Failed Kratom Ban Keeps Shop In Business
Following public outcry across the nation and objections from members of Congress, the Drug Enforcement Administration has withdrawn its notice of intent to classify kratom as a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
For local business owner Jeremy Mercer, this news means he can continue pursuing his passion — distributing kratom to those who use it for medicinal purposes.
Mercer owns and operates Atlas Kratom in Jane. A former methadone addict, Mercer has experienced the effects of kratom first-hand.
“It saved me,” he said. “It saves people every day.”
“I believe that it’s something God wants out there,” said Tiffany Sparks, Mercer’s girlfriend. “He made it.”
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical deciduous and evergreen tree in the coffee family (Rubiaceae) native to Southeast Asia, according to www.kratom science.com. It is psychoactive and leaves are chewed to uplift mood and to treat health problems.
Medicinal benefits are reported after oral consumption. Effects include pain relief, mood enhancement, stimulation and mild euphoria.
The herb was scheduled to be outlawed on Sept. 30, but, on Oct. 13, the notice of intent was withdrawn and a formal comment period was opened for consideration.
The Federal Register announcement has instructions for the submission of comments electronically. Comments can be made online at federalregister.gov/ documents/2016/10/13/201624659/withdrawal-ofnotice of-intent-to-temporarilyplace-mitragynine-and-7hydroxymitragynine-into.
The comment period ends Dec. 1.
Arkansas banned the substance earlier this year. In September 2015, the Arkansas Department of Health added kratom to the list of Schedule 1 narcotics, making it a crime to possess or sell. The ban went into effect Feb. 1.
Schedule 1 drugs (such as opiates and hallucinogenics) have the highest likelihood of abuse, according to Arkansas law.
In Arkansas, possession of less than two grams is a Class D felony punishable by six years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Possession of two grams or more, but less than 10 grams, is a Class C felony punishable by three to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Possession of 10 grams or more, but less than 200 grams, is a Class B felony punishable by five to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
Thus, it is possible to buy kratom at the Pineville shop, then drive a few miles south, where possession of the plant becomes a felony.