FDA Commissioner on Kratom: Scientifically an Opioid, Sold Widely

Kratom's Opioid Classification

• 💡 Kratom binds to the MW receptor, which scientifically defines it as an opioid, despite its common sale.
• 🎯 It is noted to be 13 times more potent than morphine, according to the Journal of Medical Chemistry.

Public Health's Historical Response

• ⚠️ The public health community has a history of being "asleep at the wheel", responding to public health crises years after they become widespread.
• 📈 Examples include cigarettes, heroin, crack cocaine, OxyContin, and fentanyl, where significant time passed before a substantial public health response.
• 🏥 Public health's role is to prevent disasters, not merely clean them up after widespread harm.

The Disconnect and Proximity to Problems

• 🏙️ A disconnect between "ivory towers" (medical establishment) and the "streets" contributes to public health being caught off guard.
• 🤝 Being proximate to a problem, as experienced in inner-city Baltimore, is crucial for understanding its true impact.
• 💸 Some patients switched from prescribed opioids to heroin due to affordability issues.

Illegality and Appeal to Youth

• 🚫 Approximately 85% of vape products are illegal, as they are not on the FDA's approved list.
• 🍬 Products like candies, gummies, drinks, and ice cream cones containing kratom, often with cutesy fruity flavors, are designed to appeal to children and are not FDA-approved.

FDA Action and Future Concerns

• 🚨 The FDA is initiating action to recommend scheduling of kratom as a controlled substance by the DEA.
• 📚 A report on kratom is being released to educate the public and medical community, as many doctors are unaware of its nature.
• 🌊 The current situation with kratom may be the "calm before the storm" or the "tip of the iceberg", necessitating aggressive and proactive measures.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The issue is deeply personal for many, including those struggling with addiction and families affected by it.