DEA’s sudden 'herbal heroin' ban triggers stiff resistance from kratom community

An association whose leadership includes Nancy Pelosi’s son plans a lawsuit, lobbying and a march on Washington
US News and World Report (US)
Thursday, September 1, 2016

kratomAn increasingly popular plant product called "herbal heroin" by detractors is about to become illegal in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration announced it would make kratom a Schedule I substance after a 30-day waiting period, where it would remain for two or three years under an emergency scheduling order that ultimately could become permanent. The American Kratom Association is fundraising to hire lawyers to fight the ban in court and to secure lobbyists and a public relations firm. (See also: Individuals in the US increasingly use kratom for self-management of pain and opioid withdrawal)