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 similarly 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.
Side Effects & Safety Concerns
Kratom has gained popularity in recent years, but health officials continue to raise concerns about its safety. Some users report common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, agitation, and increased heart rate. In more serious cases, medical professionals have documented seizures, liver injury, breathing problems, heart complications, and psychiatric symptoms—sometimes requiring emergency care.
Recent data highlights growing concern:
- Emergency medical services responded to more than 4,200 kratom‑ or 7‑hydroxymitragynine‑related overdose incidents (fatal and nonfatal) between January 2023 and April 2025, with reports increasing nationwide.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that about 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021, the most recent year with finalized national survey data.
Health experts note that kratom products vary widely in strength and purity, and many are sold without consistent labeling or safety standards. This lack of regulation can make it difficult for consumers to understand the potential risks before use.
Combatting Kratom: Laws and Ongoing Regulation
Kratom’s legal status in the United States remains complicated and constantly changing. At the federal level, kratom is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, and the agency continues to warn consumers about potential health risks. The DEA has not banned kratom nationwide but still lists it as a “drug of concern,” meaning it remains under ongoing review.
Congress has considered federal regulation, including versions of the Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which would focus on safety standards and oversight. As of early 2026, no federal KCPA has been passed into law.
Courts and regulators have increasingly focused on product safety and labeling, particularly in cases involving alleged kratom‑related injuries or deaths. Several lawsuits have raised concerns about inadequate warnings, lack of dosing instructions, and undisclosed risks—especially with highly concentrated kratom products.
States Where Kratom Is Illegal
While kratom remains legal in many parts of the country, some states have banned it entirely, making possession or sale illegal. As of 2025–early 2026, kratom is banned in:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Louisiana (ban effective August 2025)
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
In these states, kratom is treated as a controlled substance, and penalties may include fines or criminal charges. Many other states allow kratom but regulate it through Kratom Consumer Protection Acts, which typically require age limits, ingredient testing, and clear labeling.
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