The history and legality of Mitragyna speciosa

Mitragyna speciosa Kratom is illegal in many South-East Asian countries, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma) and Vietnam (though the specificities of the law is unclear). Kratom use is, however still quite common in these countries, especially in rural areas, even though these countries often impose severe penalties (up to death in certain cases) for use or possession. Outside South-East Asia, Mitragyna speciosa Kratom remains uncontrolled / legal in most of the world, including...

Though Mitragyna speciosa Kratom has been used for a long time in South-East Asia, it does not enjoy a rich, often romanticized history similar to that of other drugs such as opium or cannabis. Kratom culture and use was, until recently restricted to South-Eastern Asia, where it was used locally, in rural areas, for both its medicinal and psychoactive qualities and as a stimulant for work and a recreational relaxant. Opium or cannabis use were much more prevalent throughout the history of...