Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. Depending on dose, kratom can act as a stimulant or produce sedative, pain-relieving effects.
Because of its psychoactive properties, kratom has become popular in the U.S., including California, as a self-treatment for pain, mood, or withdrawal, even though it has no FDA-approved medical uses.
Traditional Uses of Kratom
- In parts of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, kratom leaves have been used for centuries: chewed or brewed as tea to boost energy, stamina, or relieve minor discomforts.
- Historically, laborers used kratom to endure long workdays. It was also employed in folk medicine for diarrhea, cough, and mild pain relief.
- These traditional uses took place in contexts of long familiarity with dosage, plant preparation, and cultural knowledge — modern commercial products often lack those safeguards.
How Is Kratom Used Today?
Kratom is marketed in many forms in the U.S., some of which increase risk because of concentration or additives.
Common Methods of Consumption:
- Powder / loose leaf: Mixed into drinks or swallowed
- Tea / infusion / kratom drink: Brewed leaves or powder
- Capsules / tablets: Pre-measured for convenience
- Extracts / concentrates: High-potency forms, sometimes labeled as “7-OH products”
- Gummies or “shots”: Trend toward convenience formats containing concentrated 7-OH
Why these matter: High-potency or synthetic 7-OH forms magnify risks, because 7-OH is much more potent than mitragynine.
Why Kratom Has No Approved Medical Uses in the U.S.
The FDA has determined that kratom is not safe to be marketed as a dietary supplement or drug product.
Like many herbal substances, kratom lacks rigorous clinical trials proving safety or efficacy. Use carries inherent risk, especially in unregulated markets.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
People use kratom for a variety of reported effects, though none are established medical indications:
- Self-treatment of chronic pain
- Relief from anxiety or low mood
- Energy or stimulant boost
- Support during opioid withdrawal
- Recreational use
How Does Kratom Work?
- Mechanism: Mitragynine and 7-OH act on opioid receptors. At lower doses, stimulant effects dominate; at higher doses, opioid‐like effects (analgesia, sedation) become stronger.
- How Long Do the Effects of Kratom Last? Effects typically begin within 10–30 minutes, peaking around 1–2 hours, and lasting 4–6 hours, though this depends on dose, formulation, and metabolism.
- How Long Does Kratom Show on a Drug Test? According to Pubmed, Mitragynine can be detected in the urine for several days after use – and that time frame can be affected by many factors such as: the strength of the substance, method of ingestion, or the individual’s physiology. The only way to be sure of passing a drug screen is, ultimately, to avoid drug use.
Is Kratom Legal?
- Federally, kratom is not scheduled but the DEA has deemed it a “drug of concern.”
- Regulation varies by state; some states ban kratom outright, others regulate age or additives.
- The FDA is pushing to restrict 7-OH by classifying it as a Schedule I compound.
Is Kratom Safe to Use?
While kratom is legal in many places, it’s consumption can put the user’s health at risk. While regular use of kratom can lead to tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal
FDA Warnings & Regulatory Alerts:
- Kratom cannot be legally marketed as a supplement or food additive.
- The FDA has linked kratom to adverse events such as seizures, liver toxicity, and death in mixed-drug use cases.
Kratom Side Effects & Severity
| Body System | Mild / Common | Severe / Rare |
| Gastrointestinal | Nausea, vomiting, constipation | Liver injury |
| Neurological / Psychiatric | Agitation, dizziness, insomnia | Seizures, psychosis |
| Cardiovascular | Tachycardia, high BP | Arrhythmias |
| Other | Dry mouth, itching | Hair loss, kidney damage |
Kratom Overdose Risk:
Kratom overdose is rare but when it does occur, it’s most often when combined with other substances. Kratom has been associated with dozens of fatalities across the U.S., often in poly-drug contexts, including a 2025 report of three fatal overdoses in Los Angeles County.
When to Seek Help for Kratom
You should consider professional help if:
- Kratom use interferes with your daily life, responsibilities, or mental health
- You experience uncontrollable cravings, or inability to reduce use
- You develop withdrawal symptoms when stopping
- You show signs of serious health effects (jaundice, seizures, chest pain)
Addictions professionals, detox centers, or specialized addiction recovery facilities can provide medically supervised support.
If you or someone you love is struggling with kratom use or dependence, Michael’s House provides confidential assessments, evidence-based care, and holistic support in Palm Springs, CA. Contact us at 760-548-4032 or contact us online to begin your path forward today.
