The Kava Lounge Part 7 - Quiet Rise of Kava on Reddit

The IKO Podcast

The Kava Lounge - Part 7 - Quiet Rise of Kava on Reddit
In this episode, Douglas & Jimmy discuss and critique a 2022 research paper titled "Kava, Piper Methysticum, In the United States, the Rise of a Quiet Substance with Often Subtle Effects" by Salma Point Fernandez et al.

The hosts analyze the paper's methodology, which involved examining 1,156 Reddit posts about kava from 2006 to 2021. They question the small sample size and the choice to focus solely on Reddit, arguing it may not be representative of the broader kava-using community.

Throughout the discussion, Jimmy and the Kavasseur challenge several points made in the paper:

1. The binary categorization of kava use motivations as either "recreation" or "self-treatment for psychiatric or physical health conditions"
2. The correlations drawn between kava and other substances like kratom, supplements, cannabis, and alcohol
3. The lack of mention of kava's traditional spiritual and ritualistic uses
4. The paper's conclusion that Reddit discussions cannot substitute for systematic research

While appreciating some insights the paper offers, such as the typical dosage range of 20-60 grams, the hosts express skepticism about its overall depth and relevance. They share their own knowledge and experiences with kava, touching on topics like reverse tolerance, lucid dreaming, and the plant's unique effects which they feel distinguish it from addictive drugs.

In summary, this episode of The Kava Lounge provides a critical review of a recent kava-related research paper from the perspective of two experienced kava advocates and enthusiasts.

Paper Citation:

Pont-Fernandez, Salma, Marina Kheyfets, Jeffrey M. Rogers, Kirsten E. Smith, and David H. Epstein. 2022. “Kava (Piper Methysticum) in the United States: The Quiet Rise of a Substance with Often Subtle Effects.” The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, November, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2022.2140292.