It’s being called a dangerous substance.
At least, that’s the position of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., head of the Department of Health and Welfare, as new federal efforts target certain substances.
Substances like kratom, often available at gas stations and convenience stores, are under scrutiny due to their powerful effects and potential for misuse.
What Exactly is Kratom?
Kratom is derived from the leaves of Southeast Asian trees known as Mitragyna. People can chew the leaves, brew them into tea, or consume them in powder or capsule forms.
“Kratom acts in the brain similarly to a low-dose stimulant, enhancing energy, focus, and mood,” remarked Dr. Joseph Volpicelli, a clinical advisor. “But, like high-dose sedatives, it can also provide pain relief and a sense of well-being.”
Its use has grown significantly in the US, with many seeking it as a natural alternative for pain relief, anxiety, and even battling opioid addiction.
While kratom is federally legal for adults, the FDA hasn’t sanctioned it for medical use. Some states, including Alabama and Wisconsin, have opted to outlaw its sale and possession.
Is Kratom Risky?
“Nature isn’t always safe,” Volpicelli cautioned.
Potential side effects of kratom include nausea, drowsiness, and, in severe cases, it can be fatal. The National Poison Control Center recorded 1,807 exposure calls related to kratom from 2011 to 2017, and those numbers have reportedly risen since.
According to a Washington Post analysis, kratom was linked to over 4,100 deaths between 2020 and 2022, with Florida documenting more than 580 kratom-related fatalities since 2013.
“High doses can be particularly dangerous, much like with other substances,” Volpicelli noted.
How Addictive is Kratom?
Some individuals claim it helps manage other addictions, yet kratom itself can be highly addictive, especially for those currently struggling with addiction.
“In recent years, I’ve seen a rise in patients seeking treatment for kratom addiction,” Volpicelli said, mentioning how difficult it can be for them to manage their cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
This is primarily due to kratom’s active ingredients connecting with the same brain receptors as morphine and alcohol, triggering a dopamine rush.
Users may develop a tolerance, facing withdrawal symptoms like nausea, insomnia, and irritability if they try to quit.
What About 7-OH? Is It Even More Hazardous?
7-OH occurs naturally in small amounts in kratom, but products on the market often contain significantly higher concentrations. This heightened potency raises the likelihood of addiction and adverse effects.
FDA Commissioner Marty McCurry has stated that “7-OH is a more potent opioid than morphine.”
Products with concentrated 7-OH are not legally allowed in supplements or food, and the FDA has warned that such products have not been validated for safety or efficacy.
What Actions is the Federal Government Taking Regarding 7-OH?
The FDA is advocating for the designation of substances like 7-OH to be included in the list of federally controlled substances.
7-OH could be classified as Schedule I, alongside drugs like heroin, recognized for their high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
The FDA has expressed ongoing concerns about kratom in general while emphasizing the urgent need for action against 7-OH.
The DEA will then evaluate the substance, determining if it should be formally labeled illegal. There would be a waiting period for state bans until new rules are finalized.
McCurry pointed out that establishments selling concentrated 7-OH products are popping up throughout the country, warning that society can’t afford to go through another crisis like the opioid epidemic.
The American Kratom Association has applauded the FDA’s focus on 7-OH, clarifying that these products differ significantly from kratom and pose serious risks to consumers.
The organization emphasized that this action prioritizes public safety.
