Kratom Science

Brian Gallagher will be moving on from Kratom Science after this final episode. I started as a writer and social media manager at Kratom Science in 2018, and developed the podcast in 2019. I have had the privilege of interviewing world renowned kratom experts, pharmacologists, psychologists, social scientists, chemists, addiction psychiatrists, veteran journalists, activists, and … Final Episode Read More »

Town officials linked to law enforcement interests want to criminalize kratom consumers in Zachary Louisiana. A hearing may be anywhere form September 5 – 12. Please contact [email protected] and [email protected] and please ask them to allow you to roam free with kratom tea in that part of OUR country. The kratom law in Louisiana passed … 112. Zachary Louisiana to Ban Kratom w/ Paul Schexnaydre Read More »

Jakub Zientala is co-founder and Government Relations Manager of the European Kratom Alliance. He has appeared on KSP episodes #82 and #96. In this episode we have an update about regulation of kratom as a “psychomodular” substance in Czech Republic. We also talk about the legal status of kratom in the Netherlands and other European … 111. Jakub Zientala of European Kratom Alliance Returns Read More »

Call in 412-353-9770 and leave a message with your kratom questions, testimonies, experiences, news, and anything else kratom related. We don’t give medical advice, we just direct you toward the latest science. We love you, Kratom Science

My guests this week are Adam Peak and Leann Pierson from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They co-own Bella Sunrise Smokeshop in Baton Rouge. Recently Adam and Leann gave emotional and informative testimony before Louisiana’s Senate and House, as well as in Livingston Parish, to oppose the prohibition of kratom, and in support of regulation bills. Will … 110. Adam Peak and Leann Pierson Fight for Kratom in Louisiana Read More »

Brian covers his trip to Athens, Ohio in April for a visit to the Cannabis Museum. The museum, founded and curated by Don Wirtshafter with the help of many including Kratom Science Journal Club co-host Dr. Jon Cachat, displayed its first exhibit “Hemp, Hackles, and History”. While Brian was there, the museum parking lot was … 109. At the Cannabis Museum Grand Opening Read More »

Podcast will return next week. This week Brian has a quick update about kratom bills in the states. Testify in Rhode Island TODAY 5/11/23 4:00pm State House Rm 313 at Senate Judiciary Committee to LEGALIZE KRATOM IN RHODE ISLAND. Check our 2023 State Kratom Bills page for updates https://www.kratomscience.com/2023/01/20/2023-state-kratom-bills-with-sponsor-contact-information/

Paul Schexnaydre, Adam Peak, and Leann Pierson testify at the Louisiana Senate Judiciary hearing on the kratom ban bill SB94 on May 2, 2023. Jesse the Body Ventura tesifies in Minnesota on cannabis legalization. We love all of you on the front lines of the War on Drugs.

This is an unedited conversation with Paul and Fallon Schexnaydre, small batch kratom vendors, as well as Adam, a vape shop owner, who will be at Monday’s 11am rally at the steps of the Louisiana Capitol. 1. Contact Louisiana representatives at protectkratom.org/louisiana (or by emails below) and tell the members of the House to vote … STOP THE LOUISIANA KRATOM BAN! Read More »

Dr. Peter Grinspoon is an instructor at Harvard Medical School, primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a 25-year cannabis specialist. His new book, released on 4/20/23 is called Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana. We speak about how the science of cannabis, as well as kratom, is … 107. Dr. Peter Grinspoon on Cannabis Science and the Drug War Read More »

Brian looks at a news report from Bedford, Texas where a diabetic man ended up in the ICU after long term, heavy kratom use including 8-10 “bottles” per day (presumably extract shots) as well as vaping kratom. Yes kratom vaping is actually a thing, and it apparently damaged his lungs. In comparison to the majority … 106. Is Kratom Safe or Unsafe? Read More »

