Kratom Exposure Reports Surge 6,500% Nationwide, Poison Center Data Reveals

Kratom, a psychoactive plant capable of producing opioid-like effects at high doses, has been linked to a sharp rise in poison center reports and serious medical outcomes across the United States. New research published in Addiction found that reported kratom exposures have increased dramatically over the past decade.

According to the study, kratom exposures reported to America’s Poison Centers climbed from just 19 cases in 2010 to 1,242 cases in 2023. That represents an increase of more than 65 times (6,500%).

Serious cases also became much more common. There were no severe outcomes reported in 2010, with the first severe outcome documented in 2012, compared with 158 severe cases in 2023. Researchers classified a severe medical outcome as one involving life-threatening effects, significant lasting disability, or death.

The researchers also found notable differences among states based on how kratom is regulated. States that banned kratom consistently had lower rates of reported exposure, severe medical outcomes, and healthcare use than states with consumer protection policies or no kratom regulations.

Kratom Risks and State Regulations

Senior author Dr. Ryan Feldman of the Medical College of Wisconsin offered the following commentary: Kratom remains unscheduled under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act and has not been approved for medical use by the FDA, leaving regulation to individual states. Notably, several states that do not regulate kratom at all consistently reported worse outcomes in this study compared to states that have implemented bans.

Clinical evidence indicates kratom can produce serious adverse effects including seizures, irregular heart rhythms, liver damage, and respiratory difficulties. Approximately one in seven cases involving single-substance kratom exposure resulted in hospital admission, while one in 16 required critical care. Furthermore, when kratom is used in combination with other substances, its interference with metabolic pathways can amplify the risks associated with accompanying drugs.

With kratom use on the rise and associated risks garnering increased legislative attention, lawmakers across the country are debating the most effective regulatory approaches. However, ongoing policy discussions are hampered by limited high-quality evidence, underscoring the need for more rigorous, unbiased research to inform legislation. As the study authors note, the kratom-related public health concern is not abating anytime soon.

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