Kratom

By Danny Wicentowski – Published April 21, 2026 at 11:18 a.m. CDT

Although kratom products are legal and unregulated in Missouri, they are facing scrutiny on multiple fronts.

That pressure reached a new height last month when state Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced a sweeping lawsuit against Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman. The lawsuit says the company is violating Missouri law by knowingly marketing and selling addictive products that contain the kratom compound 7-OH.

“7-OH, put simply, is a synthetic opioid that is being distributed over the counter in Missouri,” Hanway said during a press conference on March 31. “We believe it is deadly.”

But treating kratom like a dangerous opioid isn’t so simple, said addiction prevention specialist Jenny Armbruster. She leads the substance abuse prevention nonprofit PreventEd, which has been following the use of kratom for nearly a decade.

Unlike opioids, kratom products are widely available in stores, gas stations and smoke shops, often advertised as energy boosters. That access, Armbruster said, creates the perception that kratom isn’t harmful. The availability also sparked many questions from users, some of whom believed they could use kratom to kick addictions to other drugs — leading to a spiral of addiction.

“They might be thinking that they were using a product that [did] not necessarily have the same type of dependence or addiction,” Armbruster noted, “and then finding themselves in a place where they are struggling.”

The challenge of regulating kratom is complicated by the differences in the products themselves. Not all kratom contains the same amount of 7-OH. Some kratom companies have sought to distance themselves from the compound and the related products under legal fire.

That includes CBD Kratom, a company that operates 14 retail stores in the St. Louis area. A blog post on its website last summer asserted that it does not sell “or endorse” any products with added or isolated 7-OH. The post noted, “While 7‑OH is a natural metabolite found in kratom, we only offer full-spectrum, natural kratom products.”

As in Missouri, kratom remains legal in most U.S. states. Kansas recently banned kratom 7-OH products. In Missouri, the City of Rolla made it illegal to sell products with the compound last month.

While Armbruster supports laws that prohibit kratom sales to minors, she cautioned, “There are still a lot of unanswered questions about the long-term impact of these types of products.”

“We don’t want to villainize people who are using substances, and there can be ways that any of these products might be beneficial,” she said. “The issue is that we just don’t know that for certain; there has not been widespread studies on different symptoms, [the] appropriate dosage or amount that someone might use.”

The future of kratom is uncertain in Missouri. Lawmakers this session considered a bill to restrict kratom sales to people 21 and older and outlawing products that mimic candy or appeal to children. The legislation ultimately stalled in the Senate.

Regardless of its legal status, kratom is already making an impact. For Armbruster, the challenge is reaching the most vulnerable potential users — children and adolescents.

“When we look at the availability and the advertisements of these products, that’s really where our concern lies,” she said. “We know young people. The earlier they start using a substance, the more likely they are to suffer lifelong consequences related to substance use disorder.”

Source: https://www.stlpr.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2026-04-21/kratom-legal-reckoning-missouri-drug-abuse-prevention-specialist-concern-lawsuit

Filed under: Kratom,Latest News,Synthetics,USA :

by Georgia Epiphaniou, Jacques Abou-Rizk, Medill Illinois News Bureau | Capitol News Illinois | February 27, 2026, 5:02 pm

Students with the Illinois Prevention Network at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, pushing for bills aimed at drug regulation and reduction. (Courtesy of Kate Bell / Illinois Prevention Network)

by Georgia Epiphaniou, Jacques Abou-Rizk and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — Youth advocates against substance abuse swarmed the Capitol this week, navigating their way into lawmakers’ offices, sharing their experiences in school and addressing what they viewed as gaps in Illinois’ drug and alcohol regulations.

Brought together by the Illinois Prevention Network – a coalition of organizations working to create safe, healthy and drug-free communities in Illinois – high schoolers canvassed the Capitol on Wednesday in support of bills aimed at reducing and regulating substance use throughout Illinois.

