What is Kratom?
Kratom, derived from the herbal leaves of trees in Southeast Asia, has gained widespread popularity in the United States. An estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used Kratom in 2021.
Kratom is commonly used to self-treat conditions such as pain, coughing, diarrhea, anxiety, depression, opioid use disorder, and drug withdrawal symptoms.
Different forms of Kratom are available in the U.S., from powders to chewables and liquids, and can be easily purchased online or in stores.
However, no uses for Kratom have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What are the side effects of Kratom use?
Kratom has potential risks and side effects that should not be overlooked. The FDA has issued warnings about its safety and effectiveness.
Severe symptoms have been reported among Kratom users, including psychiatric, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory issues. There is also a risk of abuse and addiction associated with Kratom use. Clinicians have observed patients experiencing a range of adverse effects, such as seizures and even death in some cases.
More research is needed to fully understand the health and safety implications of Kratom use.
What restrictions apply to Kratom use?
In 2014, the FDA issued an import alert for dietary supplements and bulk dietary ingredients containing Kratom, declaring it unfit for consumption as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive in the United States.
Several states have implemented bans or restrictions on kratom use:
- Alabama categorized Kratom as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, like heroin and marijuana, and banned it in 2016.
- Georgia established quality and safety standards for manufacturers in 2019. In addition, it’s illegal for anyone under 18 to possess Kratom, and selling it to someone under 18 is a misdemeanor.
- Texas now requires Kratom manufacturers to register their products and provide certificates of analysis from an independent third-party laboratory to ensure compliance with the law.
Contact Daniel Stark Law
If you or a loved one have suffered from the adverse effects of Kratom use, we are here to fight for you. At Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped individuals recover the full value of their injuries and losses for over 25 years.
Contact us today or fill out the form below for a free case evaluation. Our experienced team will assess your situation and guide you through the legal process. Rest assured, you only pay if we win your case.
Please note that in some instances, cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.
