Comprehensive guide to kratom: need feedback

[magick_cat]

I wrote this article about kratom and tried not to leave anything out, while keeping everything science based. Please share feedback and let me know if there’s anything I left out; this link is a free version that should not have a paywall:

https://psychedelicsaremedicine.medium. ... f738025893

[PistolsAtDawn]

Well done! I think you did a great job not making specious claims about kratom. I would much rather see articles stick to proven information, which I think you did.

Unfortunately kratomtimes.com does like to mix fact with opinion and present it as objective proof, so I don't know how legitimate they are as a source even though I don't necessarily disagree with what they said in the linked articles. Some of their claims have some scientific evidence behind them (like looking at the effects of individual alkaloids) but unless there's clinical proof that kratom can do some of the things they claim (like antibiotic and antiviral properties), I don't think they should present it that way.

I can't think of anything important that you left out, and I will probably link newcomers to your article since I think it's a great overview.

[BallzDeep9]

Alright first I wanna say; well done, . difficult job, and good writing about Kratom is very much needed.. "Its a desert out there", Lots of bad stuff on the Internet about kratom, Tons of mis-information, people flogging ignorant opinions, and "fake Information" sites are shilling for high-price vendors.

No big deal but I've done paid articles, long ago, and have friends who are well known writers and screenwriters... Medium, for those on MM who don't know - is more than a "Blog" online it's a kind-of platform for those who are serious and creative about their writing. Did I say that correct ?? So I'd think, and hope... that people could turn to Medium, and expect to find a grain of Truth about Kratom - since SO much online is utter BS!! So thanks, in advance, before I get overly critical of your effort - It's well done and sincere!

OK that being said, I'll say again, it's difficult to write a "Comprehensive Guide" without veering into... problems, and reflecting the huge amount of profit driven BS about kratom... that's a long sentence. I'm really frustrated with the overall tone and quality, of how Kratom gets reported on in the media. One example: A major International news rag the South China Post - has repeatedly referred to Kratom as "Herbal Heroin". LINK

We're really in a BAD, bad, spot media-wise right now... A general rant about the News Media. Everything's BS, sensational, conspiracy stuff, and Kratom has imo gotten a very bad rap over the past 2 years... To the point where many people are totally Scared Off, afraid to even try Kratom. I see that with my own friends. All they do, is Google or try YouTube and - it seems we're flooded with negativity. So, my opinion - I have to judge your "Guide" based on that. Overall, you're just too negative about kratom. Unfairly so, imo! So... here's my Feedback:

Start with The Good: Avoided labeling kratom as "opioid" - the leading scientists who study kratom, say it's NOT an "opioid". Many reasons.

Iffy: "potential" immune system benefits ? OK - but is this True ? maybe, or, worth mentioning, even ? When there's SO many more important things?

The Bad: Map giving promotion to sketchy "regulation" attempts by vendors. The Map is AKA propaganda, it's incorrect, and it's out of date - OK, you wanted a visual... But, the whole AKA topic, has two sides. "Non profit" ?? OR a profit driven Cartel of vendors ? Of course, a "Guide" must touch on many things so let's move on... Here are 5 items which I noted as BS:

• BS: Prolonged regular use ? Of what dosage? I'm a 5-year prolonged user at Recommended Servings. Every single herb on the market has a "Recommended Serving". Any "Guide" needs that concept. The problem with Kratom is, not use - it's abuse!!
• BS: "Deaths" paragraph & comparing to heroin? Suggest: use Aspirin numbers. Please. Kratom is <> heroin.
• BS: "Liver injury" entire paragraph on this ? One in a million or ??
• BS: "Side Effects" ARE dosage dependent. Again. Major point you are missing IMO.

Sorry this is so long. Please cite the the Johns Hopkins survey!! Majority of kratom users are NOT drug addicts. This IS a herbal supplement... you're missing several KEY things here: (FDA - AHPA - DSHEA - NFHC) to help explain the Legal status - what, why, how, is Kratom "grey market". NO evidence that AKA vendors offer a high quality product - many feel just the opposite - Are "shots" manufactured in drug labs, the same as "Kratom" ?? What is the Recommended Method: To Prep or prepare, natural kratom -VS- Extracts ... Standardization ?? Is a common term used when discussing herbs. Why isn't kratom standardized ? Back to DSHEA, and FDA. Isn't Kratom really a "Product of Indonesia" - Article only has the word Indonesia 1 time.

OK there's my overly critical Feedback. Please take w/ grain of salt. Use whatever works. And BTW - I sure enjoyed your Psychedelic User’s Music Guide! uhh wait... NO "Pink Floyd" ?? lol

[Sanbutsushin]

Please cite the the Johns Hopkins survey!! Majority of kratom users are NOT drug addicts. This IS a herbal supplement... you're missing several KEY things here: (FDA - AHPA - DSHEA - NFHC) to help explain the Legal status - what, why, how, is Kratom "grey market". NO evidence that AKA vendors offer a high quality product - many feel just the opposite - Are "shots" manufactured in drug labs, the same as "Kratom" ?? What is the Recommended Method: To Prep or prepare, natural kratom -VS- Extracts ... Standardization ?? Is a common term used when discussing herbs. Why isn't kratom standardized ? Back to DSHEA, and FDA. Isn't Kratom really a "Product of Indonesia" - Article only has the word Indonesia 1 time.

This paragraph from Ballz's post encapsulates what would be my major complaints as well. But it is an excellent effort, which could be made much better by a few easy changes.