“Many kids, myself included, often feel as though we don’t have much power to do things and change things in the world,” Amber Diepenbrock, 14, of Wredling Middle School in St. Charles, said. “I’m here because I want to be able to represent kids my age more and talk about the problems I’m seeing in my own school.”

Kratom Regulation

Kratom is a plant that’s used as a stimulant and opioid substitute. Currently, it is only regulated by the 2014 Kratom Control Act, which makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase the substance. Five bills currently in House committees seek to amend or replace the act.

Kratom acts as a stimulant, but can also act as a cardiac or a respiratory depressant, similar to opioid. The drug is not Food and Drug Administration approved, with the organization warning consumers against its use because of the risk of serious adverse effects, including seizures, drug-induced liver injuries and substance-use disorder. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found salmonella contamination in kratom products. The FDA said it is often used “to self-treat conditions such as pain, coughing, diarrhea, anxiety and depression, opioid use disorder, and opioid withdrawal.”

House Bill 1303 and House Bill 3127 seek to raise the age restriction to 21 and prohibit child-attractive products while imposing a 5% retail tax. House Bill 3215 would create a registration and labeling system for kratom products.

House Bill 3129 would add kratom’s active compounds as Schedule III controlled substances and repeal the existing Kratom Control Act. It would essentially ban the substance in Illinois with the exception of some medical uses. Another bill, House Bill 4930, would take the hardest line, prohibiting the distribution, manufacture and sale of kratom entirely unless they have been approved by the FDA. All five were referred to the House Rules Committee in March, 2025, meaning they all have a long way to go legislatively.

Senate Bill 1570, which is also awaiting a committee assignment, would effectively ban kratom for all individuals, regardless of age.

Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, citing six kratom-related deaths in Tazewell County in 2023, said there is a need to regulate the drug, but he emphasized a complete ban would be more effective.

“Nobody really knows (how it works), so it has to be regulated,” Hauter, who is a physician, said. “More and more, municipalities are just saying to ban it completely. It’s so easily available, and it’s hard to regulate it, so they’re just banning it totally so nobody can have it unless they go to a municipality where they can buy it.”

Yana Malpani, a 17-year-old senior at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, who is also president of its Catalyst substance prevention program, said that she has observed excessive use of both unregulated cannabis derivatives and kratom among teenagers.

“This is because it’s so accessible at gas stations, feed shops and convenience stores, anyone can technically go and purchase it without realizing,” Malpani said.

A lot of kratom products, such as candy and vapes, are marketed with bright colors, enticing teenagers to purchase them.

“Kratom and delta-8 are being marketed as products that look identical to candies,” Malpani said. “We aren’t able to tell if it is candy or not unless you really look at the fine print.”

Lowering the Legal Blood-Alcohol Content Limit

The group also pushed for House Bill 4333, which aims to lower the legal blood-alcohol content limit from 0.08 to 0.05 for DUIs. The bill is awaiting a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

Fifteen percent of alcohol-related deaths happen to drivers with a BAC less than 0.08, and crash risks are seven times higher for those testing at 0.05 than sober driving, according to a Boston Medical Center study.

“Right now, if your blood alcohol content is at 0.08, you’ll get a DUI,” Malpani said. “The problem is at 0.06, you become legally and physically impaired to drive. But right now, I can be at 0.06 and get behind the wheel.”

Utah experienced a 19.8% drop in fatal crashes in one year after lowering the BAC to 0.05 in 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Youth Advocacy for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

Diepenbrock emphasized that although she and other students are unable to vote, their voice plays an important role in the push to regulate drug and alcohol use among youth. She said she’s seen students pass vapes and other substances around in her school and the impact it has on teenagers.

“When you actually try and look deeper into it, you can see the effects and how it impacts not only an adult, but also a child,” Diepenbrock said. “A child may not get their hands on a drug, but their parents may, and that can heavily impact them.”

Hauter said that it is important to include the youth in the drafting of such legislation to raise awareness for the effects of drug usage.

