Group of House Lawmakers Ask DEA to Reconsider Making Kratom a Schedule I Drug

A group of House lawmakers—both Democratic and Republican—is asking that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) delay the decision to make kratom a Schedule I drug, according to The Huffington Post.

“This significant regulatory action was done without any opportunity for public comment from researchers, consumers, and other stakeholders,” the letter says. “This hasty decision could have serious effects on consumer access and choice of an internationally recognized herbal supplement.”

Kratom is not currently controlled under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. According to the DEA website, there is no legitimate medical use for kratom in the United States. In addition, DEA has listed kratom as a Drug and Chemical of Concern.