I mean, I've seen it referred to as "narcotic" or "a narcotic" from time to time. Even a TV segment I saw with two ni Vanuatu referred to it as one. And it's not, right? I mean, it doesn't fit the profile. And it's certainly nothing like the sorts of things that spring to everyone's mind when the word "narcotic" is used.
As a noun, "a narcotic,' kava is a substance that affects mood or behavior. It is sold for BOTH medical and nonmedical purposes. Definitely NOT an illegal one. The mention of legality here is particularly notable, as calling something "a narcotic" implies illegality. The word "harmful" is implied but missing, I think.
Though technically, by the definition of Narcotic:
So by THAT definition, you could make an argument that it IS.
As an adjective, the association with illegal narcotic drugs is still evoked in the mind. And the synonyms offered by Google's definition system apply (soporific, sleep-inducing, pain-relieving, analgesic, anesthetic (to a degree), tranquilizing, sedative) but also don't apply (opiate, stupefacient, anodyne) as these definitely do NOT. In particular, "opiate" is a problem. They're the most addictive and destructive drugs on the planet.
But I think the coca-leaf derived narcotics are what everyone thinks of. And this drug ramps up in tolerance quickly, is incredibly addictive both mentally and physically, and comes with nasty withdrawals. And it's hella Schedule I illegal in the USA. Stories of trafficking in that stuff are filled with brutal violence and corrupt "friendly spider-infested countries to the south." [Dave Barry]
That's REALLY not kava. At all.
I really don't like seeing the word "narcotic" associated with kava. It's completely inappropriate given what the term narcotic has become in modern cultures. By the historic definition of it, though, it *IS* narcotic. It fits, but it's SO out of place getting lumped in with all that dangerous stuff.
nar·cot·ic
närˈkädik/
noun
närˈkädik/
noun
a drug or other substance affecting mood or behavior and sold for nonmedical purposes, especially an illegal one.
relating to or denoting narcotics or their effects or use.
"the substance has a mild narcotic effect"
synonyms:soporific, sleep-inducing, opiate;
painkilling, pain-relieving, analgesic,anodyne, anesthetic, tranquilizing, sedative;
stupefacient
"a narcotic sleeping pill"
[Google Definition]
As a noun, "a narcotic,' kava is a substance that affects mood or behavior. It is sold for BOTH medical and nonmedical purposes. Definitely NOT an illegal one. The mention of legality here is particularly notable, as calling something "a narcotic" implies illegality. The word "harmful" is implied but missing, I think.
Though technically, by the definition of Narcotic:
The term narcotic (/nɑrˈkɒtɨk/, from ancient Greek ναρκῶ narkō, "to make numb") originally referred medically to any psychoactive compound with any sleep-inducing properties. [Wikipedia]
So by THAT definition, you could make an argument that it IS.
As an adjective, the association with illegal narcotic drugs is still evoked in the mind. And the synonyms offered by Google's definition system apply (soporific, sleep-inducing, pain-relieving, analgesic, anesthetic (to a degree), tranquilizing, sedative) but also don't apply (opiate, stupefacient, anodyne) as these definitely do NOT. In particular, "opiate" is a problem. They're the most addictive and destructive drugs on the planet.
But I think the coca-leaf derived narcotics are what everyone thinks of. And this drug ramps up in tolerance quickly, is incredibly addictive both mentally and physically, and comes with nasty withdrawals. And it's hella Schedule I illegal in the USA. Stories of trafficking in that stuff are filled with brutal violence and corrupt "friendly spider-infested countries to the south." [Dave Barry]
That's REALLY not kava. At all.
I really don't like seeing the word "narcotic" associated with kava. It's completely inappropriate given what the term narcotic has become in modern cultures. By the historic definition of it, though, it *IS* narcotic. It fits, but it's SO out of place getting lumped in with all that dangerous stuff.
I am glad it is not a narcotic, we don't need the DEA involved with kava. 