Brian talks about his new article “Kratom and Hallucinations: Examining the Evidence Behind the Claims”. It boils down to one case report of a man who hadn’t slept for a week, 45 poison control center calls, and 6 mild symptoms unrelated to kratom use out of a 150 user sample. Yet with such sparse evidence, … 105. Unpacking Claims of Kratom-Induced Hallucinations Read More »

For a special 40th episode, Dr. Jon revisits research he led out of Tulane University in 2010 on psychoactive substance effects in zebrafish. Out of 40+ published papers from this research, we look at one focusing on zebrafish symptoms when in withdrawal from ethanol, diazepam, morphine and caffeine. We also talk about living in New … Journal Club #40: Dr. Jon’s 2010 Zebrafish Research Read More »

Bethany Hallam is Councilperson-at-Large for Allegheny County. At age 29 she defeated a long-term incumbent after running openly as a formerly incarcerated person in Allegheny County Jail in recovery from opioid use disorder. She now sits on the jail’s oversight board. We talk about harm reduction, drug decriminalization, the exploitation of incarcerated people, and why … 104. Allegheny County Council’s Bethany Hallam on the Failed Drug War, Incarceration, and Inmate Deaths Read More »

Check out Brad’s podcast, Chronically Human https://www.youtube.com/@chronicallyhuman1582 Brad Miller recently testified for his right to consume kratom at a judiciary hearing at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. In his testimony Brad emphasized the sovereignty of the individual and the right to choose his own treatment for his chronic conditions. “This fallacy that the FDA … 103. Brad Miller on his testimony at GA capitol, colitis, and advocating for the right to self-treatment Read More »

“Are you a #kratom user? Consider participating in this ~3 min long anonymous survey and help us better understand kratom: https://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5dWBqO4QpQ7cTmC?fbclid=IwAR0Rot4KzS93TBeiTSbw45AwrmT-SRFEz6uC04-awTIyJEntgGpD8zA3ALA ” – Tweet from Dr. Stanciu Dr. Cornel Stanciu is an addiction psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, and Director of Addiction Services at New Hampshire Hospital. His … 102. Dr. Cornel Stanciu returns to talk about his new kratom survey Read More »

Paul Schexnaydre fought in Afghanistan and after coming home says he “lost ten years of my life” to the alcohol, opioids, and methamphetamine he used to self-treat PTSD. He later discovered kratom, quit other substances, and now runs a business called Sacred Rivers Tea Company with his wife, Fallon, who joins him on the podcast … 101. Paul and Fallon Schexnaydre Fight for Kratom in Louisiana Read More »

Livingston Parish, Louisiana council is voting on a kratom ban ordinance tonight [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] We hit 100 episodes! We’re in the middle of legislation season, so there’s no time to celebrate. Brian goes through the January 31st ordinance council meeting in Livingston Parish, Louisiana – the Sheriff’s weak … 100. Kratom News: Livingston Cops Lobby to Make More Criminals, State Bans and KCPA, Will FDA Work with Congress? Read More »

Dr. Jon Cachat and Brian look at a survey conducted from 2019-2020. The survey found the majority of the 2,296 respondents with psychiatric conditions reported improvement in their condition following the consumption of kratom. Recently published by the American Psychological Association, the survey was authored by five past Kratom Science Podcast guests: Drs. Oliver Grundmann, … Journal Club #39: Survey of Kratom Consumers with Psychiatric Conditions Read More »

Bridget Williams tells us she was “disabled from birth”. She was born with uniplegic cerebral palsy to a mother in active alcoholism. She was sexually assaulted as a teenager at a boarding school that she subsequently ran away from prior to graduating. At 16 she was kicked out of her home, lived on the streets … 99. Bridget Williams on Surviving Pain, Homelessness, and Heroin on the Streets of NYC Read More »

GoFundMe – Donate to the Family of Marshall Price https://www.gofundme.com/f/marshall-price-justice-fund ***The family of Marshall Price is holding a peaceful demonstration this weekend***SATURDAY JANUARY 21, 11AM-5PM (The same time frame Marshall suffered in his cell without medical attention)at Greene County Jail 1809 N Rockingchair Rd, Paragould, AR 72450Posted to Justice for Marshall Price Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/845385013248720 … 98. Wendy Price, Wife of Marshall Price Read More »

