The FDA has launched the latest round of attacks against the herbal supplement kratom Going into year three of this, I don't see them giving in easy, but same with the kratom community, plus we have mounds of research, dozens of scientists and medical professionals who also support kratom. I'm still hopeful. Seems DC is becoming more educated on the matter. Latest trend I've noticed is more "citywide" bans though since at state level it was beaten in most cases. The most recent volley from the FDA involves warning letters sent to a handful of kratom marketers and distributors "for illegally selling unapproved kratom-containing drug products with unproven claims about their ability to help in the treatment of opioid addiction and withdrawal."
The FDA takes offense at claims regarding treating pain and other medical conditions (lowering blood pressure is mentioned) or treating cancer, etc. According to recent studies, some researchers suggest that kratom is anti-cancer and chemo-preventative, as far as lowering blood pressure, there are multiple studies related to that. In fact, the specific constituent in kratom that is responsible for the lowering of blood pressure has been pinpointed. Alas, such is the case with the FDA. Oranges may improve your immune system, but the minute you say "oranges may cause you to have fewer colds" you are crossing over the line into illegal marketing as per the FDA. Anything that "treats, diagnoses or prevents a disease" is a drug legally according to the FDA.
thegoldwater.com