State Senator John Bizon of Battle Creek recently proposed a bill that would require a prescription for kratom and classify it as a Schedule 2 drug, Wood TV8 reports.

What is kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds that can have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects.

Those who use kratom claim it aids in pain relief and can be used as an alternative to opioids.

Sen. Bizon claims kratom to be addictive and dangerous. In a report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 11 deaths were suspect of being kratom-related in the span of six years; two were confirmed that kratom was the sole cause. Of the other 9 deaths, other drugs were involved along with kratom.

Bill No. 443 was introduced to the Michigan State Legislature on August 20.

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