Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) has signed a new law increasing both the penalties and age limits for anyone wanting to buy or sell kratom. But questions remain about this supplement that can become addictive, and carry dangers as it rises in popularity around the U.S.
Kratom is a supplement that is sold as an energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever and remedy for the symptoms of quitting opioids.
However, medical and addiction experts say the truth about kratom is not so simple. And there are safety problems linked to its use, according to Dr. Alta DeRoo, who is Chief Medical Officer at Hazelden-Betty Ford. She thinks the new law is a good outcome, but that it's more important for parents and others to raise awareness about potential dangers of the substance.
"I think it'll help a little," she says. "It's a step in the right direction. So, you know, 18 (is) very young. Raising it up to 21 is a step in the right direction, but many states outlaw it all completely. It's illegal in many states because there's no medicinal use for kratom, and it has a high potential for harm and abuse."
DeRoo says kratom is species of plant indigenous to Southeast Asia, and if taken in large amounts produces an opioid effect. Kratom is not regulated in the United States.
"So, when I think of it as a doctor, I would love for people to use FDA-approved medications or other botanicals instead of kratom to take care of their symptoms," adds DeRoo. "As a doctor, as a parent, this scares me. I would like to see kratom not available, off the web and in shops next to where my family and my kids frequent."
Even though there are no FDA approved products containing kratom currently sold in the U.S., its popularity continues to grow, and reports of exposures have increased year over year. Currently it can be purchased anywhere, including tobacco shops, convenience stores, and online.
Kratom can also damage the liver, and can cause death in some cases.
“These products are largely unregulated without clear labeling and are often misunderstood,” said the bill's author, Senator Alice Mann (DFL – Edina). “We know kratom can have opioid-like effects and lead to dependence and other serious health risks. Setting an age requirement of 21 is a responsible step to ensure minors aren’t exposed to substances that can cause real harm, and puts kratom in line with alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.”
According to Mayo Clinic, people who use kratom to relax or to be more social most likely think that kratom is natural and safe because it comes from a plant. But the amount of the active part in kratom leaves can vary greatly. That can make it difficult to know the complete effects of a given dose.
Using kratom to get off of opioids is not without risks, says DeRoo.
"What we found though, is that when you try to detox off of opioids with this kratom, what ends up happening is people use more and more kratom to get the effect that kratom produces," adds DeRoo. "And then people end up getting addicted to kratom."
Poison control centers in the United States received more than 3,400 reports about use of kratom from 2014 through 2019. These included reports of death. Side effects reported included high blood pressure, confusion and seizures.
The Hazelden-Betty Ford Foundation has a full FAQ about what kratom is, how it is used, the side-effects, and more available here.
Mostly used as a remedy for the symptoms of quitting opioids, kratom carries risks and can become equally addictive
Mostly used as a remedy for the symptoms of quitting opioids, kratom carries risks and can become equally addictive