!!!Supporters of the right to consume kratom are encouraged to attend!!!The Livingston Parish Ordinance Committee meetingThursday January 12, 2023 at 5:00 pmat the Governmental Building20355 Government BlvdLivingston LA 70754in the Livingston Parish Council Chambers.On the Agenda: Discussion of Kratom prohibition ordinance Sources brought to the attention of Kratom Science that Sheriff Jason Ard, who proposed … 97. Livingston Parish Kratom Ban; Sheriff Tied to Rehab Center Read More »

Jakub Zientala calls in from the Netherlands to talk about the pending kratom legislation in the Czech Republic. His organization, the European Kratom Alliance (EKA) along with the Czecho-Slovak Kratom Association (ČSAK), and the progressive Pirate Party is pushing for regulation that would fall outside food and drug laws of the European Union. Kratom, along … 96. Jakub Zientala of European Kratom Alliance on Kratom in Czech Republic Read More »

Thailand has recently decriminalized kratom after 79 years of prohibition. In today’s episode of Kratom Science Journal Club, Dr. Cachat and Brian look at a study funded in part by the Thai government that analyzed kratom trees growing in various regions of Thailand. The team measured mitragynine levels, accounting for variables in climate such as … Journal Club #38: Mitragynine in Kratom Trees in Thailand Read More »

Jon Griggs was involved in a high profile whistleblower case after he was attacked for exposing a heroin ring in a prison. He’s now challenging the events around the Marshall Price case. Marshall Price died in prison from injuries that are consistent with him being beaten to death. A man with no history of violent … 95. Former LEO Whistleblower Jon Griggs Talks about the Marshall Price Case Read More »

GoFundMe fundraiser for Marshall Price’s family https://www.gofundme.com/f/marshall-price-justice-fund?qid=b822a1c4a9f7b7be0c44c34d8931bc77 Demonstration: Friday December 16, 5pm at Greene County Jail 1809 N Rockingchair Rd Paragould, AR 72450 “Bring signs/posters that say things like: #JusticeforMarshall, Kratom Saved His Life” Tweetstorm: Friday December 16, 6pm CST #JusticeForMarshall #JusticeForMarshallPrice #IAmMarshallPrice Updating you on what we know about the circumstances and death of … 94. Marshall Price Update #2 Read More »

UPDATE: There is a GoFundMe for Marshall’s family to pay for funeral expenses. Please share this on your social media with the hashtags #JusticeForMarshallPrice #JusticeForMarshall https://www.gofundme.com/f/marshall-price-justice-fund?fbclid=IwAR2_lkkG80LQBNCYcQTmOFy5ghoJxqDjDl76HgFdP0ePkpZ0lAHthAn_GUg Marshall Price, an Arkansas man sentenced on November 16 to 10 years in prison for carrying 7 ounces of kratom, was killed in Greene County Jail, according to his … Marshall Price, Man Sentenced to 10 years for Kratom, Allegedly Killed In Prison 3 Weeks After Conviction Read More »

Brian flies solo for the December edition of Kratom News, where he reads and rants about the case of the Arkansas man sentenced to 10 years in prison for carrying kratom, another family sues a kratom vendor for wrongful death, police in Louisiana continue to lobby so they can arrest kratom consumers, a wealthy New … 93. Kratom News for December 2022… Read ‘n’ Rant! Read More »

Brian and Kailee talk about the results of the state marijuana and psychedelics referendums from Tuesday’s election, a wrongful death lawsuit against kratom companies and the American Kratom Association in Georgia, a death in Transylvania County, North Carolina attributed to suboxone mixed with vaped kratom, a drug company is undergoing human clinical trials for a … 92. Kratom News for November 2022 Read More »

