I don't understand why the DOJ and DEA are focusing on Kratom, that is so helpful to so many people?  An article in one of the comments cites a comment by the FDA that Kratom is an opioid.  Just because certain medications or supplements have a similar molecule or structure to substances that bind partially or fully to the opioid agonist system, doesn't make it an opioid. We all know one little difference in molecular structures, can make all the difference in the world as to what something is.  When Tramadol became used more, I was on it for intractible pain I deal with everyday and the paperwork always said it's "similar to an opioid" or "opioid like" medication. Then all of a sudden, the powers just decide to make it a full opioid, which isn't true.  How come the FDA, CDC and drs aren't making a big deal about all these injections being pushed on patients w/pain conditions that aren't approved by the FDA?  How about all these medication commercials where they state the side effects and all the awful life threatening side effects (they say "can lead to death")  of biologics and other medications.  Are they concerned about how these other drugs (definitely Gabapentin) are causing harm?  Leave Kratom alone. It has saved lives. Why isn't the DEA going after Valerian, Passionflower or other herbs that are sedating and help people sleep? Keep the DEA, FDA, and CDC away from our bodies when people are just trying to have some modicum of quality of life since you are taking away everyone's pain medications and creating a suicide epidemic (as stated by the AMA). Put our tax dollars to better use. Go after the cartels coming into the country and all their drugs they bring with them that are skyrocketing the overdose rate (even the CDC admits they overstated the prescription drug overdose rate since the guidelines came out). Leave Kratom alone!