kitty

Hey hey, I know I haven't posted for months, hopefully this busy-ness will die down soon and I'll be able to get back to these forums more often. I just received this in my inbox, thought I'd post it in case anyone's interested in reading what they had to say about the bad news... 12.3 MITRAGYNA SPECIOSA PURPOSE The Committee considered post-meeting comments in relation to the February 2004 decision to include Mitragyna speciosa (M.speciosa) in Schedule 9 of the SUSDP based on abuse potential. BACKGROUND M.speciosa (also known as Kratom) is native to Thailand and Malaysia. Mitragynine, one of the alkaloids found in the leaves of M.speciosa, has psychoactive properties and is used as an opium or heroin substitute by Malayans (Burkill 1935). M.speciosa leaves are used extensively in Thailand (also in Malaysia) to increase work output and tolerance to direct sunlight, and are usually chewed, smoked or drunk as tea to achieve the desired affect. The leaves are chewed 3 to 10 times a day, with stimulant effects occurring after 5 to 10 minutes. M.speciosa was regulated as a narcotic drug in Thailand and carried the same restrictions and penalties as cocaine. The NDPSC considered the inclusion of mitragynine and M.speciosa (the plant) in Schedule 9 of the SUSDP over several meetings (February 2003 to February 2004) based on abuse potential. Subsequently, the NDPSC 39th Meeting (October 2003) agreed to include the alkaloid, mitragynine, in Schedule 9 of the SUSDP and foreshadowed to consider at the February 2004 meeting the inclusion in S9 of the plant, M.speciosa. The 40th Meeting (February 2004) then agreed to include M.speciosa in S9 following consideration of several public submissions. DISCUSSION The Committee noted post-meeting comments from XXXXXXXXXXXX and XXXXXXXXXXXX. The Committee discussed the issues raised in post-meeting submissions in relation to matters mentioned in s.52E of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989: The potential hazards associated with the use of a substance XXXXXXXXXXXX advised the Committee of the findings of the pre-clinical trial conducted in the 1960s by the then XXXXXXXXXXXX to investigate the possible therapeutic properties of mitragynine from M. speciosa. The company confirmed the report that the pre-clinical trial apparently revealed unacceptable acute effects (Raffauf 1986) and was discontinued. People taking Kratom in the ‘traditional method’ (i.e. drinking like tea) could unwittingly become addicted based on the evidence showing that habitual chewing of Kratom leaves could lead to gradual addiction and that during early stages of addiction the user may take only a few leaves to obtain satisfactory results [united Nations Bulletin on Narcotics (1975 Issue 3)]. The extent and patterns of use of a substance Post-meeting comment suggested that the only use in Australia had been through consumption of the lower-dose tea type preparations and therefore the risk of opiate effects was correspondingly low. A member raised the issue that given the amount of information available on the Internet about use of this substance and the fact that plants were being sold for propagation in Australia, there was no guarantee that this type of consumption and pattern of use would remain unchanged. The Committee was advised that a large number of websites were found on the Internet promoting the use of M. speciosa as an illicit drug with detailed instructions on how to prepare and use the plant to achieve the ‘desired’ effects. The most common methods of use suggested were smoking the leaves, drinking infused water like tea and smoking the residue (as concentrated resin) from boiling leaf extracts until dry. Members also noted several websites on the Internet dedicated to ‘exposing bogus Kratom Market’ suggesting a significant demand for M. speciosa. The potential for abuse of a substance Some post-meeting comments received opposed the decision to include M.speciosa in S9 based on the claim that there was no evidence to demonstrate harm or abuse and that the plant was beneficial for use as an analgesic, mood-elevating agent or relaxant, and substitute for opium or heroin. It was argued that consumption like normal tea of M. speciosa was without any adverse or addictive effects and on this basis the plant should not be restricted. Members noted that the United Nations Bulletin on Narcotics (1975 Issue 3) stated in relation to a study conducted on 30 Kratom eaters in Thailand that “In the early stages of addiction the user may take only few leaves to obtain satisfactory results. The dosage is then increased in varying degrees among individual subjects: 10-20 leaves daily (40%); 21-30 