WisMed, WISAM, AMA oppose bill authorizing the sale and marketing of kratom
It is inappropriate to authorize the sale, marketing or distribution of kratom given that the FDA has not approved any prescription or over-the-counter drug products containing kratom or its two main chemical components, the AMA wrote (PDF) in opposition to Wisconsin Assembly Bill 393 (AB 393). The AMA joined the Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) and Wisconsin Society of Addiction Medicine (WISAM) in opposing AB 393.
“We have seen an increasing number of deaths associated with kratom the longer that it has been available in the U.S. market,” testified (PDF) WISAM President Ritu Bhatnagar, MD, speaking on behalf of WISAM and WisMed in opposition to AB 393. Dr. Bhatnagar also outlined a wide range of health risks associated with kratom use, including overdose and death.
“Current research supporting kratom’s medical benefits is insufficient to justify its substantial risk to consumers,” said Dr. Bhatnagar. “There is no evidence that kratom (or its alkaloids) is an appropriate treatment for opioid use disorder.”
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