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Revision as of 20:35, 31 December 2004 by 65.254.136.225 (talk) (information was lacking)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Kratom is the common name for the Mitragyna speciosa KORTH. (Rubiaceae) plant, native to Thailand. It is a popular drug in its native region, and is spreading in popularity to other parts of the world. The leaves are chewed, made into a tea, or extracted into water and then evaporated into a resin, similar to hashish made from marijuana. Kratom is not often smoked, although this method does provide some effect.
Kratom contains many alkaloids, allowing it to possess properties of a stimulant and a narcotic simultaenously. In smaller doses the stimulating effect is often felt and is comperable to a low dose of amphetamines, and in higher doses the effect feels very much like opiates. Kratom is a very effective treatment for the addiction of drug addiction, but likely possesses addictive properties of its own. Excessive use is not as dangerous as the excessive use of harder, less natural drugs, but has negative effects such as darkened skin, anorexia, and insomnia.
Kratom is highly illegal in thailand, but still can be bought at markets in more rural towns. It is legal in all other countries, but will no longer be legal to grow or possess in Australia on January 1st 2005. Thailand is considering altering its legal status in light of recent discoveries of its medicinal uses in treating drug addiction.