Kratom: The Hidden Dangers of “Gas Station Heroin” and What is Being Done About It.

In recent years, a substance known as kratom has gained popularity across the United States. Often referred to as “gas station heroin,” kratom is an herbal extract derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. While some hail it as a natural remedy for pain and opioid withdrawal, others warn of its potential dangers. This article delves into what kratom is, the growing movement to regulate or ban its sale, the risks it poses to teens and adults, and the recent deaths attributed to its use.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree in the coffee family. Its leaves have been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for their stimulant and pain-relieving properties. Traditionally, people chewed or brewed the leaves into tea to combat fatigue and improve productivity. In the United States, kratom is available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and extracts.

Kratom is sold in various gas stations, vape shops, and vape shops in liquid, powder, and tablet forms. It is roughly a $1.5 billion dollar a year industry according to the American Kratom Association.

The Regulatory Landscape

Despite its growing popularity, kratom remains largely unregulated at the federal level in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has listed kratom as a “drug of concern,” but it has not classified it as a controlled substance, although they tried to classify it as a Schedule 1 substance in 2016 but faced severe backlash. This lack of federal oversight has led to a patchwork of state and local regulations.

Several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin, have banned kratom entirely. Additionally, cities like Denver, San Diego, and Sarasota have enacted their own bans. In states where kratom remains legal, there are often specific regulations on its sale and use. For example, some states prohibit the sale of kratom to minors or require labeling that discloses the presence of kratom and its origin.

The Dangers of Kratom

Some users swear by kratom for its mood-lifting and pain-relieving effects, but the substance is not without its risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use, citing concerns about its safety and potential for abuse. The side effects of kratom can range from mild to severe and include nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, and confusion. In extreme cases, kratom use has been linked to seizures, liver damage, and even death.

One of the most alarming aspects of kratom is its potential for addiction. Like opioids, kratom can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Users who try to quit may experience muscle aches, irritability, insomnia, and mood swings. This risk is particularly concerning for teens and young adults, who may be more susceptible to substance abuse and addiction.

Kratom has been called an “emerging issue” in a letter published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal. They suggested physicians ask their patients about using kratom, the same as they do with cannabis, alcohol, and other drugs. The article also estimates nearly 1.9 million people in the U.S. have used kratom, though this number is thought to be underestimated.

Recent Deaths Attributed to Kratom

The dangers of kratom have been underscored by a series of recent deaths linked to its use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), kratom was involved in 91 overdose deaths between July 2016 and December 2017. However, some estimates suggest the toll is much higher. An analysis by The Washington Post found that kratom was listed as the leading or partial cause of death in at least 4,100 cases from 2020 to 2022, and more than 580 people in Florida alone died from kratom-related overdoses since 2013.

One high-profile case involved Krystal Talavera, a 39-year-old mother of four who died in 2021 after consuming kratom for pain management. The Palm Beach County Coroner attributed her death to “acute mitragynine intoxication,” highlighting the potential for kratom to cause fatal overdoses. These tragic incidents have prompted calls for stricter regulation and increased public awareness about the risks of kratom.

To conclude, kratom, often marketed as a natural and safe alternative to opioids, carries significant risks that cannot be ignored. As more states and cities move to regulate or ban its sale, it is crucial for the public to be informed about the potential dangers of this substance. The recent deaths linked to kratom serve as a stark reminder of the need for caution and regulation. While kratom may offer relief for some, its potential for addiction and severe side effects make it a substance that should be approached with extreme caution.

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