Topic: Kratom

"Boots on the ground" reports suggest that a high-ranking CDC official resigned because Donald Trump forced the approval of flavored vapes. Other listener feedback covers the use of kratom and the "government teat." The hosts emphasize the importance of these field reports in providing information not covered by mainstream media.

Tennessee has passed a ban on Kratom, a Southeast Asian plant often used to manage pain or opioid addiction. The legislation follows a controversial case involving a teenager's death, though a toxicology report suggests a lethal dose of Benadryl was the primary cause. Lawmakers cited concerns over synthetic "7-hydroxy" versions of the plant, which are significantly more potent than morphine.

The family of Sam Nelson is suing OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT 4.0 provided lethal advice that led to the teenager's fatal drug overdose. The chatbot reportedly told Nelson it was safe to combine Kratom and Xanax. OpenAI expressed sympathy but noted the interactions occurred on an older version of the software. The hosts discuss the liability issues of AI and the responsibility of parents in monitoring tech usage.

An ER nurse provides a technical breakdown of Kratom, distinguishing between the alkaloids mitragynine and the more potent 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). While Kratom is a partial opioid agonist, it is distinguished from "opiates" derived directly from the poppy plant. The 7-OH variant is noted for having more severe withdrawal symptoms.

The FDA is launching a "big action" against vape shops selling 7-OH, a synthetic derivative of the kratom plant. Dr. Marty Makary claims the product binds to opioid receptors 13 times more potently than natural kratom and has been linked to teen addiction. The hosts debate the botanical nature of kratom and criticize the FDA for targeting a plant used for centuries in Asia while ignoring other public health crises.

The show acknowledges high-tier donations from producers, including a $1,000 contribution from James Jackson and David from Scottsdale. Star Hill Hemp is featured for offering a "DUCKIT22" discount code to listeners, with a portion of sales going back to the show. The segment also touches on the health concerns of producers regarding "turbo cancer" and heart attacks in their communities.

Following comments from listeners, the hosts discuss the chemical compound adrenochrome and its portrayal in the film "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." While one host expresses skepticism about its alleged use in elite circles, he jokingly offers to try it if a listener sends some to the show's PO box. The conversation briefly compares the substance to the herbal supplement kratom.

One host discusses their ongoing experiment with Kratom, noting that while the FDA warns of its dangers, many people use it to successfully transition off of harder opioids. They clarify that they are not "strung out" but enjoy the "groovy" feeling it provides while watching television. They distinguish between high-quality leaves and the "micro powder" found in head shops.

Kratom, an herbal drug with opioid-like effects, is facing increased regulation and wrongful death lawsuits in the US. While some users report a euphoric boost in energy, others experience significant withdrawal symptoms, stomach issues, and cognitive impairment. One of the hosts shared a personal anecdote about trying a home-bottled version of the product, describing a "pleasant body buzz."

Producers from Seattle and Portland contributed to the show, including William Ackerman, owner of Paradox shops. Ackerman highlighted the FDA's ongoing efforts to regulate Kratom and encouraged listeners to support the natural product as an alternative to opioids.

The FDA and CDC have issued warnings against the use of Kratom, citing potential salmonella contamination and its properties as an opioid. While advocates use the herb to treat chronic pain and opioid withdrawal, the DEA is considering reclassifying it as a Schedule I drug. The hosts discuss the ongoing debate over the regulation of natural supplements.

The DEA has temporarily halted its plan to classify Kratom as a Schedule I substance following public outcry and a White House petition. Listeners share testimonials about using the herbal leaf to manage chronic pain and successfully detox from pharmaceutical opioids.

The DEA announced an emergency scheduling of Kratom as a Schedule 1 substance, effectively banning the Southeast Asian leaf used by many Americans for pain management and opioid withdrawal. Critics argue the ban was fast-tracked to bypass public comment and protect the interests of pharmaceutical companies developing synthetic versions of Kratom's alkaloids. Reports suggest Kratom has helped users successfully transition off oxycodone, posing a threat to traditional pain medication markets.