“I think it’s time that Illinois took this seriously,” Hauter said. “I can’t believe it’s taken this long, because, you know, this is one of those things that we need to address.”

How drug and alcohol-use policy affects teenagers is often left out of legislation, Malpani said, failing to address a major contributor to underage DUIs. In 2024, 245 drivers in Illinois under the age of 21 lost their license due to drug and alcohol use while driving, according to a report by the secretary of state’s office.

Illinois State Police report that drivers under age 21 represent 10% of licensed drivers but are involved in 17% of alcohol-related fatal crashes and that crashes are a leading cause of death for teens.

“I think a lot of times policy around substance-use prevention is drafted by adults who don’t have a full understanding of how the policy affects their teens and high schoolers,” Malpani said. “So right now, I think having youth draft the policy themselves is so much more beneficial because we know how it affects us.”

Georgia Epiphaniou and Jacques Abou-Rizk are graduate students in journalism with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and fellows in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Source: https://news.wttw.com/2026/02/27/high-schoolers-flood-state-capitol-advocate-drug-abuse-prevention-bills

Filed under: Age-related,Alcohol,Kratom,Latest News,Prevention and Intervention,Strategy and Policy,USA,Youth :

Kratom leaves, which contain psychoactive substances, come from a tree native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in countries like Thailand and Indonesia, kratom leaves are generally crushed and then can be consumed in various forms: smoked, vaped, powdered in beverages, liquid extract “shots,” or taken as capsules. However, we are now seeing Kratom in all forms pop up in the United States in smoke shops, gas stations, convenience stores, and online.

The most recent usage data of kratom reports that about 1.6 million people in the United States use kratom.¹ Kratom, which is an opioid, has what might seem like strange effects; at lower doses, kratom acts like a stimulant, while at higher doses, can act like a sedative. People take the drug for all sorts of (not scientifically supported) reasons, such as pain, anxiety, depression, etc.

Despite its accessibility, kratom is intoxicating, impairing, and can pose serious health risks. It is not controlled by the Controlled Substances Act, nor is it approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use. The FDA warns consumers not to use kratom “because of the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder (SUD)”.² Further research indicates that up to one-third of users may experience adverse side effects, which can include cardiac arrest, liver damage, seizures, brain hemorrhaging, and even overdose deaths.³ Kratom has been labeled as a “drug of concern,” with a particular focus on products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent component found naturally in kratom, but which is readily being synthesized into higher concentrations to create a stronger effect for users.

The presence of 7-OH in kratom products is particularly concerning for employers. This opioid-like substance can lead to severe health complications, including addiction and withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced with traditional opioids. Employers may face challenges in workplace testing and safety protocols due to the unregulated nature of kratom. As kratom use increases, the likelihood of employees using it at work or being impaired by its effects rises, leading to potential safety hazards and decreased productivity.

Employers must also be aware that traditional drug tests may not detect kratom or its metabolites, making it difficult to identify users. This gap in testing can lead to a false sense of security and complicate workplace safety initiatives. As a result, businesses should consider implementing specific policies regarding psychoactive substance use (including drugs legally available) and conduct regular training for employees about the risk of drug use affecting the workplace environment.

Recognizing that some employees may be using kratom is vital for maintaining a safe and productive work environment. Educating your team about the risks associated with kratom use can be an effective first step – check out this FDA created resource that illustrates the dangers of kratom. Consider fostering open discussions about substance use in a supportive environment and establish a clear substance use policy that helps set expectations and outlines potential consequences for impairment on the job. By promoting health resources, such as counseling and support services, you provide employees with the tools they need to address any substance-related challenges.

As kratom continues to gain traction, it’s vital for employers to stay informed. By fostering a culture of awareness and support, you can help ensure a safe and productive workplace for your employees.

