Kratom’s Edge: The Fine Line Between Remedy and Risk

It’s no secret that kratom has a bad reputation. Given the lack of education surrounding the substance, media outlets such as Bloomberg and USA Today, among others, are highlighting coverage on kratom and its associated risks.

Reporting kratom as “dangerous” and “addictive,” these articles are causing a scare among consumers. And while people certainly should be cautious about what they put inside their bodies, kratom isn’t all bad news.

Scientific studies, including a randomized controlled trial and numerous observational studies and user surveys, have identified potential therapeutic benefits of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), primarily for pain management and the self-treatment of opioid withdrawal and substance use disorders (SUDs).

However, research on its safety and efficacy is still evolving, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use. 

The Dangers of Kratom

It’s important to note that not all kratom products are the same, and many consumers don’t fully understand the differences between products using raw kratom leaf and standardized, lab-tested extracts.

“Many concerns highlighted within these articles stem from unregulated and adulterated kratom products, not responsibly produced kratom beverages and supplements,” says Dallas Vasquez, CEO and co-founder of Mitra9. “Misinformation on kratom also stems from the lack of clear FDA regulations and guidelines, leaving consumers and the media misinformed on the real meaning of kratom in today’s marketplace.”

According to Vasquez, kratom is a natural botanical product derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree.

“When kratom is sourced responsibly and formulated using standardized extracts, kratom products can offer consistency and predictability,” he says. “The problem isn’t kratom as a plant. Instead, it’s the lack of oversight that allows products with unknown alkaloid concentrations, contaminants or synthetic additives to enter the market.”

Similarly to what’s being done with the legal cannabis market, standardizing extracts, conducting independent laboratory testing and ensuring complete transparency from raw materials to the finished product can help responsible companies minimize risks and provide a transparent and reliable experience for consumers.

Earlier this year, the FDA recommended a scheduling action to control certain 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7-OH) products under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

In a news release, the FDA stated that it’s specifically targeting 7-OH, which is a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant; it’s not focused on natural kratom leaf products. 7-OH is increasingly recognized as having potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors.

Following the recommendation, the FDA is released a report to educate the public about the health concerns of 7-OH and its distinction from the kratom plant leaf.

“7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is one of the minor alkaloids found in kratom leaves, though only in small amounts,” Vasquez says. “It is much stronger than mitragynine, and concentrated amounts or synthesized forms can become dangerous. We appreciate the caution that other states, including Florida, have taken by restricting or banning synthetic or concentrated forms of 7-OH.”

Kratom Best Practices

The differences in kratom products can be dramatic, varying based on sourcing, processing and testing practices.

“Some brands work directly with growers who adhere to good agricultural and collection practices, ensuring the use of clean, traceable raw materials,” Vasquez says. “Others may buy unverified bulk powder without quality documentation.”

So, ensuring that the kratom is sourced from growers who showcase good agricultural and collection practices can greatly help in ensuring a safer product.

It’s also incredibly important for producers to test every batch for alkaloid levels, contaminants like heavy metals or microbes, and ensure consistency over time, according to Vasquez.

“Without testing, consumers can’t know what they’re getting, which is why you see such inconsistency in the broader marketplace,” he says.

Consistency in the formulation ensures that the consumer’s experience is the same from one product to the next, and traceability means that brands can provide documentation detailing every step from raw leaf to finished product.

“These systems protect the consumer while uplifting the entire industry,” Vasquez says. “Responsible brands are demonstrating that safe and ethical kratom production is possible.

Choosing Kratom Responsibly

For consumers who still want to enjoy kratom, Vasquez outlines a number of factors to consider when choosing products responsibly.

Consumers should look for products that provide:

Third-party lab testing results for every batch.

Clear labeling that includes alkaloid content and serving recommendations.

Traceability — meaning the company can show where the raw material came from and how it was processed.

Moderate formulations — Avoid excessive strength formulations and “extra potent” products that are considerably more powerful than typical kratom products.

“If you’re unsure about certain details, that is a red flag,” Vasquez advises. “Reputable businesses are open and transparent with their customers, supplying relevant information without being asked.”

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