Kratom is legal on the federal level in the U.S, concerns every buyer in the country because the laws are changing constantly in every state. Few credible and important facts about Kratom legality in South Dakota are stated below:
A Little About South Dakota
To start with let us discuss some credible facts about South Dakota. The land of plenty, South Dakota, makes one-third of the United States’ economy because of extensive cultivation of wheat, hay, corn, and soybeans.
South Dakota is known as a “land of variety.” It has many outdoor adventures in the form of National parks, black hills, and Badlands. River Missouri flows throughout central South Dakota, adding to its beauty. It also has hustling markets and a quiet country escapes.
This state which is located in the Midwestern region of America has all the tourists’ attractions and you will feel great there!
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the legality of Kratom in the U.S. SO, let’s dig in and see where South Dakota stands and why?
Are You Wondering What Kratom Is?
Have you ever heard of this herbal supplement that gives you an instant shot of energy and relieves your body aches?
Kratom is derived from the leaves of an evergreen tree that grows in Southeast Asia. It is used all around the world as an energy booster and pain reliever.
But the legality of your favorite herbal friend is being questioned worldwide. That’s because it is thought to have opioid-like effects when consumed in excessive amount.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has listed Kratom as a “drug of concern.” Also, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved Kratom for any medical purpose.
That’s why some of the states have banned Kratom and marked it as an illegal drug. But this ban is controversial as many scientists and kratom lovers are advocating for its legality.
Is Kratom Legal In South Dakota?
In the United States, there are six states in which Kratom is labeled as an illegal herbal supplement as it is regarded as a controlled substance.
The legality of Kratom highly depends on the specific state laws which tend to change very quickly as the regulatory authorities keep up with its rapid proliferation. Whereas the American Kratom Association (AKA) strives to keep Kratom legal in the U.S.
According to their stats, 3 to 5 million people around the U.S are using Kratom. They are mainly using it to cure different illnesses or as a natural opioid withdrawal herbal medicine.
If you’re living in South Dakota, then Kratom is legal here. Fortunately, no harmful effects of Kratom are being reported in the users of South Dakota. Hence you can use it as a herbal supplement without any hesitation.
Is It Legal To Buy Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) In South Dakota?
It’s legal to buy Kratom in South Dakota. Make sure to choose a reputable vendor producing all-natural, organic, and fresh Kratom for your better health.
There is no law or pending legislation which restricts the sellers and consumers of Kratom in South Dakota.
Why Is Kratom Legal In South Dakota?
The consumption of Kratom in South Dakota is increasing exponentially. Many men and women find the legality of Kratom as a grey area because a few states in America have banned its use altogether.
However, one of the reasons Kratom is legal in South Dakota is that it’s considered as an effective supplement that helps you with opiate withdrawal.
Recent research has shown that this Southeast Asian herb contains almost 20 biologically active substances, and many of them bind with the opioid receptors in the brain. That is why it’s considered as an opiate withdrawal drug.
Furthermore, no deaths are reported yet in South Dakota due to kratom consumption.
Why Is Kratom Illegal To Buy In Some States?
Over the years, Kratom has been used as an alternative to cocaine and opium as it is a natural stimulant and relaxes your mind and body.
Some countries (Australia, Denmark, Finland, Israel, Lithuania, Malaysia, Myanmar, Poland, Romania, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom) have banned Kratom altogether due to the lack of extensive knowledge about this herb and political reasons.
Just a few years ago, Kratom got popular in the Western world, and then few studies were carried out regarding Kratom.
As the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has listed Kratom as “not fit for use as a medicine”, many states in the U.S have banned kratom’s use.
The advocates of kratom state the biased attitude of the FDA towards herbal and organic supplements.
Due to this, the FDA released a study that was nothing but a programmed computer algorithm, showing numerous deaths that took place in the States due to kratom intake.
But the feedback from the users of Kratom is that it’s not addictive. According to them, it’s a habit and its withdrawal is just as easy as withdrawal from coffee or tea.
