The worldwide laws revolving around Mitragyna speciosa are ever-changing. Users want it legalized because it helps them manage stress, pain, anxiety, and boost their energy and mood. Other users testify that it can be used as an alternative to prescription drugs for various health conditions such as arthritis, depression, fibromyalgia, and even PTSD. On the other hand, federal agencies claim that Mitragyna speciosa poses high health risks, has no medicinal benefits, and hence want it banned.
The legality of Mitragyna speciosa is a question of concern to many, and even though it remains legal in various countries, others have banned it and you can face severe consequences if you disregard that. Mitragyna speciosa is easy to find on the internet but before you click on the order button, you must find out if it is legal or illegal in your geographical location.
The history of Mitragyna speciosa use
Mitragyna speciosa is relatively new to the western world, but it has been used as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia for ages. It was used as a pain reliever, a stimulant, and for various conditions such as intestinal parasites, digestive disorders, and cough. Since there were no regulations or rules about this magical tree, workers used it freely anywhere and at anytime. It was discovered by Dutch settlers in the early 1800s and brought to Europe for investigations.
The legal status of Mitragyna speciosa
The leaves of Mitragyna speciosa are rich in active ingredients such as 7-Hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that bind to the opiate receptors as agonists. In August 2016, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) declared publicly its intentions to place Mitragyna speciosa and its active components as a schedule 1 drug due to its opioid-like effects and concern for public safety. The citizens were not convinced and demonstrated publicly, signed petition and even requested the Congress to overrule the decision.
Placing Mitragyna speciosa as a schedule 1 drug meant that it had a high potential for abuse and was, therefore, not accepted for medical use. Luckily, the DEA withdrew their proposition three months later, though the battle for this tropical tree continues.
Legal status in the U.S
In the U.S, there is a Federal legal and State level systems that use different legislations, thereby making the legal system in the country complicated. Also, various enforcement agencies make it even harder for citizens to understand the legality of Mitragyna speciosa. In general, the possession, sale, and use of Mitragyna speciosa are not regulated on a national level, and this means that it is legal. However, there are some states where it is banned, and they include;
· Alabama · Arkansas · Wisconsin · Tennessee · Vermont · Indiana
Legal status in Asia
Asian countries have diverse legal systems, and a few of them have already placed strict restrictions on the growth, possession, sale, and use of Mitragyna speciosa. In Japan, Singapore, Myanmar, Vietnam, and South Korea, this magical tree is entirely illegal.
Legal status in Australia and New Zealand
It is illegal to grow, buy, or use Mitragyna speciosa in Australia. However, it is classified as a Schedule 1 substance in New Zealand, meaning that it’s illegal to export or import, but medical experts are allowed to prescribe it in certain situations.
Legal status in Europe
Mitragyna speciosa is illegal to buy or use across Finland, Lithuania, Denmark, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, Romania, and Poland. If you live in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Ireland, it’s recommendable to check the legal status of Mitragyna speciosa before purchase.
Bottom line
Mitragyna speciosa can be regarded as a magical tree with tremendous benefits to the user. Even though it grows wildly in Southeast Asia, it is distributed across the world through online stores. However, the legality of Mitragyna speciosa remains a gray area in most countries, and before you order your preferred strain online, consider its legal status in your place of residence, or else you will face serious consequences.
