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Do you support criminalizing Kratom?

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This week the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced it will add kratom to the Schedule I list of illegal drugs. Kratom is an herb that acts as a stimulant in small doses and a sedative in larger doses. Schedule I includes drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The New Hampshire Legislature considered, but ultimately rejected, a ban on kratom this year.  Read more about this issue. 

"Do you support criminalizing kratom?"

Discussion held on Citizens Count NH website and Facebook page September 1, 2016

105 citizens responded 81 citizens were opposed to support criminalizing Kratom3 citizens were in favor of support criminalizing Kratom 21 citizens commented on related questions or issues
What Participants Said

No: 81 citizens were opposed to criminalizing kratom.

  • “Kratom is a natural pain reliever and it can be used to get off of opiates. Criminalizing Kratom is only exacerbating the opiate crisis.”
  • “NH already made this decision.”
  • “It has helped many people stay away from pharmaceutical drugs… vices are not crimes.”

Yes: 3 citizens were in favor of criminalizing kratom.

  • “If people are not educated about the adverse effects that can be suffered, including addiction, then the drug may become more popular and more damage may be seen.”
  • “Anything that acts in a way that changes someone should be monitored.”

Other: 21 citizens addressed their comments to related questions and issues. 
These included:

  • Ignorance of the topic: “Never heard of Kratom.”
  • The powers of the DEA: “Why is a non-elected body making law?”
  • Legal status of other drugs: “Alcohol was illegal at one point, until the government realized what a cash cow it could be.”

*Editor selection of actual participant quotes. 

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