Have you heard of Kratom or cannabis? Chances are you have most likely heard of both and probably have knowledge of at least how one of the two works. If you’re familiar with Kratom or cannabis and what their medicinal qualities are, you might be able to lend a helping hand to the man, the US Federal Government, that is. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, or AHRQ for short, has reached out to the public to learn about Kratom and cannabis from the people who consume them. The feds are looking for information on how cannabis and/or Kratom might treat pain.
The opioid epidemic plaguing America and the world may have been silenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is still there and perhaps worse than ever. The AHRQ isn’t looking for solid input from the people in regard to the medicinal and therapeutic attributes of either of these two plants. The AHRQ is hoping to gather information on four specific questions in particular.
- In adults with chronic pain, what are the harms of Kratom or other plant-based substances for treatment of chronic pain?
- In adults with chronic pain, what are the harms of cannabinoids?
- In adults with chronic pain, what are the benefits of Kratom or other plant-based substances for treatment of chronic pain?
- In adults with chronic pain, what are the benefits of cannabinoids?
We would hope that valid answers from the public would help to shift the tides of government agencies in regard to Kratom and cannabis. All we can do is share the plethora of knowledge we have with the AHRQ and hope that this vast amount of input falls upon open minds and not closed eyes and deaf ears.
A Quick Hit of Cannabis Info
Cannabis is a plant loaded with cannabinoids like THC, CBN, CBG, CBD, and others. It comes in indica, sativa, hybrid, and ruderalis varieties with a multitude of different strains. Cannabis prohibition began in 1937 with the signing of the MJ Tax Act. It was increasingly enforced some years later under the Nixon administration with the signing of the Controlled Substance Act, which placed cannabis under the category of a Schedule 1 narcotic/substance.
Despite the illegality of cannabis, it continued to cultivate healing amongst a growing community of supporters. Cannabis has become something more than just a plant you smoke. Medicinal cannabinoid therapies are saving and changing lives for people across America and around the world. Individuals like Coltyn Turner, Alexis Bortell, and the late Charlotte Figi helped show America the power of cannabis and cannabinoid therapies, and thanks to the access we have to information today, their stories reached the masses. There are many different methods of cannabis consumption these days; it’s not just about smoking joints, blunts, bowls, and bongs.
Medical cannabis has gained strong ground over recent years in America, with states going against federal law and legalizing this Schedule 1 drug on both a medicinal and recreational level. The House passed the MORE Act, which is expected to stall in Senate, setting up the battlegrounds for ending decades-old marijuana prohibition in 2021. This shows that a change is on the horizon and offers hope that the Age of Aquarius may have good things in store for this widely misunderstood plant.
A Statement from the AHRQ
The AHRQ told media, “Some data suggest that cannabinoids may have analgesic properties, though research in this area is mixed. THC has demonstrated analgesic properties, though its psychoactive effects and abuse potential increase its risk and suitability as an analgesic.” The AHRQ went on to say that some cannabinoid therapies “may also have some analgesic or anti-inflammatory properties and are not thought to be psychoactive or addictive, but these cannabinoids may not be as potent as THC.”
Why You Should Get Your Medical Marijuana Card
Veriheal has satisfied millions of patients nationwide by giving them access to these benefits
- Larger purchase limits
- Peace of mind
- Enhanced legal protection
- Access to higher potency strains
- Save up to 25% on cannabis purchases
- Skip the line at the dispensary
The NCBI is considered a very creditable source for medical studies and journals. They have an article published there titled “A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain” that looks at CBD, one of the many cannabinoids present in cannabis. The conclusion of this article states the following;
“Rising prevalence of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD presents an opportunity for the treatment of intractable chronic pain for which primary treatments are insufficient or not possible.”
Kratom
Like cannabis, Kratom is also a plant that has many strains or varieties used for medicinal value. Currently, Kratom is legal in the US and many utilize it as an alternative to prescription pharmaceuticals. But the FDA is looking to change this by banning Kratom. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree in the coffee family, found in Thailand and other tropical countries“. In certain retail stores, Kratom is often found in a ground powder substance which can be taken with food or water, or simply by itself. Many prefer to capsulate the powder. There are three colors (red, white, and green) of Kratom that each, according to anecdotal evidence, offer a different effect.
- Red Kratom is said to be a relaxer. Many people compare the therapeutic effects to those of Valium or Xanax.
- Green Kratom is said to be for energy and clarity. The effect is said to be similar to Adderall or Ritalin.
- White Kratom is said to be for energy. People recovering from addiction to opioids, heroin, cocaine, or prescription drug addiction often find that white Kratom is helpful through the weaning and withdrawal process.
It’s Time to Embrace Plant Medicines
Plant medicine has been around for thousands of years and is what modern medicine is based on in many instances. The web is packed with countless reports of cannabis and Kratom helping people, young and old alike. Countries like Israel have advanced cannabinoid therapy studies that took place under GMP and GXP protocol, so why are they not accepted? The easy answer to that is the same one that is at the root of all questions when it comes to the government, and that is, of course, money. As soon as cannabis serves a place being more profitable, legalized, and regulated than illegal and criminalized, we’ll see a shift where a newfound government goes green.
In regard to Kratom, it’s up to the people to step up and let the feds know what they think. It seems that if something holds a chance at helping a person or a chance at bringing them enjoyment these days that isn’t tobacco, alcohol, or prescription drug-related, the American Federal Government wants to crush it. It’s sad they don’t see the profit in healing people and laying the foundation for a better tomorrow by ending the mass incarceration of the American people over the simple possession of plants and their derivatives.
Author, Share & Comments