Dr. Jon starts off talking about the art show that took place in October 2022 at the new Cannabis Museum in Athens Ohio. Then we cover a study out of Thailand on kratom’s effects on alpha-glucosidase and lipase, enzymes that are inhibited by medications for the treatment of diabetes. We see how kratom and mitragynine … Journal Club #37: Kratom and Diabetes Study from Thailand Read More »

Drew Turner is a U.S. Navy combat veteran who appeared in the documentary A Leaf of Faith. We talk about an experimental extract he tried, recreational cannabis in his home of Michigan, Biden’s federal cannabis possession pardons, the present and future of kratom and cannabis regulation could look like, rare cases of severe kratom toxicity … 91. Drew Turner Returns Read More »

Kailee joins Brian to cover kratom and cannabis news for the past month. This month: Biden pardons thousands convicted of simple possession of weed, Michigan has a bill regulating kratom, a Welsh man can’t believe kratom importation is illegal in the UK, lab testing will be required for kratom exports from Thailand, and Kratom Science … 90. Kratom News for October 2022 Read More »

Joanna Bernstein is a writer originally from Pittsburgh who now resides in Oregon. In 2014 Joanna had a painful bacterial infection that started her on opiates. She eventually developed an addiction and wrote about her experience with recovery in a “3/4 house” in Pittsburgh’s Carrick neighborhood. Later she would nearly relapse after being denied pain … 89. Journalist Joanna Bernstein on Kratom as Harm Reduction and M.A.T. Read More »

Dr. Jon and Brian look at a study (Farkas et al., 2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.08.007) in mice out of Temple University exploring whether mitragynine can help attenuate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic (CIPN). The team used oxaliplatin, a chemotherapy drug, to induce this condition in an equal number of male and female mice. Mitragynine was also combined with four … Journal Club #36: Mitragynine for Chemotherapy-Induced Pain Read More »

Kailee joins Brian to look at the latest kratom news. This month we look at an investigative report asking questions about academic freedom at University of Florida that directly affected kratom scientists, past podcast guest Oliver Grundmann and Christopher McCurdy. Kratom regulations preventing sales to minors pass Pennsylvania House. A kratom consumer protection act is … 88. Kratom News for September 2022 Read More »

Dr. Jon and Brian explore a study out of Thailand where goats meat goats ate feed supplemented with dried kratom leaves. What effect did this have on the goats body weight, cholesterol, blood, and feed conversion ratio? Even if it does work, will farmers be able to afford kratom as a feed supplement, given the … Journal Club #35: Feeding Kratom to Goats Read More »

Kailee joins Brian for this month’s kratom news. Florida Drug Policy Council considers a kratom ban in the state. A Florida car accident involving a passed out man with a needle in his pocket is blamed on kratom. Big cannabis news: Bill for federal decriminalization of cannabis introduced. WNBA athlete Brittney Griner sentenced to 9 … 87. Kratom News for August 2022 Read More »

Walt Prozialeck returns to discuss his new article published in the journal Toxics, “Public Health Implications and Possible Sources of Lead (Pb) as a Contaminant of Poorly Regulated Kratom Products in the United States”. We talk about the dangers of high levels of Pb exposure, how even moderate doses in some products can cause toxicity … 86. Dr. Walt Prozialeck Returns to talk about Lead (Pb) in Kratom Read More »

Dr. Jon and Brian take a break from kratom to look at the recently released Netflix documentary series hosted by Michael Pollan, How to Change Your Mind. In related good news: the DEA backed off its decision to schedule five psychedelics. Hamilton Morris tweets. “Today the DEA withdrew their plan to prohibit DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT, 5-MeO-MiPT, … Journal Club #34: How to Change Your Mind Documentary Read More »

To enroll in the study, see: https://enroll.drugabuse.gov/kratom-nida/ On July 20, 2022 the National Institute on Drug Abuse rolled out a massive nationwide study. NIDA is looking for regular kratom consumers to participate. It’s not just a survey: the research team including past Kratom Science Podcast guest Dr. Kirsten Smith will allow participants, via an app, … Special Announcement: NIDA Seeks Kratom Consumers for Massive Study Read More »