So, the debate about this herbal supplement continues and therefore its legality changes every now and then. You have to keep an eye on its legality in your state while using it.
Experts’ Perspective On The Use Of Kratom
Many scientists and kratom advocates are of the view that Kratom is a great natural herbal supplement that acts as a painkiller and an opioid withdrawal drug.
Studies have shown that Kratom doesn’t have any effect on the respiratory system, therefore it’s safe to use.
Conversely, opium and other addictive painkillers hamper the breathing process, resulting in the deaths of the users.
Many other experts say that Kratom isn’t any magic, but it’s addictive and comes with the risk of tolerance and withdrawal.
A report published in a magazine Drug and Alcohol Dependence in 2014 presented a survey in which 293 regular kratom users participated. It was observed that the long-term use of Kratom led to severe dependence problems.
The users were also seen to suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as tension, headaches, muscle spasm, sleeplessness, and anger.
A recent study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry in 2016 states that the mice which were subjected to Kratom showed less to no breathing difficulty.
Whereas morphine and opium significantly hinder the breathing process and results in the death of many users.
Recently, 87 people were reported dead in around 35 states with Salmonellosis in February 2018 according to FDA report. FDA is of the view that Salmonellosis is caused by kratom intake and that is why Kratom should be banned.
Based on various studies and research, the DEA announced to place the active chemicals of Kratom under Schedule I drugs. These drugs are considered to have “no current medical use and a high potential for abuse.”
But due to severe backlash, DEA took back the orders and in October 2016 the experts stated that it’s not wise to declare Kratom’s constituents as illegal. Therefore scientists should carry out further research and lab testings.
Furthermore, kratom is not as harmful or addictive as opium or morphine, which are also placed in the list of Schedule I substances.
So, the experts are of mixed views and extensive studies are required on the active substances of Kratom’s and their impact on our health.
Are The Concerns Of DEA And FDA Justified?
The DEA and FDA have placed Kratom in the class of opioids. According to them, kratom intake causes a risk of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal, just like other opioids.
The legality of Kratom is also controversial due to the way it works within your body.
Kratom contains two biologically active alkaloids named as mitragynine and 4-hydroxy mitragynine. Both these alkaloids bind to the mu-opioid, which are the protein receptors in the brain.
All the painkillers, including opioids, link to the receptors, hence reducing the perception of pain.
This working mechanism of alkaloids in Kratom further convinces the FDA to ban Kratom as it mimics the mechanism of heroin and other opioids.
However, the advocates of Kratom say that the legal painkillers (paracetamol) also bind to the mu-opioid receptors to reduce pain. That’s why Kratom is not proved to be an addictive drug just because of the way it works inside your body.
Your Role In Keeping Kratom Legal In South Dakota
As a buyer, you can make conscious efforts to keep Kratom legal in your state.
Buy Kratom from a trusted vendor who truly cares about the purity of their product. Keep a check on the way vendors advertise kratom products.
Takeaway Home Message
Kratom is a herbal supplement fetched by the evergreen trees in Southeast Asia. It’s a pain reliever, reduces stress and anxiety, and also helps in opioid withdrawal.
However, due to its properties resembling various opioids, Kratom is being banned in different states of the U.S.
Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has also marked Kratom as “not fit for use as a medicine.”
As far as your state, South Dakota is concerned, Kratom is legal there. You can grow and use Kratom just as you want. You can have Kratom in your tea by using its chopped leaves or buy its tablets, capsules or gel.
Kratom has various side effects as well. So, be mindful while using it. You should get help from your healthcare provider if you feel nausea, dizziness or euphoria after using Kratom.
You can use and sell Kratom freely in South Dakota. Before starting, you should be aware of some health and withdrawal concerns, as well.
We’ve talked about the recent research about Kratom, its benefits and side effects. Just be mindful while using Kratom to make sure it isn’t a compromise on your health.