“What are the risks of using kratom?”

Key points

• Kratom, an opioid-like leaf, is sold widely in gas stations and shops nationwide.
• In 2025, poison centers logged 3,434 kratom exposure cases, up from 2015.
• Utah linked four deaths to potent kratom-derived compounds in mislabeled products.
• Researchers note kratom acts on opioid receptors, causing dependence and withdrawal.
• Regulation is inconsistent: whole-leaf kratom remains federally uncontrolled, state varies.