We live in a strange reality where ailing humans are being banned from using helpful plants. Although marijuana has been liberated in many states, other beneficial plant medicines like kratom are being increasingly prohibited.

As more and more states begin to legalize marijuana, Big Pharma profits are declining. Many have speculated that cannabis was originally banned to protect corporate interests. Perhaps the same motivation is behind the surge in legislation to ban kratom.

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant in the coffee family indigenous to Southeast Asia. It functions in a similar manner to opiates with similar medicinal effects. It has been shown to alleviate chronic pain and anxiety, as well as aid in overcoming addiction and depression.

A Columbia University study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society from June of this year concludes that kratom “has been shown to exhibit antidepressant activity” and will “hold promise in the treatment of mood disorders.”

Read more at Natural Blaze.