Kratom is a plant with a long history of traditional use and over the last few decades, powdered kratom leaves have entered the European market on a large scale, used by many people for self-medication, as a pharmaceutical substitute for opioids or for stimulant, mood enhancing or relaxing properties. Its popularity has unfortunately sparked regulatory attention from various European authorities, leading to expansion of control and even banning in several European countries.
Kratom is a native plant from Southeast Asia which has been used for decades by rural communities whose lives are relatively heavier than today. They usually consume kratom to treat pain, relieve fatigue, or even reportedly there are those who consume kratom to increase vitality or sexual arousal.
Kratom users, who frequently use the herb for self-medication, however, do not consider this, although control measures could imply serious consequences for them (especially where criminal penalties are imposed) and would lead to further “criminalization” of the herb. It depends again on what basis the government regulates or controls kratom, if it is for the common good and is based on the principle of scientific research, of course the community must support it for the common good.
In the last decades many studies have been available, providing limited evidence of the risks as well as therapeutic benefits of kratom, this should result in further exploration but not need for further control. We therefore call on the EU authorities to keep kratom legal within the EU and, in line with WHO recommendations, review and evaluate, instead taking steps to directly control this ingredient on the European market.
