Feds delay plan to ban controversial herb supplement kratom

A massive public outcry has the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration doing an about-face on a controversial herbal supplement known as kratom, a stimulant that is created from leaves of trees in southeast Asia.

It is marketed in the U.S. as a dietary supplement and is usually sold as crushed or dried leaves, or in capsule form.

In August, the DEA announced it would reclassify kratom as an illegal substance, like heroin or cocaine.

The agency was flooded with thousands of angry calls.

The DEA withdrew its intent to ban the drug Wednesday and instead is seeking public comment about its medicinal impacts.

It is the first time the DEA has ever sought public input.

Advocates have said the herb can provide a safe pain-relieving alternative to prescription pain medication and ease withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction.

Several states have banned the sale of kratom. It remains legal in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland.

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Cox Media Group