Following Massive Public Pushback, Feds Delay Kratom Ban

by Jake Anderson | ANTIMEDIA

It appears an intensely negative public reaction has caused the Feds to temporarily halt their Schedule 1 designation of kratom. On Tuesday, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency announced it was delaying the ban at the behest of congressional lawmakers who wanted to prolong the ‘public comment period.’

A massive online movement, which has included petitions and feverish social media activity, effectively communicated the extent to which kratom has beneficial, medicinal value for thousands of people. In less than a month, the kratom community mobilized hundreds of thousands of people to share positive testimonials and denounce the draconian ban.

“The DEA will be releasing a statement in the next few days about opening a public comment period and exactly what that will look like…” said Susan Ash, director and founder of the American Kratom Association. “This is a really big deal…regardless of what happens it means our voices have been heard!

As Anti-Media previously reported, a closer analysis of the Southeast Asian tree leaf’s history shows there is not one documented case of someone having a lethal reaction. The apocryphal disinformation referred to by the DEA in its ban involves people who overdosed on multiple substances. Unlike prescription opiates, which kill 27,000 Americans every year, kratom is non-lethal and exceedingly safe if used responsibly. Big Pharma’s patenting of the major alkaloids in kratom also indicates companies are already aware of the benefits and want to monetize it.

[More…]

Philosophers stone – selected views from the boat http://philosophers-stone.co.uk