Beyond the Leaves: What is Kratom?
Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is an herbal leaf derived from tropical trees found in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Kratom’s main ingredient is mitragynine. This ingredient works in the brain similar to some painkillers. It latches onto opioid receptors and also affects other brain systems that involve serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine (these are chemicals that help our brain cells communicate and can affect our mood), and kappa opioid receptors.
In the United States, kratom has made its way into the market through various channels, including online retailers and physical stores like gas stations. You can find kratom in several forms, such as powders, pills, chewable tablets, gummies, and liquid formulations.
Manufacturers of Kratom have promoted their products as safe and effective, despite numerous reports of seizures, brain injuries, severe addiction, and deaths. Our team continues to investigate cases of serious adverse effects reported by individuals who have consumed products containing Kratom.
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Jennifer K. Emmel Principal Montgomery, AL -
W. Roger Smith, III Principal Montgomery, AL -
Ryan J. Duplechin Principal Montgomery, AL -
Mary Cam Raybon Associate Montgomery, AL
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Side Effects & Safety Concerns
Kratom has become a hot topic lately, sparking quite a debate due to its potential side effects and safety concerns. While some people turn to Kratom for its stimulating effects, it’s crucial to be aware of the possible downsides. Users have reported experiencing issues like aggression, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
In more serious cases, healthcare professionals have observed a range of adverse effects, including seizures, psychiatric issues, cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal distress, respiratory complications, and even death.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers Kratom a drug of concern. Between 2014 and 2019, poison control centers in the U.S. received over 3,400 reports related to kratom use. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used Kratom in 2021.
Combatting Kratom: Legality and Legislation
At the federal level, the legal status of kratom remains in a grey area. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use, and the DEA has listed it as a “drug of concern.” In October 2023, a federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) was introduced in the Senate, but it has not yet been passed.
Recent court decisions regarding alleged kratom-related deaths have been tied to the failure of product manufacturers to provide labeling instructions for responsible use and to disclose little or no information on the actual risks.
In some states, kratom is classified as a controlled substance, making its sale, possession, and use illegal. That states include:
- Alabama: Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance since 2016.
- Arkansas: Banned in 2016; kratom is listed as a controlled substance.
- Indiana: Classified as a synthetic drug and banned under state law.
- Rhode Island: Kratom is a controlled substance, making its sale and possession illegal.
- Vermont: Banned due to the inclusion of kratom’s alkaloids on the controlled substances list.
- Wisconsin: Classified as a Schedule I substance, making it illegal.
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