Kailee joins Brian to discuss the latest in kratom legal, international, and science news for July 2022. Articles discussed in this episode: PA House passes bill banning sale of Kratom to minors https://www.wkbn.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-house-passes-bill-banning-sale-of-kratom-to-minors/ Online kratom sales okayed by [Thailand’s] House https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2337463/online-kratom-sales-okayed-by-house Buddhist monks banned from using cannabis, except as medicine https://www.nationmultimedia.com/in-focus/40017260 “Kratom use as more … 85. Kratom News, July 2022 Read More »

Dr. Cachat and Brian look at a letter (Smith et al, 2022) authored by former Kratom Science Podcast guests Dr. Kirsten Smith, Dr. Oliver Grundmann, Dr. Chris McCurdy, Dr. Darshan Singh, and other experts in the kratom field. The letter questions a systematic review (Broyan et al, 2022) of kratom case reports that offers buprenorphine … Journal Club #33: Kratom Scientists Pen Letter Questioning Case Report Review Read More »

Stacey Lloyd is a microbiologist and GMP complaince specialist. She founded the Kratom Vendors Association to help kratom vendors comply with Good Manufacturing Practices. In an unregulated kratom world, the need for quality control for a psychoactive substance is essential for the future of a legal, regulated, and legitimate kratom market. We talk about what … 84. Kratom Vendors’ Association Founder Stacey Lloyd Read More »

Today on Journal Club, Dr. Jon Cachat look at a study in 2021 out of University of Colorado, Boulder in cooperation with Leafly that examines nearly 90,000 cannabis samples. Does Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid really mean anything in terms of psychoactive effects? Are cannabis strains labelled consistently in terms of cannabinoid and terpene content? We … Journal Club #32: Cannabis Strains, Cannabinoids, and Terpenes Read More »

Jennifer Bruce has “20+ years of industry experience in establishing and implementing quality systems for drugs, OTCs, biologics, dietary supplements and cosmetics from early phase development through commercialization” (from her LinkedIn). She became disillusioned with the pharmaceutical industry, and in 2019 discovered the need for quality assurance in the kratom industry. We talk about why … 83. Quality Compliance Expert Jennifer Bruce on Kratom Vendors and GMP Read More »

Jakub Zientala, originally from Poland and residing in the Netherlands, calls himself a European at heart and soul. He holds degrees in European and International Law and public policy, and he curently serves as EU and Government relations manager for the newly formed European Kratom Alliance. Kratom is already banned in many major European countries … 82. Jakub Zientala of the European Kratom Alliance Read More »

Perhaps the most important paper Dr. Jon and Brian have covered so far, “Understanding Kratom: A Guide for Healthcare Providers” is a comprehensive introduction to kratom for those who provide direct care to kratom consumers, such as physicians or mental health specialists. In this paper spearheaded by past Kratom Science Podcast guest, Dr. Marc Swogger, … Journal Club #31: A Kratom Guide for Healthcare Providers Read More »

Dr. Kirsten Smith of National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) joins us once again to talk about an upcoming comprehensive study that will include a detailed nationwide survey, testing of kratom samples, and testing select individual kratom consumers. We also cover several papers that Dr. Smith led or co-authored that have been published since her … 81. Dr. Kirsten Smith of NIDA Returns Read More »

Jamie is the host of Everything Kratom Podcast that started in the fall of 2021. The podcast features shorter episodes about different strains of kratom and Jamie’s thoughts on kratom related issues, but also longer episodes with conversations with guests. We talk about why he started the podcast, why there should be more podcasts with … 80. Everything Kratom Podcast Host Jamie Read More »

Morgan Godvin was a heroin user for five years before being convicted and sentenced to five years in prison on federal “delivery resulting in death” charges after a close friend died of an overdose. Morgan began writing in prison and published her first piece while still behind bars. Upon being released to a halfway house … 79. Writer Morgan Godvin on Kratom and Life After Incarceration Read More »