Despite kratom being legal in the US, vendors often report that social media companies flag or suspend their accounts without warning. Facebook has decided the plant is a “non-medical drug” and removes any related posts or groups.
This ban suppresses scientifically supported news and information about the products at Kratom Country. It makes it difficult for individuals to discuss and debate the herb and its reported health effects.
Why is this natural supplement censored on most digital media platforms? Read on for the reasoning behind keeping kratom off social networks.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical Southeast Asian tree from the coffee family. Locals use the leaves as a stimulant and sedative and claim the plant effectively treats chronic pain, digestive problems, and opioid withdrawal.
Wellness enthusiasts believe kratom treats discomfort and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
In the United States, kratom is legal but controversial. There are frequent claims that the herb is unsafe, addictive, and potentially laced with other substances.
Despite these declarations, many users view the supplement as a safer, natural alternative to prescribed medications. Kratom consumption has skyrocketed in the US, despite it having no FDA-approved uses.
Kratom Censorship
The Kratom has been the subject of much debate in recent years. Its murky legal status at the national and state levels has led to internet restrictions for suppliers and advocates.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified the plant as a chemical of concern, claiming it has the potential for abuse. This move caused many hurdles for the supplement’s users and influencers wanting to create a positive kratom community.
The rules prohibit them from sharing knowledge that could help others make well-informed decisions. Wellness news sites sharing the benefits of kratom also face closure.
The classification made it even more difficult for businesses and vendors to advertise their botanicals. Should these corporations violate marketing guidelines and regulations, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) frequently sends them warning letters.
The FDA and DEA’s actions have also severely hampered other promotional efforts. Because they haven’t approved kratom on a national scale, major tech corporations such as Amazon and Google don’t permit advertising the plant.
Social networks limit their coverage and support of kratom thanks to the DEA and FDA’s negative positions.
These media giants might be concerned about the limited research available on the plant. Their concerns shouldn’t be enough reason to restrict posts on kratom completely.
It’s difficult to combat misinformation about the herb. The only way to provide accurate details about kratom is to cover it honestly, which is yet to happen.
Why the Kratom Backlash?
Major scientific investigations have yet to confirm the benefits of kratom. There are legitimate studies confirming the plant can help individuals addicted to opioids.
Many herb users provide anecdotes that kratom has helped them deal with withdrawal symptoms and dependency.
Despite these claims, the FDA avoids sharing any information about the plant on its website. The agency shows a lack of concern for positive studies that back kratom, surrounding it in a negative light.
Why does it appear that the government is trying so hard to steer consumers away from the supplement?
Many hypothesize that the natural alternative poses a threat to the pharmaceutical industry. These massive corporations profit off the only three FDA-approved drugs for opioid dependency.
There have been incidences of dangerously high levels of heavy metals in some kratom products. Scientists also discovered Mitragyna speciosa powders that were contaminated with Salmonella, prompting the FDA to warn consumers about their use.
These incidents highlight the urgency for regulating kratom rather than banning it. Placing strict quality assurance controls in place will provide a base for pricing and guarantee pure products.
Taking such steps ensures the safety of customers and prevents unscrupulous sellers from putting substandard products on the market.
What Can’t You Say Online About Kratom?
The FDA is vigilant in enforcing its rules about what kratom companies can communicate on their packaging, marketing posts, and blogs. Many vendors have received warnings for discussing:
- How to use kratom.
- Recommended serving sizes.
- The effects of the various strains.
- How kratom interacts with the brain and body.
- Customer testimonials.
- That the herb could form part of a treatment plan for certain conditions.
Kratom companies also can’t promote the plants as a recreational drug that causes a legal high.
Should any vendor make medical claims about the plant, they must support them with links to a relevant scientific investigation. The authorities punish those who make unsubstantiated declarations for marketing objectives.
Suppliers must adhere to any regulations regarding the sale and distribution of kratom products in their respective states.
They may not provide the supplement to any individual under the kratom legal age. Vendors must supply simple information on the product’s ingredients and potential side effects.
The Effects of Suspending Kratom on Social Media
When the DEA and equivalent authorities in other nations attempt to restrict kratom online, there’s typically little impact on the supply. The restriction doesn’t change why people use it and questions regarding the effects of kratom on public health go unanswered.
The online ban has worsened relations between individuals, and it would be preferable if everyone could air their views.
When community members can’t express themselves on various kratom adverse effects, it’s difficult for the truth to prevail, and rumors spread instead.
This situation has created additional challenges for kratom producers, users, and suppliers who avoid detection by hiding or limiting their online activity.
Public policy’s purpose is to alter individuals’ behavior for the benefit of society. The DEA has traditionally attempted to achieve this goal through prohibition and enforcement.
Their approach has had the opposite effect. Drug use has never been more widespread, and enforcement has devastating repercussions on society and health.
Will We Ever See the Social Media Bans Overturned?
The future of the kratom industry’s social media presence is unclear. Tech titans are closely monitoring related social media posts, pages, and groups.
There are a growing amount of online businesses and organizations that support kratom.
As the number of individuals purchasing the supplement increases, states have enacted regulations around it via the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Brands have also become more forthcoming about their existence.
The American Kratom Association (AKA) has contributed significantly to the industry’s development. It aids the market by disseminating accurate information and collaborating with government agencies to ensure the safety of kratom and its users.
This organization has created effective social media profiles, preventing them from being blocked or removed. Getting these sites operational without them being removed is a step in the right direction, but there’s more work to be done.
Instead of the government focusing on getting kratom banned, it should secure and monitor these sites. There are so many people urging the government to do more that if the pressure continues, they might hear kratom users.
Where should you look if you can’t locate information on kratom on your preferred social networking sites?
Many individuals who use kratom are interested in learning more about it, its history, and how it operates. This type of information is not always straightforward to locate.
The AKA is a reputable resource for information, guidelines, and more on the herb. Should the organization receive more recognition, l kratom could receive a significant boost. It would be an important step in preventing the banning of kratom.
Kratom users continue to believe that things might improve. Misinformation frequently appears online in places where specialists aren’t welcome, meaning there’s no obvious way for discussions. Brands often cannot contest decisions made by social media platforms.
Time will tell if this tendency continues or if social media once again makes it difficult to discuss kratom.
There are various kratom websites where you may routinely locate informative and engaging blogs and related news.
Some groups, such as AKA, maintain informative blogs. Advocacy organizations frequently publish the most recent scientific and political news about kratom.
How Can You Support Kratom?
There are several actions you could take to show your support for the herb:
- Research the potential advantages and risks of consuming the herb and share the information to increase awareness.
- Contact your elected officials to express your support for kratom regulation.
- Join a kratom advocacy group, attend its events, and contribute toward its efforts.
- Follow the supplement’s recommended guidelines to show that it’s possible to use it responsibly.
Expand the Kratom Conversation
The prohibition of kratom is a major concern for its users, and they work diligently to preserve this herb.
Fans of the supplement disapprove of the censorship of the product online. They argue that social media platforms don’t have the authority to block official kratom profiles, as legitimate people and organizations use them.
If you believe kratom has the potential to help individuals, do your part to support its proper regulation. Educate yourself and others and support research to ensure consumers use this natural herb safely and responsibly.
Working together to promote kratom will ensure the botanical is available to those who could benefit from it. By taking action, you could make a positive impact on the future of this natural herb.