leaves daily (36.6%); while the remainder of the sample increased its daily use to an indefinite number of leaves. The addicts chew about 3-10 times a day, depending on their sensation of weariness to overcome”. The psychological effects occurring after 5-10 minutes of consuming Kratom were described as feeling happy, strong and active. The UN Bulletin reported that long term Kratom addicts became thin, their skin darkened, particularly on the face (on both cheeks) which gave the appearance similar to that of a hepatic face. Five cases of Kratom addiction mentioned in the Bulletin revealed psychotic symptoms including convulsions, mental confusion, clouding of consciousness, episodes of delusions and persecutory ideation, hallucinations, dizziness and headaches. Typical withdrawal symptoms noted in Kratom addicts included hostility, aggression, flow of tears, wet nose, inability to work, aching muscles and bones, and jerky movement of the limbs. The Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (Vol 20[4], Oct-Dec 1988) described mitragynine, the major alkaloid of M. speciosa, as a drug with a highly unusual but nevertheless well-documented history of being described as both a depressant and a stimulant, while at the same time possessing the chemical structure one might expect of a psychedelic. The Committee noted that almost all the human data published in recognised scientific journals about the use of M. speciosa related to traditional use in Thailand. A member indicated that whilst mitragynine is structurally unrelated to other opiates, it appeared to act on mu- and delta-opioid receptor subtypes. Since mu-opioid receptors were thought to be involved in both the analgesic action, as well as the euphoric and addictive properties of opiates, there appeared to be a pharmacological basis for mitragynine to have similar effects. The action of mitragynine on opiate receptors may also explain the use of M. speciosa as a substitute for opium and heroin. It was noted that a number of post-meeting submissions mentioned the use of M. speciosa for treating opium and heroin withdrawal symptoms. A member stated that a possible reason for the attenuation of withdrawal from opiates by M. speciosa may be compared to the concept of using methadone to treat addicts in that, pharmacologically, one opiate was used to replace another. The need for access to a substance, taking into account its toxicity compared with other substances available for a similar purpose A Member noted that based on the available data there was little evidence to show that M.speciosa was widely used for therapeutic purposes other than as a substitute for other addictive opiates and one other traditional use as an antidiarrhoeal. Although the pharmacology of M. speciosa suggested that analgesic effects were likely given the findings of studies quoted in several papers [e.g. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (Vol 20[4], Oct-Dec 1988], there was little data to suggest that Kratom was used traditionally as a pain reliever. On this basis, the Committee noted that despite post-meeting comments about the usefulness of M.speciosa for treating migraines, there was little evidence available to support a legitimate therapeutic need for the plant and members also noted that a number of other alternatives including complementary medicines were already available. A Member observed that information on Internet websites referred mainly to the use of Kratom for producing psychoactive effects and in contrast, there was paucity of information about its therapeutic use. Any other matters that the Committee considers necessary to protect public health, including the risks (whether imminent or long term) of death, illness or injury resulting from its use It was pointed out in post-meeting comment received that emergency scheduling is an option available to the Committee. However, members contended that in view of the evidence before the Committee on habituation to M.speciosa, as traditionally consumed in Thailand, and anecdotal evidence of abuse from numerous websites, a pro-active approach to curb the potential for abuse of M.speciosa was considered necessary to protect public health and safety. A jurisdictional Member advised the Committee that M.speciosa had been included in a State’s Prohibited Substances List, on the request of the police force due to ‘undesirable’ activities. DECISION 2004/41 – 16 (Confirmation of Decision 2004/40 – 27) The Committee confirmed the decision made at the NDPSC 40th Meeting (February 2004) to include of Mitragyna speciosa in Schedule 9 of the SUSDP based on its abuse potential. Schedule 9 - New entry MITRAGYNA SPECIOSA.

