I-Team: DEA Reverses Decision On Kratom Ban
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Users of the popular plant, Kratom, have temporarily won a big battle. In an unusual move, the government is reversing a decision to ban Kratom at least for now.
Two weeks ago, the DEA told the I-team it would put Kratom on a list of illegal drugs in the coming weeks.
Now, that decision has been delayed.
A Drug Enforcement Administration spokesperson says the agency still considers Kratom "dangerous and harmful," after receiving more than 2000-phone calls, three letters from lawmakers, and a petition with more than 130,000 signatures, the agency will stop and listen.
It will be taking public comments on Kratom until December 1, 2016.
The DEA says it is also waiting on the FDA to answer the question, does Kratom have a medicinal use?
The I-Team has been investigating Kratom since 2013 when we found smoke shops here and nationwide marketing the supplement as a painkiller. On our undercover video, you hear employees say, "(Kratom) enhances mood, prolongs sex, relieves pain."
Users and sellers have repeatedly told us that Kratom is a painkiller and a life saver with many pharmacological purposes.
In September, Alexis Turner said, "It's not heroin. It's not LCD. There are health benefits."
You can file a public comment electronically or by letter with the DEA.
The DEA is no longer taking phone calls regarding Kratom.
Click here for more information on the withdrawal of notice of intent and to submit comment.
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