Kava and Kratom: a natural high or dangerous drinks?

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - The DEA calls Kratom one of its "drugs of concern." It's legal and it's growing in popularity in Wilmington, along with another drink called Kava.

Kava is made from the roots of a shrub that grows in the South Pacific. It can either be served as a drink or in pill form. Many people who use Kava say it helps them to relax.

Kratom, however, is a stimulant. In the UK, Kratom is known as "herbal speedball." It comes from a tropical tree that grows in Thailand. It can also be served in pill form or in a tea.

In some countries and a few states, Kratom is illegal.

At Kat 5 Kava, a Kava and Kratom bar in downtown Wilmington, nearly every seat is taken.

It's 3:30 on a Wednesday afternoon.

The crowd includes people of all ages.

William Fairall, a local DJ, is one of the regulars here.

He drinks both Kava and Kratom.

Fairall described the feeling he gets when he drinks Kratom, "It's a happy feeling. It's a happy euphoria. A pick me up."

Read the original:
Kava and Kratom: a natural high or dangerous drinks?