Kratom, an herb from Southeast Asia known for its opioid-like effects, has caught attention in the U. S. after two University of Mississippi students were found with packaged kratom. Though the herb wasn't linked to their deaths, it has stirred up worries among officials about its use.
For nearly ten years, kratom has been sold over-the-counter across the U. S., popping up in places like convenience stores, gas stations, and vape shops. Its popularity has surged as it’s marketed as a natural fix for pain, anxiety, and depression. But the U. S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t stepped in with federal regulations, leading to heated discussions about its safety.
In places like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, kratom has been used for centuries for its stimulating effects, usually brewed like tea. In the U. S., though, it’s often found in more potent forms, sold as pills or liquids. Dr. Shane Speights, dean of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, pointed out that issues with kratom began when it hit the U. S. market as a supplement around 2016.
One big concern is the risk of harmful side effects at high doses. Kratom can depress the central nervous system (CNS), potentially causing cardiovascular collapse and stopping breathing. The director of clinical integration at the addiction treatment center Mountainside mentioned the risks of addiction and withdrawal, highlighting that some people spend thousands of dollars each month on the herb.
Despite these dangers, kratom remains legal in several states, including Mississippi. But it’s outlawed in 11 states, like Alabama, Arkansas, and Massachusetts, where a temporary emergency order was issued in August. The U. S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) once tried to list kratom as a Schedule 1 drug, but public backlash stopped the move.
Supporters of kratom, such as the American Kratom Association, argue for its benefits and warn against synthetic products that mimic natural kratom. On the flip side, anti-kratom groups push for stricter state actions.
Internationally, kratom’s legal status varies. It’s banned in places like the UK and Malaysia, where it’s native, under the Poisons Act of 1952. In Europe, the rules differ from one country to another.
Jeffrey Deaver, a 58-year-old retired timber cutter from Washington, shared how kratom helped him manage chronic hip and knee pain. Though initially reluctant, Deaver slowly increased his dosage until he found relief, calling the herb a "miracle" that helped him sleep and function normally.
Dr. Speights noted the unpredictability of kratom products because of the lack of regulation, explaining that compounds like 7-Hydroxymitragynine in the plant can trigger hormones such as dopamine, giving a "caffeine-kind of buzz" at low doses but causing more intense euphoria at higher doses.
The debate over kratom’s safety and legal status continues as states figure out how to regulate the herb. While some advocate for its benefits, others warn of its potential dangers, leaving the future of kratom in the U. S. up in the air.
