Boardman police are investigating a break-in on Jan. 17 at Pipe Dreamz, 5020 Market St. The company sells a variety of alternative smoking items and herbal products. One such product is known as kratom, said to be illegal/banned in Australia, Finland, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand.
      During the break-in at Pipe Dreamz, Ptl. Heather Dobbins reported more than a dozen bags of Maeng Da Kratom valued at an estimated $425 had been stolen. As well, police were told that $3000 in cash was missing.
      The business moved after the break-in and is now located at a strip plaza at 4605 Market St. However, Pipe Dreamz is tucked away on a side street of the plaza, along Shadyside Dr.
      Investigation of the break-in, according to police, indicates an employee may have been captured on a surveillance video in the early-morning hours of Jan. 17.
      Officer Dobbins identified the owner of the business as Michael Husain, 42, of 340 East Liberty St., Wooster, Oh. According to public records, a Michael Husain is listed as the incorporator for Habebe Ayat LLC, located at 340 East Liberty St., in Wooster.
      Husain is also listed at the incorporator for Pipe Dreamz LLZ, also of 340 East Liberty St., Wooster; as well as Ohio M&M Oil Inc., of 375 North Main St., Munroe Falls, Oh.
      Husain told Officer Dobbins he had problems with an employee whom he placed on ‘leave.’
      Husain told police that employee was seen on a surveillance video near 3:00 a.m. on Jan. 17 entering a side door. Two minutes later, the suspect exited the business, Officer Dobbins reported.
      Husain and another employee, identified as Shaina Rochford, told police that even though the suspect wore a mask, they both immediately recognized the suspect.
      “They stated they knew his clothing and the way he walked,” Officer Dobbins said.
      Husain told police he would give them a copy of the video.
      Boardman Township officials, including in the police and zoning departments, indicate they have little knowledge of kratom.
      What Is Kratom?
      According to a variety of source gleaned from the web, kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar). Its botanical name is mitragyna speciosa. The leaves of kratom have been used as an herbal drug from time immemorial by tribes of southeast Asia. It is used as a stimulant (in low doses), sedative (in high doses), recreational drug, pain killer, medicine for diarrhea, and treatment for opiate addiction.
      The Effects of Kratom
      In low doses (10 grams) it induces mild euphoria and reduces fatigue. Low doses do not interfere with most ordinary activities, however, one should not drive or perform other activities that require full attention. With strong doses (20-50 grams) the effects are profoundly euphoric and immensely pleasurable. Typically, people describe the effects as dreamy, ecstatic, and blissful. Many people experience closed-eye visualizations. Strong doses must only be used when one is able to devote several hours to the experience itself.
      Is Kratom Legal In The Uinted States?
      Confusion has abounded on the matter of the legal status of Kratom within the United States. Some sources will tell you that Kratom is a narcotic and should be illegal to buy or use. Others will tell you that Kratom is entirely legal as it is not a controlled substance. This matter is made further complex by the presence of local state laws that may impose different restrictions from those set out by the Federal government. At present, there is an ongoing push for stricter legislation on Kratom by some parties in the US, while others are urgently trying to spread the word on the benefits of this natural herb for health and mental well-being.
      A summer intern at the Koffel Law Firm in Columbus, Oh., Connor Roe, opined in 2013 “The DEA claims that kratom is an addictive stimulant despite numerous studies that contradict that statement. Even though this agency claims that it is dangerous, it is not even controlled under the Controlled Substances Act.”
      Some kratom distributors promote the substance as “the herbal remedy of choice used...for pain and other therapeutic uses such as anxiety, diarrhea, fatigue and mental instability. Kratom eliminates pain like a prescription pain medicine would and acts as a natural, euphoric muscle relaxer. Sometimes slightly stimulating, other times nicely sedating.”
      However, one company says on their packaging of kratom, “this product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.”
      A Jan., 2013 Drug & Chemical Evaluation by the Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control said that “there is no legitimate medical use for kratom in the United States.”
      According to the DEA evaluation, “Kratom consumption can lead to addiction,” and lists effects of long-term kratom use such as anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, skin darkening, dry mouth, frequent urination and constipation, in addition to a withdrawal syndrome consisting of “symptoms of hostility, aggression, emotional liability, wet nose, achy muscles and bones and jerky movement of the limbs.
      “Furthermore, several cases of kratom psychosis were observed, where kratom addicts exhibited psychotic symptoms that included hallucinations, delusion and confusion,” according to the evaluation.
      On the Pipe Dreamz web site, there is an icon a viewer can click on for kratom.
      Reaching that site, the following disclaimer can be found:
      “Kratom-k.com is an authorized distributor of the finest brands of kratom. The herbal products on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products on this website should not be misused. Customers must be over 18 years of age to purchase kratom or any other products from this website. To buy kratom or place an ethnobotanical order you must agree to this disclaimer. By placing an order, you are agreeing to the above disclaimer. Kratom and ethnobotanical articles and reviews are for entertainment purposes only.”
      An Illinois criminal defense attorney, Matt Keenan, says as of Jan. 1, 2015, anyone underr 18 cannont sell or possess kratom.
      “As of Jan. 1, 2015, children under age 18 may not sell or possess any product containing the herbal drug kratom. Kratom is derived from...a tree native to Thailand. Its effects are similar to morphine or opium,” Keenan said.