Myths about Kratom

With its ever-growing popularity, it’s not surprising that myths concerning kratom’s use and effects have started to be spread through the Internet or the media. There is a surprising amount of false information available about kratom powder that leads beginner users or interested parties to shy away from its benefits. These myths can also give firepower to lawmakers arguments that kratom should be banned and criminalized to protect people. While we can’t clear up all the strange rumors you may hear about kratom, here are 5 myths we can debunk right away.

1. It’s a synthetic drug
We believe this myth is based in ignorance on kratom’s origins. Just because kratom is new to North America, does not make it new in general. Kratom is 100% naturally derived and comes from the dried and crushed leaves of the kratom tree. It has been used in Indonesia, where it originated, for hundreds of years as alternative medicine.

2. It’s as addictive as opiates
Because kratom can help opiate addicts ease off their addiction by managing the withdrawal symptoms caused by opiate addiction, many people are led to believe that this means kratom is equally addictive. This is false. Kratom powder is not like methadone or other prescription drugs used to treat opiate withdrawal. In fact, many people find kratom to be less habit-forming than coffee. 

3. It’s not addictive at all
On the other hand, users should understand that kratom powder does have the potential to cause minor addiction in some users. Though it is less addictive than coffee, it’s important to remember that caffeine is a very common and very real addiction, as is fast food and sugar. Varying your kratom strains and dosages and taking days off will help manage your tolerance and make sure you don’t build a tolerance and addiction to kratom.

4. People will be able to tell when you’re using kratom
Using kratom powder will have noticeable effects for you, but not to others. It does not have signs or symptoms that will tip anyone off that you consumed a substance. Kratom powder will not cause you to slur, act erratically, fall asleep or have any physical disturbances. 

5. Kratom kills
There has never been a recorded death caused by consuming kratom. The only deaths ever recorded where the user had kratom in his system also showed that they had other very high levels of dangerous drugs in their system at the same time.