• What is a Drug?

  • Types of Drugs

  • Drugs Regulation

• Understanding Kava

  • Effects of Kava

  • Does Kava Get You High

  • Does Kava Give You a Buzz
  • How Much Kava Does it Take to Feel Euphoric

  • How Much Kava to Get Krunk

• Classification of Kava

  • Is Kava Considered a Drug?

  • Does kava Show Up on Drug Tests?

  • Legal Status of Kava

• Kava vs. Drugs
• Conclusion

Capsules and Tablets

The word "drug" often comes with an air of negativity in our social landscape. Many millenials to baby boomers still remember the negative connotations seared into the ever-present frying-egg-drug commercials of the 90's. But we must remember that drugs also include pharmaceutical drugs (which is arguable in their safety), as well as common substances most westerners use on a daily basis. Such as caffeine or alcohol. In general, a drug is a substance that can serve various purposes such as diagnosing, preventing, treating, or alleviating symptoms of a disease or health condition. Additionally, drugs have the potential to alter the functions of the brain and body, leading to changes in mood, perception, and behavior. Some drugs can even enhance the production of specific neurotransmitters in the brain, while others can inhibit their release.

• Stimulants are psychoactive substances that increase activity in the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness, attention, and energy levels. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which regulate mood, attention, and motivation. Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and caffeine have medical applications, but can also be abused, potentially leading to harmful effects on an individual's health and well-being.
• Depressants, on the other hand, decrease central nervous system activity, resulting in relaxation, sedation, and reduced anxiety. They increase activity in the neurotransmitter channels, mainly GABA, which inhibits specific brain signals and decreases nervous system activity. This slowdown in brain activity produces calming effects on the body. Examples of depressants include alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.
• Hallucinogens are substances that can alter an individual's perception, thoughts, and emotions, leading to hallucinations and distorted reality. They produce effects that vary depending on the substance, dose, and an individual's tolerance, potentially causing feelings of euphoria, terror, or both (yes it's possible). Examples of hallucinogens include LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and Mescaline. These substances are generally considered illegal due to their high potential for abuse and psychological dependence, although some users report positive effects such as increased creativity, spirituality, and recovering abilities from substance abuse.
• Opioids are a class of drugs that connect to specific receptors in the brain and body, reducing pain perception and producing a sense of pleasure, relaxation, and euphoria. While effective for relieving acute or chronic pain, opioids are highly addictive and may lead to overdose and other negative consequences. They include both illegal drugs such as morphine or heroin, and legal prescription drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and fentanyl.
• Cannabis is technically in the hallucinogen category but is so widely used it should be a category on it's own. It's a flower bud or plant-derived substance containing over a hundred chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two main cannabinoids are THC, which produces a "high" affecting mental state, and CBD, which is non-psychoactive and has potential calming medicinal uses. Cannabis has been used recreationally and medicinally for thousands of years, and is typically consumed orally, smoked, or vaporized. The effects of cannabis vary depending on dose, consumption method, body weight, and tolerance, potentially leading to relaxation, altered perception of time, increased appetite, and dry mouth, among other effects.
• Prescription drugs are medications available only with a doctor's prescription, used to treat medical conditions such as pain, anxiety, and depression. They are regulated by the government and strictly monitored for sale and distribution. Prescription drugs are designed to be used under a healthcare professional's supervision to track the patient's development and adjust the dosage as necessary. They must undergo rigorous testing, including clinical trials, to ensure safety and efficacy, and should always be taken according to a physician's instructions to avoid potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
• Over-the-counter drugs (OTC) are medications that can be purchased without a prescription and are commonly used to treat minor illnesses and symptoms such as pain, allergies, colds, and flu. They are still regulated by the FDA and must meet safety and efficacy standards. It is essential to read and follow the label's instructions to ensure effectiveness and avoid possible side effects.
• Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are substances that athletes, bodybuilders, and others use to improve physical strength, performance, and endurance. They may also help in building muscle, reducing body fat, or improving recovery time between workouts. Some PEDs are legal and require a healthcare professional's prescription, while others are illegal and obtained unlawfully. Using PEDs for non-medical purposes is illegal and prohibited by most sports organizations as cheating, resulting in penalties for athletes(8).

Man Drinking Coffee

The primary active ingredients in kava are kavalactones, compounds that interact with the brain's GABA-A receptors. These interactions induce sedative and anxiolytic effects, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Kava's mechanism is attributed to its ability to enhance GABAergic activity, regulating sleep and contributing to its potential as a natural sleep aid. Additionally, kavalactones may offer analgesic properties, providing relief from pain and muscle tension.

Different Capsules of Drugs

Kava's classification varies from country to country and it can be marketed as a dietary supplement or regulated as a drug. The debate on whether kava should be classified as a drug revolves around its potential for abuse and dependence. Reports suggest that kava users do not experience withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation and do not necessarily become addicted in the classical form of addiction.

Kava COULD be classified as a drug due to several reasons.

• kavalactones: kava's active compounds, called kavalactones, have psychoactive effects that interact with neurotransmitters in the brain. This can result in calming and mood-enhancing effects that resemble drug-like effects. Kavalactones may also have mind-altering effects on the central nervous system, further classifying it as a drug.

• patentable technology: kava has the potential for patentable technology, especially if the actives are isolated. This provides pharmaceutical conglomerates a very attractive opportunity to ban the supplement market and monopolize the prescription market with purified actives from kava.

• regulatory status: several countries, including Australia, regulate kava as a drug, with some even banning or restricting its use due to supposed safety concerns such as liver toxicity and potential drug interactions.

But surprise surprise, it is not considered to be a drug.

Straining Kava Extract

Kava and drugs diverge significantly in their nature and effects. Kava, a plant native to the Pacific, is celebrated for its mild sedative and anxiolytic properties, offering relaxation without impairment. In contrast, the term "drugs" encompasses a broad spectrum of substances, each with unique impacts on the body and mind, often associated with intoxication and potential risks. While kava is a natural remedy known for its calming benefits, drugs vary widely, necessitating careful consideration of their specific properties and potential consequences before use.

In summary, the classification of kava varies across countries, with its status as either a dietary supplement or a drug contingent upon each nation's regulations and their assessment of potential health risks associated with the product. In the United States, kava is recognized as a dietary supplement, with both sellers and consumers encouraged to adhere to government-provided warnings and guidelines.

Concerns regarding the potential health risks, dependency, and abuse associated with kava have prompted certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, Greece, and various Western nations, to classify kava as a drug requiring a prescription. It is advisable to consume kava in moderation to mitigate possible side effects. If considering the use of kava, consulting with a health professional beforehand is recommended to ensure safety.

Please do remember we are not medically trained physicians and nothing in here should be substituted for medical advice.