Source: Drug Free America Foundation | 333 3rd Avenue N Suite 200 | St. Petersburg, FL 33701 US

Filed under: Drug use-various effects,Kratom,Latest News,Prevention and Intervention,Treatment and Addiction,USA,Workplace :

Commentary- Articles| – January 18, 2026

by Brian Walker, RPh

Substances marketed as “legal” or “natural” alternatives are increasingly accessible to adolescents through gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops. Although legality may reassure consumers, pharmacists are seeing a growing disconnect between regulatory status and clinical risk. Products such as nitrous oxide inhalants, kratom, Delta-8 and Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Salvia divinorum are associated with dependence, neurologic injury, psychiatric effects, and accidental harm—particularly in younger populations.

As medication experts, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to recognize the public health implications of these products and to educate patients, caregivers, and policymakers on risks that often remain hidden in plain sight.

Nitrous Oxide: Retail Availability, Clinical Consequences

Nitrous oxide—commonly referred to as “whippets” or “laughing gas” and increasingly marketed under brand names such as “Galaxy Gas”—has gained popularity among adolescents through social media exposure. Although intended for culinary use, flavored nitrous oxide canisters are frequently misused for their euphoric effects.³

Clinically, nitrous oxide misuse has been associated with hypoxia, syncope, cardiac arrhythmias, and vitamin B12 depletion leading to myeloneuropathy.^4-6 Chronic exposure can result in irreversible neurologic injury, including gait disturbance and sensory loss. Of concern to pharmacists, no standardized manufacturing or purity requirements exist for recreational nitrous oxide products sold at retail, contributing to unpredictable dosing and adverse outcomes.⁷

Kratom: Opioid Activity Without Oversight

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is marketed as a dietary supplement for pain relief, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal. Its primary alkaloids—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—exert activity at μ-opioid receptors, conferring both analgesic and addictive potential.^8.9

Although not federally scheduled, kratom has been linked to seizures, hepatotoxicity, hypertension, and opioid-like withdrawal symptoms.^10,11 FDA analyses have identified contamination with heavy metals and pathogenic organisms in unregulated products.¹² Regulatory approaches vary by state, creating inconsistent consumer protections and increasing the likelihood of misuse.

Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC: Potency and Labeling Concerns

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC products are widely marketed as legal cannabis alternatives in the form of edibles, vape cartridges, and tinctures. Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, and Delta-8 THC is a synthetically derived isomer with similar psychoactive effects.¹³

FDA and CDC warnings have highlighted concerns regarding inaccurate labeling, excessive THC concentrations, and contamination with residual solvents from chemical synthesis.^14,15 Adverse events reported include anxiety, paranoia, impaired cognition, and psychosis—effects that may be amplified in adolescents and young adults.¹⁶

Salvia Divinorum: A Legal Hallucinogen

Salvia divinorum, a potent kappa-opioid receptor agonist, remains legal in several US jurisdictions despite its intense psychoactive effects. When smoked or chewed, salvinorin A produces rapid-onset hallucinations, dissociation, and loss of environmental awareness.¹⁷

From a safety perspective, Salvia use has been associated with panic reactions, accidental injuries, and prolonged psychological distress.¹⁸ Its sale as a novelty or incense product may obscure its clinical risks.

Implications for Pharmacy Practice

The normalization of these substances—amplified by influencer culture and online marketing—has outpaced regulatory oversight. Many do not appear on standard toxicology screens, complicating detection and counseling.¹⁹

Pharmacists can play a critical role by:

Educating patients and caregivers on risks associated with legally marketed substances
Monitoring emerging substance-use trends
Encouraging age restrictions and improved labeling standards
Collaborating with clinicians and public health organizations

Legality does not equate to safety. Increased awareness and pharmacist engagement are essential to addressing the public health risks posed by these widely available products.

Source: https://www.drugtopics.com/view/hidden-in-plain-sight-legal-substances-putting-children-at-risk

Filed under: Age-related,Drug use-various effects,Drug use-various effects on foetus, babies, children and youth,Health,Kratom,Marijuana and Medicine,Prevention and Intervention,USA,Youth :

by: Rebecca Petit – Nov 25, 2025

LAKELAND, Fla. — Officials are warning young people about the risks of an opioid-related ingredient increasingly added to energy drinks.

