An analysis by the CDC revealed a sharp rise in kratom-related poison control calls in the U.S., which increased about 1,200 percent from 2015 to 2025. Kratom, a plant widely available in the United States, is commonly used for its psychoactive effects.
During this ten-year period, 233 deaths were reported in connection with kratom exposure, most of which involved other substances like opioids or alcohol. Notably, about half of the cases were linked to intentional misuse or suicide attempts. Public health experts cite increasing kratom use, availability of high-potency kratom, and frequent multiple-substance exposure reports as key contributors to hospitalizations, making the substance a growing public health concern.
In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering ban on 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH), a highly potent kratom alkaloid, but not whole-leaf kratom products. The CDC’s report notes that this potential regulatory shift underscores the importance of distinguishing between product types in public health data. Accurate classification will be essential to better assess risks, promote safer use, identify dangerous substance combination, and guide effective public health strategies in this rapidly evolving drug landscape.
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