Josh Samek
Last Updated on December 10, 2024
Table of Contents
A Leaf of Faith, directed by Chris Bell, explores the healing potential of kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia. Known for its pain-relieving and mood-enhancing properties, kratom is gaining popularity as an alternative to opioids. The documentary sheds light on the herbâs benefits while examining the ongoing battle between advocates and regulatory authorities like the FDA.
In the United States, opioid addiction has reached epidemic levels. With over 72,000 drug-related deaths reported in 2017, Bell posits that the root problem is not drug use but untreated pain. Out of those deaths, 30,000 occurred as a result of the deadly prescription narcotic painkiller fentanyl.
Kratom offers a natural solution for many battling opioid dependency. Bell himself used kratom to overcome his addiction to pharmaceutical painkillers, a powerful testament to its potential. However, he highlights the FDA’s aggressive push to criminalize kratom, raising concerns about limiting access to this life-changing herb.
Kratom is derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, a member of the coffee family. The leaves contain active compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain to relieve pain, improve mood and increase energy.
The documentary explores these properties and demonstrates how kratom can act as a safer alternative to opioids. Unlike traditional narcotics, kratom has a lower risk of respiratory depression, making it a promising option for those seeking pain relief without the dangers of overdose.
Bell showcases the various ways users consume kratom:
The documentary highlights how these forms cater to a wide range of needs, from pain management to increased focus.
Despite its benefits, kratom remains mired in controversy. Critics argue that kratom poses risks of addiction and potential side effects, leading to legal battles across the U.S.
One high-profile case featured in the documentary involves a Florida mother suing a kratom tea bar, claiming the herb caused brain damage to her daughter. The lawsuit goes on to claim that Tabarâs daughter was a regular customer at Bula on the Beach, Bula Kafe and Mad Hatterâs Ethnobotanical Tea Bar, which are all located in Floridaâs Pinellas County. According to Taber, her daughter often drank kratom tea from the locations over a four-year time span.
The establishments all failed to issue warnings concerning the dangerous side effects of kratom which makes them responsible for âbodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, aggravation of a pre-existing condition, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, past and future medical and nursing care expenses and treatment,â according to the lawsuit.
This incident exemplifies the complex and emotionally charged debate over kratom’s safety.
The FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has repeatedly pushed to classify kratom as a Schedule 1 drug, citing its potential for abuse and lack of approved medical use. Bell challenges this narrative, pointing out that the FDAâs claims often ignore scientific evidence and the real-world experiences of kratom users.
In A Leaf of Faith, Bell juxtaposes the FDAâs stance with the staggering death toll from opioid overdoses, arguing that banning kratom would eliminate a vital tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic.
In 2016, the FDA and DEA tried to ban kratom, but the public protest was extreme and led to its last-minute defeat.
Bell encourages viewers to take action to ensure kratom remains legal. He advocates for:
His message is clear: kratom can save lives, but only if it remains accessible.
The documentary takes viewers to Southeast Asia, the birthplace of kratom. There, Bell explores the traditional uses of kratom in communities where it has been a staple for centuries. From laborers using it to combat fatigue to its role in social rituals, the herb’s cultural significance is undeniable.
Bell contrasts this long history of safe use with the alarmist narrative propagated by U.S. regulators, making a compelling case for kratomâs potential to improve lives.
A Leaf of Faith is more than a documentary â itâs a call to action. By blending personal stories, scientific insights and cultural perspectives, Chris Bell presents a balanced view of kratom and its potential role in combating the opioid crisis.
For kratom enthusiasts and skeptics alike, this Netflix documentary is a must-watch, offering a deeper understanding of the herb and the stakes involved in keeping it legal.
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