What are the risks of using kratom?
An expert explains what kratom is, what the risks are of using it, and where regulation of the drug stands at the federal and state levels.
Kratom, a powerful substance akin to opioids, is widely available in the United States through various retail outlets such as gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops. This largely unregulated drug has gained significant popularity in recent years, leading to numerous deaths and raising serious concerns about its safety and accessibility.
In 2025, poison control centers across the country reported a staggering 3,434 cases of kratom exposure, marking a staggering 1,200% increase in such incidents compared to 2015. In 2025, investigations into the tragic deaths of two students in Mississippi uncovered kratom products, although authorities have not yet determined if kratom played a role in their demise. Earlier this year, health officials in Utah connected four deaths to potent kratom-derived compounds found in mislabeled products.
Caleb Alexander, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness, sheds light on the risks associated with using kratom. He explains that kratom is a potent substance that can have serious consequences for users. Alexander emphasizes the importance of understanding these risks, as well as the current state of regulation for kratom at both the federal and state levels.
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