In her 25 years with InnerAct Alliance, a youth substance abuse prevention organization, Angie Ellison has witnessed the emergence of various drugs.

“We watch those things and try to let the community know about them because when it starts with college kids, it trickles down to high school and middle school,” said Ellison.

Ellison said energy drinks made with the synthetic form of kratom, known as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are now widely available at gas stations, smoke shops and online.

“We’re just trying to make sure that everybody is aware of it, especially parents. Because a lot of times those drinks just look like maybe something to help you stay awake, but it could have very addictive traits to it,” said Ellison.

Natural kratom leaf products have gained popularity in the U.S. as an unapproved treatment for pain, anxiety and drug dependence. Doctors say the synthetic form of kratom triggers the same brain receptors as opioid drugs like heroin and fentanyl.

“It is a substance that can be dangerous when taken too much. It can cause dependence and addiction and when stopped, it can cause a pretty serious withdrawal syndrome,” said Dr. Eric Shamas, ER physician with Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital.

At the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, they are seeing more college students experiencing withdrawal from the kratom byproduct.

“They get told to buy this kratom energy drink because it helped me get through studying for the finals. They start drinking it and then they get hooked. That’s when we find out it wasn’t containing natural kratom,” said Cameron Pelzel, community paramedic manager for Crisis Center of TampaBay.

Although Florida has recently made it illegal to sell 7-OH products, Pelzel said the ingredient can still be found in energy drinks, gummies and supplements.

“A lot of manufacturers are finding other synthetic compounds that mimic the 7-OH part, and they are adding it into it to get passed all the loopholes in the legal system so they can keep people buying these drinks. So we’re getting a lot of people that are solely addicted to it,” Pelzel said.

The Food and Drug Administration is recommending that the synthetic ingredient be placed on the federal government’s most restrictive list of illegal drugs.

Source: https://www.tampabay28.com/news/region-polk/experts-raising-awareness-on-addiction-associated-with-energy-drinks-containing-kratom

Filed under: Addiction,Brain and Behaviour,Culture,Drug use-various effects,Kratom,Prevention and Intervention,Treatment and Addiction,USA,Youth :

Published by NIH/NIDA 14 May 2025

Cannabis vaping is making headlines worldwide, often promoted as a “safer” alternative to smoking. Meanwhile, Drug Trends data from Australia reveal that non-prescribed cannabis use remains high among people who regularly use drugs. But are wider permission models and positive propaganda about cannabis leading to greater engagement, especially among those most at risk? This article dives into Australian data from the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) and Illicit Drugs Reporting System (IDRS), exploring what’s really happening with cannabis products, vaping, and why honest health education is more critical than ever.

Cannabis Vaping and Drug Trends in Australia (2014–2024): What the Data Tells Us

Cannabis vaping, once an afterthought, now claims a growing share of the global market. Many believe vaping to be less harmful, with marketers highlighting vaping’s lack of smoke and alleged respiratory benefits. However, recent Drug Trends research in Australia challenges some of these assumptions and uncovers troubling patterns.

The Rise of Electronic Vaping Products

Electronic vaping products started as oversized gadgets in the late 1990s. Initially intended to vaporise dried cannabis herb, they eventually shrank, morphing into today’s sleek e-cigarettes. While vaping nicotine products has become mainstream, cannabis vaping is following close behind, spurred in part by changes to medicinal and recreational cannabis laws overseas.

A North American review found a seven-fold increase in monthly cannabis vaping among adolescents, with notable shifts from dried herb to potent cannabis oils. However, the situation in Australia is different, shaped by stricter regulations and unique market conditions.