Can anyone help me out here? cheers, chris.

...I thought people were trialling the use of ibogaine to combat heroin addiction over in the UK. Has anyone heard anything about that recently?

Hmm..... For the curious folk, and since they're completely on the up-and-up, the mysterious cafes it Adelaide and Cairns are the Kava Hut. They started selling kratom over Summer, didn't they? It's a shame it'll be stopping before I get a chance to go down there... peace

Thelema- you're brilliant! I've been whining about this to people I know, I should've thought to write in to papers... chris.

From an email I received this afternoon... (Part 1) refer to your submission of 16 January 2004 to the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) concerning the inclusion of Mitragyna Speciosa in Schedule 9 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP). Your submission was considered at NDPSC Meeting 40, held on 24-26 February 2004, and an edited extract of the ratified Minutes of the Meeting relating to this matter is attached for your information. It is anticipated that the amendment to the SUSDP will come into effect, by virtue of State and Territory legislation, on 1 September 2004. Please note that in accordance with subsection 52D (4) of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, a notice advising of the amendment to the SUSDP was published in the Government Gazette on 9 April 2004. In accordance with subregulation 42CZY(1) of the Therapeutics Goods Regulations 1990, persons who made a submission in relation to the substance are invited to make a further submission to the NDPSC Secretary. Submissions must be made by 28 April 2004 and be relevant to the reasons underpinning the decision. Any submissions received will be considered at the next meeting of the NDPSC, to be held on 22-24 June 2004. If you have any queries in relation to this matter, or wish to obtain further information, please contact the NDPSC Secretariat on (02) 6270 4400 or send your e-mail to this address: [email protected] (Part 2) 13.2 Mitragyna speciosa PURPOSE The Committee considered the foreshadowed inclusion of Mitragyna Speciosa in Schedule 9 of the SUSDP. BACKGROUND The Mitragyna speciosa (also known as Kratom) tree is native to Thailand and Malaysia. Mitragynine, one of the alkaloids found in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, has psychoactive properties and is used as an opium substitute. Mitragyna speciosa leaves are used extensively in Thailand (also in Malaysia) to increase work output and tolerance of direct sunlight, and are usually chewed, smoked or drunk as tea to achieve the desired affect. The leaves were chewed 3 to 10 times a day, with stimulant effects occurring after 5 to 10 minutes. Mitragyna speciosa is regulated in the same way as cocaine and heroin in Thailand and carries the same restrictions and penalties as cocaine. The 37th, 38th and 39th NDPSC meetings (February, June and October 2003) considered the pharmacology, toxicology and the mode of action of mitragynine, the potential for abuse, and the potential impact of its inclusion in Schedule 9 (S9) of the SUSDP. It was recognised that whilst there were no widespread reports of abuse of mitragynine in Australia at this time, the information relating to the use of mitragynine for psychoactive effects, particularly in Asian countries, was well documented and easily found on the internet. At the October 2003 meeting, the Committee agreed to take a pro-active approach and included mitragynine in S9 of the SUSDP based on its potential for abuse (Decision 2003/39 – 23). In addition, the Committee noted information from Poisindex (Micromedex Healthcare) indicating that addiction and withdrawal symptoms had occurred with chronic use of Mitragyna speciosa, and agreed to foreshadow the inclusion of the plant species Mitragyna speciosa in S9 to allow further public comments to be considered at the February 2004 meeting. DISCUSSION The Committee noted the public submissions received from XXXXXXXXX, Messers, XXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXXX, and XXXXXXXXX and the Office of Complementary Medicines (OCM). XXXXXXXXX which did some pre-clinical trials with mitragynine in the 1970s, did not object to the inclusion of mitragynine and Mitragyna speciosa in Schedule 9. There was no further comment or additional information provided by the Office of Complementary Medicines. Several individuals (Messers XXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXXX and XXXXXXXXX) opposed the proposal as Mitragyna Speciosa is currently grown as a rare ornamental plant with decorative value, or may be made available as herbal tea. Mr XXXXXXXXX also highlighted the following points: Experiments in New Zealand (Jansen & Prast, J Ethnopharmacol 1988) showed that mitragynine produced considerable and effective relief of withdrawal symptoms in methadone and heroin users. Mitragyna speciosa could represent a billion dollars a year industry for Australian cultivators from mitraphylline which is also present in large amounts in the plants. Mitraphylline is an immuno-stimulant and has proved useful in the ongoing immuno-maintenance of cancers and AIDS patients. A literature review, which included the Jansen and Prast paper (1988) and other relevant published papers, was considered by the Committee at its previous meeting. The potential effect of mitragynine in relieving withdrawal symptoms in methadone and heroin users is attributed to its opium-like action. In fact, habitual users of mitragynine could also develop marked withdrawal syndromes, which is demonstrated by recent studies through activating mu- and delta- subtypes of opioid receptors. Regarding mitraphylline and its pharmacotherapy effects, the Committee was not aware of any clinical information from the open literature. The Committee considered that prohibition of Mitragyna Speciosa before the occurrence of widespread abuse is far more preferable from a public health and safety point of view. Members were reminded that jurisdictions are able to issue licences to allow Schedule 9 substances to be used for medical or scientific research purposes. It was mentioned by the NZ Member that the Schedule 9 inclusion of mitrogynine and Mitrogyna speciosa in Australia might suggest that NZ should also consider its scheduling in NZ. DECISION 2004/40 - 27 The Committee agreed to include Mitrogyna speciosa in Schedule 9 of the SUSDP on the grounds of its potential for abuse. Schedule 9 - New Entry MITRAGYNA SPECIOSA. --- :mad: We need more people to lobby them about this...

heheh, Kavaman only recently (not sure how recently) got into selling kava & tramon. Before that he was into reptiles and stuff. He buys his foliage from some guy (bad memory...), powders it and exports it from Vanuatu. he left to go back to Vanuatu about 4 hours ago... And he's quite a bit older than 20!!

Perhaps stoney meant 4inches...?

Thanks for clearing that up Torston. Yeah, I was under the impression it would become S4 (4?? Mmmm, too tired to remember numbers...). Shite, I can't believe I missed that for six months... I remember a discussion with...umm, somebody over at EBA who was saying that herbal teas are exempt from the SUSDP, and theorising that one could legally sell & use salvia if it were to be taken as a tea. This would obviously be even more true (if there IS any truth to it) with kratom, because tea's a great way to have it... *sigh* what a sad bloody world... Maybe it's just an April fool's joke!

When is mardi grass happenning? It's around May isn't it? I'm keen...

I feel like I've missed out on something.... So it's definitely being scheduled?? From talking to people I was under the impression that it was just going to be subject to the same import restrictions as kava & khat...

john_barleycorn- kavaman's lost his EBA password and hasn't heard back from eccles as to what he can do about it As for a plant source of kratom in Canberra, I got a plant from planthelper at the end of Summer, half of it got eaten by a bloody possum on its first night in Canberra, and it has since been doing tremendously well! I'd be interested to know what this price is... Although I have enough to last me for some time. -=kitty=- PS- Don't worry about whether or not you can trust him, Kavaman's a great guy! :D :D

I remember a thread at spiritplants a while back talking about pedros going from 4-sided to 3-sided and vice versa depending on the amount of water they soak up...

Whereabouts in Perth is this strain? A friend of mine is moving going over there for the next couple of months, and would love to bring a few cuttings home with her!

interesting... Will get a pic of leaves... thanks for the tip.