It’s an opioid in that it interacts with some (but not all) of the opioid receptors. Its effects are different from the common opium-derived opioids though, in that
- it doesn’t produce nearly as much of a ‘high’ type reaction, per amount of pain relief provided
- it apparently doesn’t produce as much tolerance over time
- it doesn’t produce nearly as much respiratory depression, per amount of pain relief provided
So, while the major opioid risk factors for addiction and overdose are certainly present, but less than with other opioids.
It also allegedly leads to vomiting if you take too much, so a tendency to steadily increase doses to overcome tolerance is somewhat self-regulating. Of course, if it becomes illegal, then probably any market for it will switch from raw plant matter to white powder, so the substances in the plant that cause vomiting will be eliminated, and it will become more dangerous…
