prohibition

Iowa City Bans Kratom Sales Amid Public Health Concerns and Email Fraud Investigation

The Iowa City Council recently passed a controversial ordinance banning the sale of kratom within city limits, citing public health concerns and the lack of FDA approval for the substance. The new ordinance, which took effect immediately, prohibits vendors from selling kratom within city limits. However, it remains legal for people to possess and consume …

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Washington State Moves to Classify Kratom as a Schedule I Substance

Washington State’s Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission is weighing a potential ban on kratom, a plant-based substance often used for pain relief and other therapeutic purposes. On August 22, 2024, the commission, which operates under the Washington State Department of Health, announced its intent to explore classifying kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. This decision …

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NYC Cafe Owner Sues City Over Kava and Kratom Tea Ban

In a recent legal battle, Tobly McSmith, the owner of Here & Now cafe in New York City, has filed a lawsuit against the city for shutting down his establishment. The cafe, which opened in December 2022, specializes in serving teas made from kava and kratom, substances known for their relaxing properties. McSmith, who invested …

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Final Episode

Kratom Science Podcast
Kratom Science Podcast
Final Episode
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Brian Gallagher will be moving on from Kratom Science after this final episode. I started as a writer and social media manager at Kratom Science in 2018, and developed the podcast in 2019. I have had the privilege of interviewing world renowned kratom experts, pharmacologists, psychologists, social scientists, chemists, addiction psychiatrists, veteran journalists, activists, and …

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“Congressional Briefing on Kratom Science and Policy” to Be Held in Washington Dec 13 Ahead of Federal KCPA

On Wednesday December 13, 2023 at 11:30 AM- 1:00PM a Congressional Briefing on Kratom Science and Policy will be held in Capitol Visitors Center. Room 210/12, Reception Room 385, Russell Senate Office Building. Speakers include Director of NIDA Dr. Nora Volkow , Dr. Kirsten Smith of Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Mary Huestis of Thomas Jefferson …

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Indonesian Kratom Farmers Seek to Pause Exports to the US

Farmers’ groups accuse American kratom industry, AKA of unfair business practices that keep prices, quality low ***Update 12/4/23 AKA has responded to these allegations. Two cooperatives representing Indonesian farmers are calling on their government to stop kratom exports to the United States until agreed-upon trade regulations are in place. On November 13, 2023, the Indonesian …

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Man Held in Arkansas Jail for 8 Months on Kratom Charge for Carrying Moringa

  “In April of 2022, he was arrested for having kratom. And the kratom turned out not to be kratom.” In a video posted on Facebook by Attorney W. Whitfield “Whit” Hyman on November 21, 2023, Hyman speaks on the case of Scott Cook, who is sitting in the passenger seat of Hyman’s vehicle. Cook …

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DEA to Cut Opioid Supply; Now Accepting Public Comments

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is threatening to cut the supply of opioids at a time when pain patients are struggling to access treatment, and illicit opioids are becoming more potent. The DEA is receiving public comments on the proposed cuts at this link:  https://www.regulations.gov/document/DEA-2023-0150-0001 . Comments are due by December 4, 2023. The Controlled …

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Woman Dies After Ingesting High-Dose Caffeine. Why Aren’t Prohibitionists Calling for Coffee Ban?

Rolling Stone reports a 21-year old University of Pennsylvania student died after consuming a high-dose caffeine drink at overpriced fast food chain Panera Bread. Branded as “Charged Lemonade”, the “drink has 390 milligrams of caffeine, which is close to the amount of caffeine in three Red Bulls”. Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old student at the University …

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Federal Kratom Regulation Bill Introduced for 2023 Session

Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI) are sponsoring a bill in the US House (HB5905), and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is sponsoring a companion bill in the US Senate (SB3039) that would require the federal government to research and hold hearings on kratom, and limit the power of the Food and Drug …

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