International Plant and Herbal Alliance
Plant and Herbs Improving Lives
Kratom Regulatory Briefing
This briefing distinguishes natural kratom leaf — a botanical regulated as a consumer product — from synthetic and semisynthetic compounds sold under the same name.
View here
What is being said about plant products like Kratom?
Watch one of the top health podcasts talk with the foremost American kratom scientist and researcher Dr. Chris McCurdy
Why does this matter?
The term kratom is often misapplied. At one end of the spectrum is natural kratom leaf with a long history of traditional use. At the other end are products that are processed, concentrated, or chemically modified in ways that produce a substantially different compound; these are not kratom. Understanding that distinction is the foundation of everything else in this guide.
View full guide here
New basic science that “point toward the potential of this drug [kratom] in pain research as well as the need for further research on the pharmacology of kratom’s constituents, their toxicity and potential value in the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)”
-Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
About
the IPHA
IPHA strongly advocates for the safety of traditional plant-based products and opposes regulations that could unjustly restrict access. Through collaboration with lawmakers, public health officials, and international policymakers, the organization promotes science-based regulation over fear-driven policies, supporting adults' rights to make informed decisions for themselves.
Why the IPHA Matters
Evidence Over Emotion: IPHA recognizes valid concerns around the safety, toxicity, and misuse of emerging synthetic and/or adulterated plant-based products. However, it challenges fear-driven narratives by promoting science-based, transparent regulation that supports responsible use of pure, tested, and properly labeled herbal products.
Individual Rights & Choice: From vitamins to kratom and CBD, IPHA defends adults’ rights to access and responsibly use herbal products as part of their personal wellness choices.
Ecosystem & Cultural Stewardship: IPHA goes beyond consumer advocacy by promoting quality standards, sustainable harvesting, and fair-trade practices—protecting biodiversity and honoring the cultural heritage of traditional herbal use.
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