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.
No, kratom is not an opiate. 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 Health cites this difference as a protective factor and key reason explaining MIT’s safety profile.
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 in those cases either.
To put those 7 deaths into context:
We’ve noticed subversive attempts to conflate the risks of kratom’s effects on the body with the risks posed by kratom contaminated by pathogens and/or toxins. For example, salmonella and heavy metals are common contaminants found in kratom leaf powder imported from Southeast Asia, where pollution contributes to high levels of lead and nickel in the soil. 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.
Yes, there is solid evidence kratom can be habit-forming, and we don’t think anyone with a history of substance abuse should start taking kratom products. With heavy or chronic use, you might feel down or fatigued after you stop taking it. Speaking from person experience, it feels a lot like quitting coffee if you’ve been drinking multiple cups per day for an extended period. For this reason, kratom products should not be taken every day. Treat it as a substitute for recreational alcohol or cannabis use or as the occasional pick-me-up to tackle a bunch of work. Exercise common sense and use kratom responsibly. We think there’s a place for it to be enjoyed by consumers.
Definitely not. Based on our experience, these synthetic analogs of mitragynine have a significantly higher risk profile than mitragynine. On July 20, 2026, the DEA placed 7-OH and other synthetic kratom derivatives under emergency Schedule I control. We support this and are glad to see a targeted approach rather than 7-OH ruining access to all kratom products. We’ll provide a separate posting with additional details on the DEA’s actions against 7-OH.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (National Institute of Health)
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