Psychoactive herb kratom on radar of B.C. doctors and poison control centre

Side-effects of an unauthorized herb now gaining popularity in B.C. are causing hospitalizations and reports of adverse effects.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a psychoactive with both stimulating and sedating effects, is said by its backers to be a less lethal substitute for opioids (narcotics) and a decent remedy for anxiety and pain, among other conditions.But Health Canada says there’s evidence that kratom, derived from an Asian plant and usually consumed as a finely ground powder, can p