DEA Delays Kratom Drug Classification

(Winter 2016) Even with an extended history of medicinal use, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was prepared to categorize Kratom as a Schedule I drug this summer. This classification would have put Kratom alongside other substances viewed as having no legitimate medical use and a high risk for abuse, such as LSD and heroin. However, proponents of the Southeast-Asian plant’s use disputed the DEA’s intentions, as they believe it could be a safe substitute for opioids and argued that classifying Kratom as a Schedule I drug would block research on the substance. Instead of making the classification, the DEA initiated a comment period, ending December 1, 2016. During this timeframe members of the public could contribute anecdotes on how Kratom performed for them medically. Additionally, the DEA will get a classification recommendation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

DEA officials will take the new information into account after the comment period and then make a decision about Kratom’s classification.

At this time, there is no immediate change to drug-free workplace policies or Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing regarding the substance.

Kratom has been outlawed in a few countries, and legislation has been introduced to make the drug illegal in several states, including New Jersey and Florida.

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