Chris Bell

Date: 2016-11-16 | Duration: 1h 20m

Episode Overview

Chris Bell joins the podcast to discuss kratom, a natural plant increasingly used as an alternative to opioids for pain relief and addiction recovery. Bell shares his personal experience with kratom, emphasizing its potential to ease chronic pain and help people avoid more dangerous pharmaceuticals. He highlights the plant’s natural origins and compares it to marijuana in terms of safety, noting the absence of fatal overdoses linked to kratom. Bell also addresses the controversy surrounding kratom’s legal status, explaining how media coverage and regulatory pressures have fueled misunderstandings and bans in some states. Throughout the conversation, Bell critiques the role of the DEA and pharmaceutical companies, suggesting that financial interests often overshadow public health concerns. He stresses the importance of education and research to better understand kratom’s effects and potential benefits. Bell recounts stories of individuals who have found relief through kratom, including those struggling with addiction, and advocates for keeping it legal as part of a broader harm reduction strategy. The episode delves into the challenges of navigating misinformation, regulatory hurdles, and the stigma attached to alternative treatments in the fight against the opioid crisis.

About Chris Bell

Chris Bell is a talented director, producer, and writer renowned for his thought-provoking documentaries that explore the complexities of American culture. His notable works include "Bigger, Stronger, Faster*", which examines the world of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, "Trophy Kids," a critical look at youth sports and parental pressure, and "Prescription Thugs," which tackles the prescription drug epidemic. Currently, he is delving into the controversy surrounding Kratom, a plant with both advocates and critics. Bell's ability to tackle controversial topics with a compelling narrative makes him a fascinating voice in the documentary film industry, prompting discussions that resonate well beyond the screen.

Key Moments

– Kratom
– Opioid Addiction
– Natural Supplements
– Drug Policy
– Media Influence
– Pain Management
– DEA Regulation
– Addiction Recovery
– Legislation
– Drug Overdose
– Plant-Based Medicine
– Public Perception
– Pharmaceutical Industry
– Mental Health
– Documentary Filmmaking
– Steroid Use
– Congressional Action
– Drug Testing
– Supplement Industry
0:00:00 – Introduction and initial remarks
0:01:14 – Discussion on Kratom as a natural plant
0:03:27 – Effects of Kratom on mood elevation
0:05:02 – Relapse issues in addiction recovery
0:07:24 – Comparison between Kratom and marijuana
0:09:09 – Family perspectives on Kratom and psych meds
0:12:00 – Government stance and potential ban on Kratom
0:13:14 – Alkaloids in Kratom and extraction concerns
0:16:20 – Overcoming addiction and accidental overdoses
0:18:46 – Kratom as alternative to opiates for pain
0:21:04 – Dosage and personal experiences with Kratom
0:23:26 – Media's role in shaping public opinion
0:26:32 – Lack of research and data on Kratom
0:28:40 – Legal risks and documentary filming
0:31:56 – Discussion of dangerous synthetic drugs like Flakka
0:34:11 – Dietary supplement regulations and grandfather clause
0:36:06 – Interview with Kratom user in Florida
0:39:23 – Addiction knowledge and scientific studies
0:41:34 – Impact of Kratom ban controversy
0:44:11 – Legal and social acceptance of natural substances
0:48:27 – Political opposition and state bans on Kratom
0:51:00 – Journey to legalize Kratom
0:53:51 – Medical perspectives on Kratom use
0:55:05 – Acknowledging problems with Kratom use
0:57:17 – Personal story of addiction and family impact
1:00:21 – Kratom consumption methods and effects duration
1:03:00 – Potential side effects and addiction risks
1:05:59 – Withdrawal symptoms from Kratom
1:08:45 – DEA's reaction to Kratom legalization efforts
1:11:44 – Call for regulatory dialogue and interviews
1:13:06 – Description of mild Kratom varieties
1:14:35 – Public misconceptions about drug effects
1:16:20 – Discussion about documentary title and purpose

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 That's sweet. Starting point is 00:00:35 And you've had experience with it. Starting point is 00:01:14 taking it to get off of opiates. It's a plant. It's a 100% natural plant. Comes from, you know, Starting point is 00:01:49 drug. But so you're saying it's not a drug, though? Well, you know, that's I guess it's Starting point is 00:02:33 I mean, I don't know where the real distinction is between high and elevation of mood or where, you know, what the difference is really there. Starting point is 00:02:54 I have zero experience so that you have some here now. Starting point is 00:03:27 But it also elevates you? Starting point is 00:03:50 And I guess for me, you know, I guess it's different for everybody. Starting point is 00:04:07 surgery and I was all doped up on the drugs and I didn't even know it so it Starting point is 00:04:36 My relationship with my girlfriend's great. Starting point is 00:05:02 People relapse. Starting point is 00:05:41 trains and he really loves it too. Takes it before he lifts weights. Starting point is 00:05:59 What did you think it was? Starting point is 00:06:25 like sort of good. That's the one that is a good pre-workout. But they're all kind of the same Starting point is 00:07:10 than anything found in nature and kratom is found in nature. Starting point is 00:07:24 They have to, you know, it's like marijuana Starting point is 00:07:40 And I said to him, what do you think about marijuana? Starting point is 00:08:13 If there's no negative response by the body, you're not having people die of overdoses, Starting point is 00:08:40 Kratom is the same thing. Starting point is 00:09:09 his mother wants to blame Kratom. She doesn't think that the psych meds had anything to do Starting point is 00:09:45 your family. That's insane. Somebody in your family will be affected by it. That's more than Starting point is 00:10:29 You know what she said to me? Starting point is 00:10:57 And this is after a gigantic, you know, ...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #876?

Chris Bell was the guest on JRE #876. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #876?

On Joe Rogan Experience #876 with Chris Bell, topics include Opioid Addiction, Natural Supplements, Drug Policy, and Media Influence.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #876?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #876 with Chris Bell is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.