What is Kratom and Is It Legal in San Diego?

Kratom is a tropical tree whose consumption is expected to leave mind-altering effects on its users. The media describes it as a natural, mild, pleasant, and a solution for opioid addiction. Opioid addiction after wisdom teeth removal has been discussed before, see for example the post Persistent Opioid Use After Wisdom Teeth Removal. Even though kratom has benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers about its harmful and deadly risks. The FDA believes it is as dangerous as heroin, LSD, marijuana, and ecstasy. Furthermore, the treatment for this substance should be taken as serious as other addictive opioids.

kratom plant - What is Kratom and Is It Legal in San Diego?

Why is Kratom Growing in Popularity?

Kratom, also known as Mitragyna Speciosa, is native to Southeast Asia. Farmers and rubber trappers used to consume Kratom to seek additional energy. Some people have suggested that it may improve the feeling of well-being, enhance energy, and helps them relax. Initially, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was debating to ban the sale of Kratom. Later, the decision of banning it was delayed after members of Congress urged the DEA to gather public opinion regarding this substance.

How Do People Use Kratom?

The majority of people take kratom in the form of a pill, capsule, or extract. Some people like to chew its leaves, and sometimes the leaves are mixed in food. Kratom at this time is not illegal in the states, allowing it to be used legally, and the most versatile way of ordering it is from reputable vendors like Kratom Crazy.

Kratom’s Legality in San Diego:

It is legal in entire state of California except in the city of San Diego to use kratom. In June 2016, San Diego city council banned kratom along with other substances including spice, bath salts, and synthetic and psychoactive drugs. All the banned substances are either synthetic or contain synthetic components, and the ban doesn’t label kratom as an herb but as a synthetic component. Whereas, in other cities of the U.S., it is consumed as an herb. 

The possession, sale, manufacturing, and distribution is strictly prohibited within the premises of the city of San Diego. Further the research and study on this substance from a scientific perspective is banned in San Diego. If someone wants to order kratom from other cities while living in San Diego, it will not be shipped to you legally.

Does Kratom have value as Medicine?

Many people have reported that they use kratom for relaxation purposes and to gain additional energy. Some people are using it as an herbal alternative to medical treatment within the past few years, although the scientific evidence regarding medical treatments and effectiveness is nowhere to be found. Additional research and studies may be required to validate both the advantages and disadvantages of kratom. Anecdotally some people on Reddit have posted that kratom has worked well for pain relief after wisdom teeth removal.

Summing It Up:

There are many groups which are against the ban of kratom in San Diego while others find it helpful is helping improve the health of the population. Kratom is subject to debate, a joint statement by the American Kratom Association and the Botanical Education Alliance says “Everyone needs to understand that this is just the beginning of the fight and much more work remains to be done.” Perhaps in the near future studies will be explored on the use of kratom for pain relief after surgery like wisdom teeth extraction.

Leave a Comment