"Health risks found in kratom abusers include hepatotoxicity, psychosis, seizure, weight loss, insomnia, tachycardia, vomiting, poor concentration, hallucinations, and death," the organization wrote in an August 30 press release. "DEA is aware of 15 kratom-related deaths between 2014 and 2016."

Despite the fact that these deaths could have been caused by other substances ingested alongside kratom, the DEA is still making it a Schedule I drug. This puts the drug in the same category as heroin, LSD, and of course, the deadly marijuana (we all know how well that ban is going).

Conspicuously left off the banned substances list is caffeinated drinks and alcohol, both of which have killed more people than kratom allegedly has. Not to mention, more people die from pharmaceutical drugs like Oxycontin than this natural remedy.

"It makes no sense for the DEA to still be left in charge of federal decisions involving scientific research and medical practice, especially when its successive directors have systematically abused their discretionary powers in this area," Alternet's Jag Davies wrote. "Responsibility for deciding drug classifications and public health policies should be completely removed from the DEA and transferred to a health or science agency."

Many kratom enthusiasts are fighting to keep the drug off the DEA's list. The American Kratom Association's White House petition to halt the ban has exceeded its goal of 100,000 signatures, but the backlash might not be strong enough to prevent the DEA from following through with their plans.