Episode #153 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Shounak Dharap and KratomEpisode #153 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Shounak Dharap and Kratom
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Kratom, also known as mytragynine is a plant with opioid and stimulant effects. It can be addictive just like opioids are addictive. And yet, the drug is being sold in drinks and supplements. Romulo Torres worked hard to achieve sobriety from alcohol and bought "Feel Free" drink at 7-11. He had no idea the "Fell Free" would bring him back to the shackles of addiction to Kratom complete with full force withdrawal symptoms of severe opioid withdrawal along with psychosis and lapses of consciousness associated with high dose Kratom. Shounak Dharap represents Romulo in a class action suit against the companies that sell Kratom without providing warnings about addiction. Shounak Dharap is a partner at Arns Davis Law and leads the firm’s complex litigation practice area. He litigates a wide range of class action matters in the areas of labor and employment, consumer protection, civil rights, and sexual abuse; as well as personal injury and wrongful death actions. When not litigating, Shounak is a second-term elected trustee on the Palo Alto Unified School Board and a volunteer community mediator for the City of Palo Alto’s mediation program. LA Times article on Kratom Lawsuit Kratom Addiction/Withdrawal - NIDA information
59:29•27 Nov 2023
Kratom's Hidden Dangers: Legal Battles and Consumer Awareness
Episode Overview
- The episode sheds light on the addictive nature and potential harm of Kratom, addressing the pressing issue of substance misuse.
- The discussion explores the legal implications and complexities of regulating Kratom usage, emphasizing the responsibility of manufacturers and retailers.
- The episode draws parallels with other contentious products such as cannabis, highlighting the need for comprehensive regulation and consumer safeguards.
- Insights are shared on the broader context of substance regulation and consumer protection.
- The engaging dialogue, led by host Dr. Roneet Lev and featuring legal expert Shounak Dharap, offers invaluable insights into the pressing issue of substance misuse and the need for stringent consumer safeguards.
“People, you know, Americans value choice, and that choice is predicated on being an informed choice. And so it's fine if folks want Kratom to be legal and folks want Kratom to be accessible, as long as they legal perspective is where there isn't that informed choice, where those that information is either being withheld or misrepresented.”
What happens when a seemingly harmless drink pulls you back into the grip of addiction? In this gripping episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev dives into the controversial world of Kratom, a plant with both opioid and stimulant effects. Kratom is marketed in everyday products like drinks and supplements, but it can be just as addictive as opioids.
The episode features Romulo Torres, who shares his harrowing experience of unknowingly consuming a Kratom-infused drink called 'Feel Free' and finding himself battling severe withdrawal symptoms and psychosis. His story is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in unregulated substances. Legal expert Shounak Dharap joins the conversation, representing Romulo in a class action lawsuit against companies selling Kratom without proper warnings.
Shounak, a partner at Arns Davis Law, brings his extensive experience in complex litigation to the table, highlighting the legal and ethical responsibilities of manufacturers and retailers. The episode also touches on broader issues of substance regulation and consumer protection, drawing parallels with other contentious products like cannabis. With engaging dialogue and expert insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the complexities of addiction, legal battles, and the need for stringent consumer safeguards.
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