‘He didn’t wake up:’ Mom shares story of son’s kratom death as regulation debate continues
The Rolla City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Monday night making synthetic kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7-OH) illegal to possess or sell. They are chemically altered substances that carry potent opioid-like effects and pose an imminent threat to consumers,” Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy at AKA, said in a statement. Some of these souped-up products contain 109% to 509% more 7-OH than what’s naturally in the plant. “These people find it difficult to control their use of kratom and experience opioid-like withdrawal symptoms when they stop.” “In the past two years, I have noticed an increased number of people coming to my clinic for the treatment of kratom addiction,” Volpicelli said.
Herbal supplement Kratom linked to serious side effects, deaths: study
It’s important to understand these differences before choosing a product. These compounds interact with the body in ways that may provide uplifting, supportive effects at lower servings and potentially calming effects at higher ones. Traditionally, people chewed the fresh leaves or used them to brew Kratom tea as an enjoyable way to manage long, demanding days. Always consult your healthcare provider before use. Most people start low and go slow to learn how their body responds.
Youth and Young Adult's Health
McCurdy said one issue is the various potencies of products that all call themselves kratom. Advocates for kratom say it has been a lifeline for many people who have struggled with chronic pain. One former MLS player who spent nearly a decade in the league said he thought of kratom as a healthy alternative to manage the pain of old injuries from his playing days. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom to be used for any purpose and warns consumers of “serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder.”
- As with marijuana strains, different kratom strains have slightly different effects.
- Nothing in this website is meant to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
- In recent months, the FDA has also issued warnings on other unapproved drugs sold as supplements or energy drinks, including the antidepressant tianeptine.
- That athletes have turned to the plant is not surprising, said kratom researcher Christopher McCurdy.
Latest News

The new NIH study means the government has come full circle on kratom’s therapeutic potential. “Further, the unproven treatments could cause patients to forego or delay FDA-approved treatments for opioid addiction or withdrawal.” However, these products have not been determined by FDA to be safe and effective,” warned one letter. In 2022, the NIH released a study warning that nearly a third of kratom users met the diagnostic criteria for “kratom use disorder,” such as increased use, tolerance, withdrawal, and craving. If it becomes illegal, I fear we may never truly be able to study and treat ailments that kratom helps with,” wrote another survey respondent. I am a mother of 4 and have anxiety, depression, acute back pain, and I am an opioid addict.

We currently sell only products without 7-oh. 7-OH products are under government scrutiny and may become illegal soon. Opia manufactures products The Bulk Kratom with 7-OH and without. Like all their products
g Kratom Extract Softgels
Operated by our in-house editorial team — a small group of writers, engineers, and kratom-industry veterans. Amazing Botanicals — a U.S.-based kratom e-commerce company in business since 2014. Working on a story about kratom regulation, a specific bill, or the state of U.S. kratom policy?

“Like many families, we didn’t realize the risk because kratom is often marketed as a safe, natural product.” Besides being potentially addictive, doctors warn that kratom, a substance that comes from a tropical tree in Southeast Asia, could have serious health consequences. Neither kratom nor 7-OH can lawfully be marketed in the United States as a drug product, dietary supplement or food additive. “The best way to protect yourself is to avoid using 7-OH and kratom-related products.”
“We’ve seen the potential of mitragynine in the lab, and now we’re finally able to examine its potential in people. Delegate Cole said he is grateful Cameron had the courage to make his story public to help others. Ahealthierphilly also reserves the right to temporarily or permanently discontinue this website, any page or any functionality at any time and without any notice. In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately.