Legalising Kratom in the Face of an Uncontrollable Yaba Epidemic

 | Thu 29 Aug 2013 12:06 ICT

CityNews – In perhaps one of the most progressive ventures of thought we’ve heard concerning the war against drugs Thailand’s Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri recently announced to the press how his team has been thinking about legalising kratom in the face of what seems like an unwinnable war against yaba (methamphetamine).

Kratom leaves have been chewed for hundreds of years throughout many countries. They offer a light high, giving the taker more energy, similar to the effects of not very potent speed (amphetamines). The plant is still eaten throughout southern Thailand and many other parts of SE Asia.

But kratom is said to be less addictive than coffee and had just a few side effects as coffee. It’s also been used in many countries as a drug used to come off stronger drugs.

Similar to methadone that is used for heroin addicts as a less dangerous and costly alternative, kratom might be used for meth addicts. This would also mean taking addiction away from the black market and into the hands of doctors and pharmaceutical companies.

The Justice Minister believes kratom could be a viable less dangerous alternative.

The Ministry of Public Health and the Office of Narcotics Control Board will discuss the viability of this option.