional information and links for further research.

[madokie]

22. I don't remember where I read it

you know how that goes. Anyway what I read is that 95% of our patented drugs were derived from plants. Synthesized or whatever but the plants were the starting point.

[UglyGreed]

25. I just find it

amazing how nature provides cures through plants and such. Of course man had a hand in it but even animals seek certain plants at times of distress. They even indulge in eating fermented fruits at times LOL.

[madokie]

33. Heres a teaser on some of the natural sources for many of our drugs

that we take for granted. I know its not 100% supporting the claim that I made but its a start.
We all kind of evolved together, creatures and plants alike so its not too far of a stretch for me to believe that for most of our ailments a natural cure can be found. If not a cure some relief at least

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/drugs3.php

[JaneyVee]

20. I love marijuana.

[madokie]

23. I used to too

And used to wonder if I'd ever stop smoking pot. If it wasn't for Neuropathy I wouldn't have quit I'm sure. You see I have chronic pain, day, night its always there and I need pain meds to control it. I've been on the meds for a good 8 or so years now and can't see as how I'll ever do without them. A couple years ago my va doctor told me that if I tested positive for pot again they'd shut the meds off. I quit the weed
I miss it but not to the point that I try to get around the UA's. I did take a couple tokes months ago one day and I didn't like the way it made me feel. I think it was because it was some really really good stuff and I got too high. Having not smoked for over a year at that point probably had something to do with that.

[lame54]

24. when to one of those bars...

my wife had the worst allergic reaction

scratched the back of her eyeballs

imagine that pain - steroids finally took care of it

[fredamae]

26. I've never heard of it

But this is one of my favorite sites to learn
https://www.erowid.org/plants/kratom/kratom.shtml

[Comrade Grumpy]

31. Thanks you for mentioning Erowid. They are indeed a great source.

[Basic LA]

27. Qat?

Don't you mean qat (also spelled qhat, khat, kat)? Very popular in Yemen & other parts of the world. It seems exactly what you are describing, but I never heard it called anything else.

[Comrade Grumpy]

30. No. Two different things. Kratom is from Southeast Asia.