Do you support criminalizing Kratom?
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
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.