The Kratom Controversy: What You Need to Know About the Trending Plant
Kratom, a plant ingredient from Southeast Asia, has recently come into the spotlight after a viral TikTok video and a press conference by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. brought attention to its potential dangers. While it is sold in gas stations, liquor stores, and smoke shops across the country, there are growing concerns about its addictive properties and health risks. Let’s take a closer look at what kratom is, why it’s raising alarms, and what experts have to say about its safety.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant derived from Southeast Asia, traditionally used for its stimulant and pain-relief properties. It has been marketed in recent years as a wellness supplement, claimed to boost energy, alleviate pain, and provide relaxation. However, medical experts warn that kratom is no ordinary supplement, and its effects can be far more serious than advertised.
Kratom products are now commonly sold in various forms such as drinks, capsules, powders, and gummies. Despite their innocent appearance and widespread availability, some products contain large amounts of kratom, which can be highly addictive. UCLA addiction psychiatrist Dr. Timothy Fong explains that the wide availability of kratom in modern products has made it susceptible to abuse. With innovations in how it’s consumed – from teas to smokable versions – the risk for addiction has risen dramatically.
Kratom vs. 7-OH: Understanding the Difference
Kratom itself is often confused with 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a chemical byproduct of kratom. While kratom refers to the whole plant, 7-OH is a more potent substance that has recently drawn criticism. Some kratom products are designed with high concentrations of 7-OH, making them stronger and potentially more dangerous.
The FDA has expressed concern about 7-OH and its opioid-like effects. In a recent press conference, FDA Commissioner Martin Makary announced efforts to regulate 7-OH as an illicit substance. However, he clarified that the FDA is not targeting kratom itself but focusing on products containing 7-OH, which have raised significant safety concerns.
Is Kratom Addictive?
Although kratom and 7-OH remain understudied, experts agree that all kratom products carry a risk of addiction. While kratom does not bind to brain receptors in the same way as drugs like heroin and morphine, it operates in a similar manner, which leads to addiction potential. People have reported becoming addicted to kratom itself, without ever using products containing 7-OH. However, for some, kratom use eventually led them to experiment with more potent 7-OH products, increasing the risk of severe addiction.
Dr. Lief Fenno, chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s Council on Addiction Psychiatry, points out that kratom’s molecular structure is different from opioids, but its effects are still remarkably similar, which makes it difficult to distinguish from opioids in terms of its impact on the brain.
Why Is Kratom in the News Right Now?
Kratom has recently gained more attention due to a viral TikTok video. In late July, a user named @yourbestimisha posted a video that garnered over 19 million views, recounting an encounter with a teenager who tried to steal his wallet after being refused a purchase of a kratom-infused drink, Feel Free. This sparked discussions about the influence of kratom products, particularly in public spaces like gas stations.
Botanic Tonics, the company behind Feel Free, insists its product contains only natural kratom with nearly undetectable levels of 7-OH, and the company has reached out to the TikTok creator for more details. Despite the controversy, the company has also applauded the FDA’s approach, which focuses on regulating synthetic derivatives like 7-OH, while still allowing access to traditional kratom.
The Dark Side: Lawsuits and Warnings
This isn’t the first time kratom products have faced scrutiny. Earlier this year, Botanic Tonics settled an $8.75 million class-action lawsuit, accusing the company of misleading marketing of its kratom tonic as a “healthy alternative” to alcohol. In response, the company added a warning to its product labels, stating that excessive use could be habit-forming and harmful. Additionally, in May 2024, the company announced that it would enforce a 21-and-over age restriction for its products.
Conclusion
Kratom’s growing popularity as a “wellness supplement” has sparked a major public debate about its safety. While it has traditional uses in Southeast Asia, modern formulations have raised concerns about addiction, especially in products that contain synthetic derivatives like 7-OH. As more people become aware of the potential dangers associated with kratom, it’s crucial to remain informed and cautious when considering its use. With the FDA’s focus on regulating products containing 7-OH, the future of kratom may be on the verge of significant changes, with the goal of better protecting consumers from its harmful effects.
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