Retired nurse practitioner Heidi Sykora discusses her article, "The case for regulating, not banning, kratom." She provides an evidence-based perspective on why kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) should not be treated as a dangerous opioid, clarifying the significant pharmacological difference between the natural kratom leaf and the potent, synthesized 7-OH. Heidi explains that while kratom dependence is possible, its addiction and withdrawal profile is much milder than classical opioids, and that severe psychiatric risks are rare and often linked to adulterated products. This discussion centers on the failure of prohibition and advocates for sensible regulation, like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), to ensure consumer safety, product purity, and accurate labeling. Learn the science-based facts about kratom regulation and why banning it might increase public health dangers.

Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot.

Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click.

Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise, and it's built on a foundation of trust.

It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

How should kratom be regulated?

The Podcast by KevinMD