Kratom - An effective painkiller or just another recreational legal high?

Medicinal herbs are of special interest to me especially since I was prescribed opiates for spinal nerve pain. I have no desire to take Rx pain killers regularly for the rest of my life.

The best alternative candidate I have found is the leaf from Indonesia called Kratom. It is not restricted by the FDA but it is controversial as it is an effective pain killer. I have been testing it and it is effective for my issue.
There does appear to be a difference between green kratom and red Kratos. The green seems to have some mood elevation properties while still giving pain relief in my testing. I will continue the trials.

Unfortunately the herb is being marketed and sold by the nefarious as a legal high to the younger generation. It's reputation is somewhat negative with many references on the internet from many sources includinggovernment and big medical. I don’t trust info on the internet until I verify it for myself (as you should do) as the government and big pharma are against anything that might decrease their ill-gained profits. I wish we could trust them but I don't.

I would welcome your experience with Kratom if you have used it for any length of time for joint pain, muscle pain, nerve pain or as a sleep aid.