What is Kratom? The drug Brandon Clarke was arrested for possessing
A small number of deaths have been connected to the use of kratom, most commonly when mixed with other substances. Serious toxicity is relatively rare and generally appears at high doses or when kratom is used with other substances. Anecdotal reports describe increased alertness, physical energy, talkativeness, sociability, sedation, changes in mood, and pain relief following kratom use at various doses. Some people have had physical dependence while using kratom, which means their bodies come to rely on it.
What are the “benefits” of kratom?

If someone that used kratom is experiencing an overdose, call 911. Doctors and nurses also call the Utah Poison Control Center for help to treat kratom withdrawal—just like they would for oxycodone or heroin. The Utah Poison Control Center has seen a rise in kratom-related calls. “Instead of a mild opioid effect, people are developing significant tolerance and even overdosing.” A new, purified compound from kratom called 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7 hydroxy or 7-OH) is now being sold in pill form.
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“There should be product formulation limitations, there should be strict labeling requirements, and there should be age restrictions on the use of sids 2014 any kratom product.” “We fully support regulations on kratom,” said Mac Haddow, senior public policy fellow with the industry group, the American Kratom Association. Lawmakers on Beacon Hill are currently considering several bills that would ban or regulate kratom, including one drafted with the help of the American Kratom Association.

Is kratom dangerous?
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy should act with urgency to schedule all kratom compounds and future alterations of them as Schedule I illegal drugs.” The “active ingredients” in kratom—Mytragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—interact with the same brain receptors as opioids. "Kratom is a psychoactive substance that acts like opioids in our system," says Dr. Edmond Hakimi, medical director at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research. Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the American Kratom Association, a group of natural leaf kratom vendors, said that was a misleading take on what the president said. A HART news release said the president was endorsing all forms of 7-OH, even the concentrated products that contain as much as 96% 7-OH. Supporters of natural leaf kratom said the president was referring to the trace amount of 7-OH – usually no more than 2% – found in unadulterated kratom.
- While less common, the most serious side effects of kratom are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
- But it has recently emerged in the U.S. as an unofficial remedy for anxiety, pain and drug addiction, with companies marketing it in the U.S. as all-natural and safe for consumption.
- Medical experts tell USA TODAY that all kratom products carry risk for addiction, not just ones marketed with 7-OH, though those products are often stronger.
- “So, you know, to be able to use an opioid use disorder treatment on somebody with 7-OH use really solidifies for me — eyes open — that this is really the same problem.”
- When you choose Super Maeng Da from Kats Botanicals, you can count on excellence in product purity, guaranteed potency, and innovative formulas to enhance your Kratom journey.
In the U.S., kratom is legal in nearly all states and not federally regulated. Most users aren’t seeking a caffeine-like boost—they’re looking for the opioid-like effects to manage pain or avoid prescription opioids. There is growing international concern about a possible threat to public health from kratom use. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider before using kratom.
CBD Kratom partnered with the league to create a mini-series to promote the benefits of its products to athletes. The United Football League embraced kratom beginning in 2024, naming one sponsor as the official supplier. Athletes, team executives and training staff in the NFL, NBA and MLB told The Athletic they had never heard of kratom or did not believe it was commonly used. “I look fit and super healthy, so people would be surprised that this was an issue,” he said.