On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration formally recommended classifying a compound found in kratom as a controlled substance—a move that could help rein in this dangerous and addictive drug.
Kratom is often marketed as a dietary supplement, but its effects mimic opioids and can lead to addiction, seizures, and even death. The Mayo Clinic has called kratom “unsafe and ineffective,” writing,
Poison control centers in the United States received more than 3,400 reports about use of kratom from 2014 through 2019. These included reports of death. Side effects reported included high blood pressure, confusion and seizures.
The FDA’s new recommendation targets 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a powerful substance in kratom. If adopted, this change could make it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute 7-OH under federal law.
In a statement, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. said, “Vape stores are popping up in every neighborhood in America, and many are selling addictive products like concentrated 7-OH. After the last wave of the opioid epidemic, we cannot get caught flat-footed again. 7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine. We need regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic.”
The FDA says it is particularly concerned about 7-OH products that appeal to children and teenagers — including gummies and other candies.
In the past, federal public health officials have advised states to prohibit kratom, and Arkansas has done so. The Arkansas Department of Health has restricted 7-OH as a Schedule I substance.
Last April, lawmakers voted not to pass a bad bill that would have legalized kratom and 7-OH in Arkansas.
During his comments against the bill, Rep. Zack Gramlich (R — Fort Smith) described a seventh-grader who was caught using kratom and trying to sell it to other students at a school in his district a few years ago.
Kratom and 7-OH are dangerous drugs. We deeply appreciate our lawmakers and public health officials who have worked hard to protect people from it.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
