Dialogue around kratom is increasingly sensationalized. You would be forgiven for doing a little research and being confused over whether it’s a miracle herb or deadly poison. This motivated us to attempt rational answers to frequently asked questions by gathering data from reputable sources.

Our findings? Kratom toxicity is rare and probably linked to levels of use that defy common sense. But kratom can be habit forming, and negative interactions with medications (especially anti-depressants) and other substances are a possibility.

First off, is kratom an opiate?

No, it’s not. Mitragyna speciosa, the Asian evergreen tree kratom leaves comes from, is actually part of the coffee family. The confusion is because the primary active compound in kratom, mitragynine (“MIT”), is thought to act on the opioid brain receptors like opiates do, but that’s no different than caffeine vs. cocaine (dopamine receptors) or anti-depressants vs. ecstasy (serotonin receptors). One especially notable difference between MIT and opiates is that MIT does not depress respiratory function the same way. A scientific article published with the National Institute of Healthcites this difference as a protective factor and reason for MIT’s safety profile.

Has anyone died from taking kratom?

To avoid editorializing here, let’s talk numbers. From July 2016 to December 2017, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) logged 27,338 unintentional overdose deaths (from all drugs) in 27 states monitored. Kratom appeared in the toxicology reports for 152 of those overdoses. However, toxicology reports for 145 of those 152 cases showed positive results for other substances, including fentanyl (in 65% of cases), heroin (33%), benzodiazepines (22%), prescription opioids (20%), and cocaine (18%). So kratom was the only substance detected in toxicology reports for just 7 deaths, though the CDC notes the presence of other substances could not be definitively ruled out.

To put those 7 deaths into context:

• The FDA estimates there are currently 1.7 million kratom users in the U.S.
• Caffeine overdoses killed 92 people in the U.S. during 2018, per Medical News Today.
• 2,200 people per year die from alcohol poisoning, per the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, which also estimates that another 47,500 people die per year from the long-term effects of alcohol.
• Over-consumption of basically anything can kill you. Even water.

What about contamination risks?

Salmonella and heavy metals are common contaminants found in kratom leaf powder imported from Southeast Asia. However, these contaminants are eliminated with advanced extraction methods and so are not found in kratom extract products. Additionally, reputable sellers will have every batch of product tested by a laboratory for contaminants and publish the lab results.

Can kratom be habit forming?

Yes, there is evidence kratom can be habit-forming. We think that’s true of pretty much any substance that makes you feel good and have personally found quitting kratom similar to quitting caffeine. With heavy or chronic use, you might feel down or fatigued after you stop taking it. Kratom products should not be taken every day. Treat it as a substitute for recreational alcohol or THC use. Exercise common sense and use kratom responsibly. If you have addictive tendencies and/or a history of substance abuse, then you probably shouldn’t take kratom products.