Debates are always worth, it makes both parties consider alternate view points. I think you are correct on this one. But, I would argue that kava is a beverage which contains kavalactones that do indirectly effect the way neurotransmitters in the brain work, so it is a beverage that contains a drug. Like tea isn't a drug, but it is a beverage that contains caffeine, which is a drug. I think the problem is that the term drug carries a lot of baggage when it shouldnt. In fact, I would argue that western culture in general places a moral condemnation on all psychoactive except a few sanctioned exceptions that promote industrialization.