Drugs – Family Council

Story Underscores Deadly Risks of Kratom

Aug 11, 2025Jerry CoxDrugsDrugs, Kratom

A recent news story highlights the dangers of kratom products.

Kratom is a harmful and addictive drug. Although it is often marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S., kratom mimic the effects of opioids and can lead to addiction, seizures, and even death.

The New York Post writes, “Jordan McKibban died at age 37 while taking kratom, an ‘all-natural’ supplement available online and in stores.”

The article highlights how kratom products are marketed in the U.S., noting:

Kratom products — sold in powders, gummies and energy-looking drinks — come from a plant native to Southeast Asia and can act like a stimulant at lower doses and a sedative at higher ones.

While they’re readily found online, in brick-and-mortar stores and even gas stations as catch-all solutions to everything from fatigue to opioid withdrawal, the Food and Drug Administration says kratom and its key components are “not lawfully marketed” in the US as a drug product, dietary supplement or food additive.

The article also points out the specific dangers of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a powerful substance found in kratom.

The FDA recently recommended new restrictions on 7-OH. FDA officials say they are particularly concerned about 7-OH products that appeal to children and teens — including gummies and other candies.

Last April, lawmakers voted not to pass a bad bill that would have legalized kratom and 7-OH in Arkansas.

During his remarks 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.

Fortunately, efforts to legalize kratom in Arkansas have failed, and the Arkansas Department of Health has restricted 7-OH as a Schedule I substance.

Heartbreaking stories like Jordan McKibban’s remind us that kratom and 7-OH are dangerous drugs that our public health officials must take seriously.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

Federal Agency Recommends Restricting Dangerous Drug Found in Kratom

Jul 31, 2025Jerry CoxDrugsDrugs, Kratom

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.

Authorities Seize Kratom, Meth in Southwest Arkansas Raid

Jul 16, 2025Jerry CoxDrugsDrugs, Kratom

On July 2, law enforcement seized kratom and other drugs during a raid in Sevier County.

Officers from the Arkansas Sate Police’s 9th West Drug Task Force, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department, and the DeQueen Police Department recovered 115 Grams of Methamphetamine, firearms, drug paraphernalia, and kratom while executing a search warrant.

Kratom is a dangerous drug that is often marketed as a dietary supplement. The federal government has advised public officials to prohibit kratom, and states like Arkansas have done so.

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.

Last April, Arkansas lawmakers voted not to pass a bad bill that would have legalized kratom in Arkansas.

Kratom is a dangerous drug. We deeply appreciate our lawmakers and law enforcement officers 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.