Drug Trends in Non-Prescribed Cannabis Use

Australia’s EDRS and IDRS surveys collect real-world data on non-prescribed cannabis and cannabinoid-related products. Between 2014 and 2024, most participants in both systems reported using cannabis recently, with rates as high as 90% in the EDRS and 74% in the IDRS.

Hydroponic and Bush Cannabis Still Dominate

Hydroponic cannabis was the most popular, with usage rates ranging from 63%–83% among EDRS respondents, and a remarkable 88%–94% for IDRS participants.
Bush cannabis also stayed common, with 51%–77% (EDRS) and 37%–54% (IDRS) reporting use.
Other cannabis products, such as THC extracts and commercially-prepared edibles, have appeared in recent years, showing increased product diversity—but are far less popular than traditional forms.

Cannabis Vaping Emerges, But Smoking Prevails

Despite media attention around cannabis vaping, the majority of Australians captured in these studies still smoke cannabis. From 2014 to 2024:

Smoking remained the dominant route of administration (ROA) in both groups.
Cannabis vaping (inhaling/vaporising) trended upward, but stayed a minority choice. Vaporising among EDRS participants increased from 12% to 25%, and from 2% to 9% for IDRS.

Notably, few users chose vaping as their only method. Most combined it with smoking, suggesting the rise in vaping hasn’t replaced traditional habits.

Concerns About Cannabis Vaping and Permission Models

The Problem with Changing Perceptions

There is growing concern that permission models and positive messaging around cannabis use (whether through legislation or social media) may downplay its risks. Vaping, in particular, is surrounded by claims of being a “safer” alternative to smoking. While it’s true that vaping doesn’t involve combustion and may expose users to fewer toxic chemicals, it’s not risk-free.

Key Issues Include:

Potency extremes: Some vape oils and extracts reach THC concentrations of 70–90%, far higher than the average 10%–20% in cannabis herb. Highly potent products carry greater risks for dependence, anxiety, and psychosis.
Unknown health risks: The long-term effects of inhaling cannabis vapour, especially from unregulated or home-made devices, are not fully understood.
Discreet use and normalisation: Portability and subtlety make vaping easier to hide, particularly from parents and teachers. For some users, this can enable more frequent use or uptake at a younger age.
Unhealthy dual use: Most vapers continue smoking, increasing overall exposure to both methods. (for complete research WRD News)

Source: https://www.dalgarnoinstitute.org.au/index.php/resources/drug-information-sheets/2672-cannabis-vaping-and-drug-trends-among-youth-in-australia-2014-2024-a-growing-concern?

Highlights

“Kratom” commonly refers to an herbal substance that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects. Kratom and kratom-based products are currently legal and accessible in many areas, though U.S. and international agencies continue to review emerging evidence to inform kratom policy.
While there are no uses for kratom approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, people report using kratom to manage drug withdrawal symptoms and cravings (especially related to opioid use), pain, fatigue and mental health problems. NIDA supports and conducts research to evaluate potential medicinal uses for kratom and related chemical compounds.
NIDA also supports research towards better understanding the health and safety effects of kratom use. Rare but serious effects have been reported in people who use kratom, including psychiatric, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems.
Compared to deaths from other drugs, a very small number of deaths have been linked to kratom products and nearly all cases involved other drugs or contaminants.

Research topics

To access these references below, go to https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom#references

What is kratom?

How does kratom affect the body?

How do kratom compounds work in the brain?

How is NIDA advancing research on kratom?

What is the scope of kratom use in the United States?

Why do people use kratom?

Is kratom safe?

How does kratom use affect pregnancy?

Is kratom addictive? Do people experience kratom withdrawal?

How are withdrawal and substance use disorder symptoms related to kratom use treated?

Could kratom be used as medicine?

Is kratom legal?

Find More Resources on Kratom

Learn more about kratom regulation and safety from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Learn more about kratom and its legal status from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Learn more about kratom products marketed as herbal supplements from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Source: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom#references

Filed under: Kratom,USA :