US officials warn of unregulated kratom amid rising use

US health officials have issued new warnings about kratom, an herbal product with opioid‑like effects that has become increasingly popular as a pain‑relief supplement.

Jeffrey Deaver, a 58‑year‑old retired timber cutter from Washington state, said he has used kratom for four years to manage severe chronic hip and knee pain after conventional medical treatment failed. He described the herb as a “miracle” that allowed him to sleep and function normally.

Regulation and safety concerns

Kratom, derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia, entered the US market as a supplement around 2016 and is sold over‑the‑counter in pills, powder or liquid form. Because it is classified as a supplement, it is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, meaning product composition can vary widely.

Investigators this week found packaged kratom in the possession of two deceased University of Mississippi students, though the deaths were not attributed to the herb. The incident has prompted officials to highlight the lack of safety data and the risk of central nervous system depression, cardiovascular collapse and respiratory failure at higher doses.

Experts warned that kratom can cause dependence, withdrawal symptoms and significant personal and financial harm. It is illegal in 11 US states, including Alabama, Arkansas and Massachusetts, while remaining legal in others such as Mississippi.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Jellybee / Pexels.