Despite federal health warnings, a recent study by the University of Mississippi reveals that almost 75% of tobacco and vape shops across the United States sell kratom—a controversial substance linked to liver toxicity, seizures, and even death. Used for pain relief and as a stimulant for hundreds of years in Southeast Asia, kratom has grown popular among over 2 million Americans, marketed as a mood stabiliser and opioid alternative. However, experts caution against its risks.
The Drug Enforcement Administration briefly classified kratom as a Schedule I drug in 2016, alongside substances like heroin, before backtracking due to public outcry. Since then, regulation has been left to individual states. Mississippi, for instance, has seen bans in over 30 counties, yet statewide legislation remains stalled. Nationally, kratom is banned in six states, including Alabama and Vermont, but availability persists. A survey led by Matthew Rossheim at the University of North Texas found that even in Rhode Island, where kratom is illegal, around 40% of surveyed stores admitted to selling it.
“Kratom is being promoted as a painkiller and mood stabiliser, but it’s also been connected to poisonings and deaths,” warned Andrew Yockey, assistant professor of public health at the University of Mississippi. He explained that widespread availability remains a major factor behind its use. Rossheim’s research echoes this concern, finding kratom readily sold in shops nationwide. “What we discovered is just how easy it is to access these products,” Rossheim said.
Adding to the issue is the lack of federal oversight. Kratom is not recognised by the FDA as a drug or dietary supplement, leaving its production unregulated. “These products are entering the market without supervision,” Yockey noted. “Without oversight, how can anyone be sure what they’re consuming?”
While kratom advocates tout its benefits, such as pain relief or use as an opioid substitute, experts like Rossheim highlight that many of these claims lack scientific backing. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention report at least 91 deaths caused by kratom overdose between 2016 and 2017, raising further questions about its safety.
Right now, kratom is easy to find but not properly regulated. This is worrying health experts, who are asking for better rules and more public awareness about the dangers it can pose.
Source: Ole Miss
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