Marty Roney

Montgomery Advertiser

There’s a new dope in town.

Kratom is Alabama’s newest illegal drug, and area law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are taking differing approaches at controlling the substance. Gov. Robert Bentley on Tuesday signed a bill into law banning the alkaloids mitragyine and hydromitragynine that are parts of the plant commonly called kratom.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, kratom is a tree native to Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and other areas of Southeast Asia. It is related to the coffee tree, and is used as both a sedative and stimulant. The higher the dosage, the more stimulative effect the plant has. Residents in Southeast Asia have used the drug for decades to overcome the burdens of hard work, the DEA’s website reads.

It is also used in Southeast Asia as a substitute for opium, when that narcotic isn’t available, the site reads.

While not listed under the federal Controlled Substances Act, states have the power to ban the drug and its derivatives, said C.J. Robinson, chief assistant district attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers Autauga, Chilton and Elmore counties.

Prior to Tuesday, kratom was sold at gas stations and convenience stores throughout the state, he said, and is available on line. It’s sold under names such as Green Vein, White Vein-Thai, Krishna Green Malay, Krazy Kratom, K-Chill and other names.

“I didn’t know the stuff existed until a few months ago,” Robinson said. “The most common way of taking it is through a drink.”

District Attorney Randall Houston has sent letters to businesses in the circuit telling them of the law change and giving them until Monday to dispose of any forms of the drug. The new law bans the possession, sale, use or distribution of the drug. It’s a Class D felony, punishable by a year and a day to five years in prison.

The communication is the extent of the fight against the drug for now.

“Our police departments and sheriff’s offices are aware of the new law,” Robinson said. “Right now we are going to work with the business community. We don’t plan any raids or sweeps after 3 o’clock on Monday to try and confiscate the drug.

“If we do get complaints, of hear someone is selling kratom, law enforcement will give them a visit.”

In Montgomery, there have been no problems with the drug, said Lt. Denise Barnes, spokeswoman for the Montgomery Police Dept.

“This has not been an issue here locally,” she said. “MPD does not show any information on the use here and no knowledge of any overdoses or possession of the drug prior to the law being enacted.”

Resources will be used to investigate more violent crimes, said Montgomery District Attorney.

“People are responsible for knowing what the law is,” he said. “This week we had 15 robbery convictions. We have outstanding murder cases we are investigating and preparing for trial. So we are concentrating on the violent crimes. If we get complaints, we will answer those complaints dealing with this new drug.”

Kratom use can lead to addiction, according to the DEA.

Effects of kratom use:

Edginess, nervousness.

Vomiting (Can be severe and prolonged).

Nausea (Can be severe and prolonged).

Sweating.

Itching.

Respiratory depression.

Aggressive or combative behavior.

Psychotic episodes.

Paranoia

Hallucinations.

Source : Narconon