Exclusive: HHS recommended that the DEA make kratom a Schedule I drug

HHS recommended that the DEA classify two chemicals in the popular herbal supplement kratom as Schedule I substances, according to documents obtained by STAT. That means they have a "high potential for abuse" and "no currently accepted medical use." People use kratom to treat pain and wean off opioids or other drugs, but it isn't approved by the FDA. If the DEA follows the advice of HHS, anyone who uses kratom could face punishment — and anyone who wants to research it would need DEA permission. Scientists and kratom advocates say they're concerned a ban could harm people who are using kratom instead of opioids. It's not clear whether the DEA will follow the recommendation or when it might make a decision. STAT's Ike Swetlitz has more here.