you can buy the stuff by the pound fairly cheap
its been big business for a few years now
lots of $ involved and groups trying tpo prevent a ban
so, i dont think it will get banned IMO.
it works on the opiod receptors, but, not the Mu-opiod receptors
(those are the ones like in heroine, which get you high/hooked)
so, its good for coming off of opiates
it wont get you "stoned" per se, but, is effective at pain management
it has several other benefits as well.
there is a good TV show (series) called "Hamiltons Pharmacopia"
Hamilton is a chemist with a passion for mind altering substances.
he did a show on how Kratom is made, where it comes from etc...
very interesting...
https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&q=Hamilton's+Pharmacopeia+kratomi had a plant a few years ago, and yes, with lots of sun and water, it can grow like a weed.
it was about 5ft tall and wide when a freeze took it out.
i should have tried to bring it back from the roots, but i forgot about it
and it dried up.
there are side effects listed, but, i havent felt any
but then, i have not taken it in large doses.
1 teaspoon for me (2-4 grams or so?) is enough, and you can buy a KG (2.2lb) for $80 and up.
Mitragyna speciosa korth
Some people take it for managing chronic pain,
for treating opioid withdrawal symptoms...
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Mitragyna_speciosa