On March 14, 2025, during the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UN CND) in Vienna, the American Kratom Association (AKA) hosted a pivotal side event titled “Kratom: A Critical Scientific Update on Safety and Potential Benefits for Consumers.” This session brought together leading scientists and researchers to present the latest findings on kratom’s safety profile and potential therapeutic benefits.
🔬 Key Scientific Highlights
Safety Profile: Researchers emphasized that kratom, when used responsibly, has a favorable safety profile. Studies indicate that kratom’s primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, exhibit partial agonist activity at opioid receptors, potentially reducing the risk of respiratory depression compared to traditional opioids.
Therapeutic Potential: Presentations highlighted kratom’s potential in managing chronic pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Clinical observations suggest that kratom may serve as a harm-reduction tool for individuals seeking alternatives to conventional opioids.
Regulatory Considerations: Experts advocated for evidence-based regulations that acknowledge kratom’s benefits while ensuring consumer safety. They cautioned against blanket bans, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between natural kratom products and adulterated or synthetic versions.
🗣️ Notable Quote
Dr. Jack Henningfield, a prominent researcher in the field, stated:
“The World Health Organization expert committee on drug dependence got it right in 2021—they said the evidence does not support scheduling.”
📚 Access to the Research
For those interested in delving deeper into the scientific discussions, the following resources provide comprehensive information:
American Kratom Association UN CND Presentation: Detailed information about the side event, including speaker bios and presentation summaries.
YouTube Recording of the Presentation: A full video recording of the side event is available for viewing.
WHO Pre-Review Report on Kratom: An in-depth analysis by the World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, assessing kratom’s pharmacology, toxicology, and potential for abuse.
Kratom Safety and Toxicology in the Public Health Context: A peer-reviewed article examining kratom’s safety profile and its implications for public health.
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