Popular Supplement Kratom Now on Banned List with Heroin, Pot, Meth

Some are surprised by the Federal government's move, others not.

Since 2010, this substance, which some use to treat pain, others for stress relief, has exploded in popularity, and until this week's federal announcement, was legal and sold over the counter in many health and supplement stores.

Kratom comes from tropical and evergreen trees in Southeast Asia, and is technically part of the coffee family as far as plants go. It produces an effect some say is similar to morphine, but also has been known to have side effects including itching, vomiting, constipation, and in some cases high heart rate and blood pressure.

According to officials in Utah and other states, and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) deaths related to Kratom use have risen from 2 in 2010 to at least 15 reported last year.

It is now a Schedule 1 substance, joining marijuana, meth, heroin and cocaine.  Federal drug penalties will result from the sale, use and distribution of Kratom, although proponents are hoping to pressure the DEA to reverse it's decision.