HOW TECHNOLOGY IS DRIVING THE KRATOM INDUSTRY FORWARD

How technology is driving the kratom market forward? This article discusses GC/MS tools, data harvesting, and legality. Lastly, we'll discuss Regulatory issues and how the industry is addressing these concerns. This is a great read for those who want to understand the intricacies of the kratom industry. The technology used in testing is advancing quickly and the industry is on the cusp of a revolution.

GC/MS tools

GC/MS tools are allowing researchers to determine exactly how much Kratom a given batch contains. The use of these tools is helping to clarify whether Kratom is a safe health supplement. The leaf contains around 20 different alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Traditional colorimetric testing methods can be challenging because of secondary interactions. Portable GC/MS tools can easily identify mitragynine.

Police across the US use colorimetric testing to identify drugs. This method has been developed over the last decade and has helped identify a wide range of drugs. Unfortunately, newer compounds emerge that can't be detected using traditional colorimetric methods. But thanks to portable GC/MS tools, this process is fast and easy. Ultimately, GC/MS tools are driving the kratom industry forward.

Data Harvesting

A group of bipartisan representatives is calling on the DEA to delay its ban on kratom. They called the decision hasty and pointed to the lack of opportunity for public comment. Representative Mark Pocan, along with Matt Salmon, is spearheading the project. Other members of Congress, including the longest-serving congressman, Representative John Conyers Jr., and Dr. Dan Benishek, a family doctor, are also involved. They plan to send the letter on Monday.

Although Indonesia is the world's largest producer of Kratom, the country has banned its use. However, Indonesian farmers have five years to switch to other crops. In this grace period, they will ramp up their production. During this time, the supply chain will anticipate a windfall from the shrinking supply. But to achieve this, Kratom needs a regulated market. Because the U.S. regulatory system is lax, exploitation is rife.

Regulatory Issues

In Ohio, there are two major regulatory issues with kratom: a lack of regulation of its testing and labeling, and the absence of any governing agency. House Bill 236 would put the regulation of kratom under the state Department of Agriculture. However, the Board of Pharmacy hasn't released any official position on the bill. Whether it passes, however, will likely depend on the Ohio House's response.

In the United States, kratom is banned in a half-dozen states and many local jurisdictions, but the threat of a federal ban prompted a furious backlash. Last year, the Drug Enforcement Administration proposed scheduling kratom, citing "potential abuse" and "no currently accepted medical use." However, the substance's popularity has prompted a backlash among users and Congress. Even Republican congressman Mick Mulvaney urged a delay in the D.E.A. decision, citing that it would cut off federally funded research on kratom and pose a serious public health threat.

Legality

The legality of kratom varies across countries. In some countries, kratom is legal, while in others, it is illegal. While the use of kratom is prohibited, it is unlikely to land you in jail. If you're unsure of where to start, consider checking your local laws first. In the U.S., however, kratom is legal for personal use.

Currently, kratom is legal in most states, but there are some states where it is not. For example, California has banned kratom and has regulations for selling and using it. However, in the South, Mississippi banned local sales of kratom. A bill to ban local sales of kratom in the state was killed by the state's legislature in March. Other states that have restrictions or bans for kratom use include Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, and Utah.

Safety

The recent rise in awareness of the benefits of kratom for chronic pain is a welcome development. In 2008, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified kratom as a drug of concern, with the potential to cause harm. Several states have banned its sale, and it is listed in the same schedule as synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones. Despite the controversy surrounding kratom, the industry is moving forward in spite of the growing concerns about the safety of this substance.

While kratom powder is not commonly abused, they can cause signs of dependence without typically causing any physical harm. While abuse liability is low, kratom-derived products can be used in excess, causing undesirable gastrointestinal effects, lethargy, and only modest mood enhancement. The latest research has highlighted these risks, and the kratom industry is moving forward to address these issues.