Kratom is a substance that comes from a tree in Southeast Asia. Locals have used kratom leaves in various forms as medicine for hundreds of years. It has been used as a pain reliever, to treat anxiety and depression, for energy or to help with detoxing from opioids. In modern times, kratom is usually sold in powder, pill or liquid form.

Kratom is technically legal in Colorado, but it may not be for very long. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that kratom should not be consumed and that it should not be used as a medication or as an alternative to opioids. Many states and municipalities have banned the sale of kratom because of its similarities to opioid drugs and the potential for kratom addiction. In 2018, the FDA classified kratom as an opioid.

The problem with kratom is that, like opioids, it is highly addictive and can cause an overdose in the same way as opioids. Some people who have used kratom died from mixing kratom with opioids and other psychoactive drugs and occasionally from kratom use alone. Kratom use can also lead to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, although kratom withdrawal symptoms are said to be milder than those associated with other opioids.

Denver has passed legislation that bans the sale of kratom for human consumption and requires a warning to be posted where kratom is sold, stating that it should not be consumed. Banning its sale entirely could be the next step for either Denver or the state as a whole.

Objections to Banning Kratom

In 2016, the FDA was set to reclassify kratom as a schedule I narcotic, but it reversed course just before doing so because 140,000 advocates for the drug asked for further investigation of its effects in the form of a petition to then-President Barack Obama. Kratom has shown some effectiveness in treating certain symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and some who are in chronic pain say that it is the only drug that helps them function on a day-to-day basis.

Proponents of kratom say that they have tried other opioids to relieve their pain or treat other conditions, but that kratom has been able to do so while giving them energy and motivation that is often missing with other drugs when chronic pain is a factor. Proponents also say that the risk of overdose death is far greater for opioids than for kratom.

It remains to be seen whether the FDA or other organizations can find guidelines for the safe use of kratom or whether they ultimately decide to ban its use altogether. For now, the recommendation not to consume kratom is the best advice the FDA has to give and will prevent any negative effects or consequences associated with the drug.

Dealing with a substance use disorder that involves kratom? Contact The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake to learn more about how treatment can help you heal.

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Editor – Melissa Carmona
Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders. Read more
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Medically Reviewed By – Nanci Stockwell, LCSW, MBA
A dynamic leader and award-winning business strategist, Nanci Stockwell brings years of industry experience in behavioral health care to her role at Advanced Recovery Systems. Read more
Sources

DEA. “DEA Announces Intent To Schedule Kratom.” United States Drug Enforcement Administration, August 30, 2016. Accessed October 29, 2021.

FDA. “FDA and Kratom.” U.S. Food & Drug Administration, September 11, 2019. Accessed October 29, 2021.

Henningfield, J; et al. “Risk of death associated with kratom use[…]compared to opioids.” Preventive Medicine, November 2019. Accessed October 29, 2021.

Veltri, Charles, and Oliver Grundmann. “Current perspectives on the impact of Kratom use.” Substance abuse and rehabilitation, July 1, 2019. Accessed October 29, 2021.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.