Kratom: The New Substance on the Rise

While driving past corner vape shops and quick stops, you might have seen noticed an advertisement for kratom. But what is kratom? A lot is still unknown about this substance, but here is what we do know:

• Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia.
• It is not a new substance and has been used in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years. However, it is being used at larger doses or in lieu of/in combination with other substances, and is currently listed as a Drug and Chemical of Concern from the Drug Enforcement Administration (FDA).
• People typically ingest kratom by swallowing raw plant matter in capsule or powder form, mixing powder into food or drinks, brewing the leaves as a tea, or taking liquid kratom extract.
• Although it is marketed as an herbal supplement, kratom contains two major psychoactive ingredients called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine. Both of these bind to the same receptors in the brain as opioid drugs. In low doses, it has stimulant effects, but in high doses it has sedative effects.
• Unfortunately, because kratom products lack clear labels, it’s not possible to know how much of the active ingredient is in a dose.
• According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, kratom can lead to psychotic symptoms. And although it is sometimes taken to ease opioid withdrawal, it carries its own risk of psychological and physiological dependence.
• Kratom is currently NOT approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use, and in fact, the FDA has warned people not to use kratom because of possible harm it can cause.

Side effects

• Drowsiness
• High Blood Pressure
• Weight Loss
• Vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Effects that are similar to opioids and sedatives: (relaxation, pain relief and confusion)
• In severe cases: seizures, respiratory suppression and cardiac arrhythmia.

**As of March 2026, there are multiple states that have designated kratom as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. This classification makes it illegal to process, manufacture, sell, or distribute kratom products – including leaves, power, pills and extracts. Connecticut has joined states Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. (Learn more here).

*Kratom products have been found to have heavy metals, such as lead, and harmful germs, such as salmonella, in them. Salmonella poisoning can be fatal. The CDC reported on a salmonella-tainted kratom outbreak in 2017-18.

Due to the ingredients involved in Kratom, this substance can have addictive properties. If you or a loved one is experiencing the effects of this substance or other signs of addiction, we can help: Get Help Now

Learn more:

Kratom: Fear-worthy foliage or beneficial botanical? – Harvard Health

Kratom: Unsafe and ineffective – Mayo Clinic

FDA and Kratom | FDA

Kratom | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Kratom – DEA