The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is planning to put Kratom, a widely used medicinal plant, on its most restrictive classification - the Schedule I.

Kratom is widely used in Southeast Asia because of its medicinal properties. David Kroll, a pharmacologist and medical writer, said that indigenous people have used the drug as a stimulant to increase work output or for relaxation. However, last August, the DEA announced its plan to classify the drug as a Schedule I drug. This is the same category where ecstasy, heroin, marijuana and LSD is placed. The classification is set to take effect by the end of September.

According to the American Kratom Association, the plant contains alkaloids that bind to the same opioid receptors as morphine that is why it can be used to treat pain. In small doses, it can also be used as a mild stimulant that can help alleviate depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and can even addiction.

Ever since the announcement was published in the Federal Register, a community of Kratom users who use the drug as a painkiller have voiced objection to the move. Critics say that the move may hinder research into the potential uses of Kratom as an anesthetic.

Brad Burge, the director of communications and marketing at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), said that "The Schedule I status has historically made it more difficult for researchers to gain access to the compounds."

Meanwhile, Mitul Mehta, a researcher at King's College, said that Kratom is a promising target for research because of its uses. But, restricting the research can affect the potential for scientists to discover compounds that could help people who are severely ill.

Despite its medicinal properties, authorities do not consider Kratom to be valuable.

Watch the news on the Kratom ban in the video below: