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View CartSince kratom became popular in the United States and other Western countries, there have been debates on its potential benefits and health risks. Dr. Christopher McCurdy, a renowned medicinal chemist, recently commented on his scientific position on kratom.
His focus is on natural leaf kratom, which is traditionally used by locals in Southeast Asia. He also emphasized the higher potential risks associated with other kratom derivatives, such as extracts and lab-made products. Below is a summary of Dr. Christopher McCurdy’s recent comments on kratom.
Who is Dr. Christopher McCurdy?
For those who don’t know Dr. Christopher McCurdy, he is a professor of medicinal chemistry and a leading researcher on kratom. For over two decades, he’s been studying kratom to fully understand its chemical composition and potential benefits. With McCurdy’s educational background and years of study on kratom, many look to his perspective on the herb.
Kratom in Its Natural Leaf Form
For centuries, kratom has been a traditionally used herb for some people in Southeast Asia. They often chewed fresh leaves or brewed them into tea for different potential benefits, such as energy boosts, staying alert, and relaxation.
Dr. McCurdy notes that the traditional use of kratom is often much different from how kratom is sold in the West today. The dried leaves of kratom that are processed into powders and taken raw or in capsule form are the closest thing. Since kratom powder, even though it has undergone grinding and/or encapsulation, is still a natural derivative of the kratom leaf.
However, McCurdy stressed that the use of concentrated extracts and other lab-made derivatives now common in shops is a deviation from original kratom. McCurdy believes that sticking closer to traditional practices, which means sticking to the pure powder, may reduce kratom’s potential risks and preserve its potential benefits.
The Poison Is in the Dosing
Among other things he talked about, dosing was key. McCurdy stressed that dosing plays a huge role in the potential benefits and harm that come from kratom. He even used the phrase “the poison is in the dosing,” which means that taking a small amount may offer benefits, but higher doses may tip the balance and bring unwanted side effects.
He went further to say that, unfortunately, there’s no standard guide for safe amounts, and everyone responds to kratom differently. For some individuals, just a small dose may make them feel a lot, while others may need to take a higher dose to feel any effects. With this inconsistency, it becomes challenging for kratom users and even healthcare providers to know the right amount.
With no universal dosing, users are meant to figure it out themselves, and this is where mistakes, overuse, or misunderstanding set in.
Lack of Kratom Education Among Kratom Users and Healthcare Providers
Another major challenge he talked about is the lack of kratom education. Many users are learning about kratom from forums, friends, or trial and error instead of reliable sources. This type of education will surely lead to mixed information, with some of it potentially helpful and some of it potentially harmful.
Another issue is that most healthcare providers don’t know much about kratom. When patients mention it, doctors often don’t have the training or resources to give proper advice. So the professionals who are supposed to guide kratom users who are still learning about the herb are themselves often in the dark.
McCurdy says this massive information disconnect calls for more research, clearer guidelines, and better education for both users and healthcare providers. Until this is solved, many people will try to figure things out themselves, and that could expose them to risks.
Regulation and Quality Concerns
Dr. McCurdy also talked about the quality of kratom and how proper regulations are needed for the best experience. In Southeast Asia, kratom leaves are harvested and used traditionally without going through any further processing. But in the West, different kratom products such as powder, capsules, and strong extracts are available in many states without regulations.
A lack of regulation and usage guidance leaves users in the dark as they often don’t know what is in the package or how strong it is. This is the gateway to contamination, improper dosing, and in some cases, severe health risks.
McCurdy suggested that with better regulation, it would not only leave users more protected but also allow researchers to carry out their studies more effectively. He argued that banning kratom is not the right way to go, but rather to put rules in place to make sure the marketplace is void of bad products.
The Future of Kratom
Looking at the future, Dr. Christopher McCurdy emphasized the need for clear standards and responsible regulations. He believes that natural leaf kratom, when used in its traditional form, offers the safest path for users.
On the other hand, extracts, synthetics, and lab-made derivatives raise more safety concerns and could complicate the industry’s reputation. McCurdy also talked about the importance of better education for both healthcare providers and users, so that decisions about kratom are based on science instead of fear or misinformation.
From his perspective, the future of kratom depends on continuously studying it — the natural leaf, regulation, educated dosing, and an informed public.
