UTICA, N.Y. — Kratom might be a drug that says its all natural on the label, but that doesn’t mean it comes without risks.
“It’s not harmless. It has an addictive potential and people can overdose like they would possibly with any other opioid,” said Dr. James McDonald, the commissioner of the NYS Department of Health.
Kratom is an herb that comes from Southeast Asia, and it can come in different forms like liquids, powders, and tablets.
It is a stimulant that can be used as an energy booster or pain reliever. When taken in large amounts, it acts similarly to an opioid. People sometimes use it to relieve symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
“Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are two of the more significant psychoactive substances that have those opioid properties,” said McDonald. “These are the psychoactive substances that do lead to dependence and addiction.”
On Monday, Governor Hochul signed two pieces of legislation which will regulate the sale of Kratom.
“Kratom has become more widespread because basically, there’s no warning and no age limits and kids from high school can walk into the store and buy this,” said Hochul in an announcement.
Now, any Kratom product will be required to list all ingredients and a consumer warning that the product may be addictive.
It also prohibits the sale of it to anyone under the age of 21, sanctioning a fine of up to $500 for each offense.
According to the New York State Department of Health, between 2023 and 2024, there have been 108 overdose deaths related to Kratom. Most times, it’s caused by people mixing it with another substance like fentanyl.
There is a potential for Kratom to have traces of fentanyl in it, even if the product is organic.
“Because fentanyl can get into really any substance,” said Cassandra Sheets, the CEO of the Center for Family Life and Recovery, which supports individuals struggling with addiction.
Sheets said if somebody does choose to use kratom, it’s important to know what’s inside of it, even if the product was grown organically.
“You might think that’s what you’re actually getting… wherever its being grown to when it gets to the end user, what kind of chemical process has happened in between that?” said Sheets.
The CFLR provides free fentanyl strips to test substances for its presence.
Kratom has become a popular substance among young people.
“It has made a little bit more of a surgence so we have a prevention program and so a little bit more in the younger population because if they can get it at these unregulated vape shops, young people like to vape,” said Cassandra Sheets, the CEO for the Center of Family Life and Recovery. “So that’s been a big issue.”
Dr. McDonald said that just because something is natural, doesn’t mean its healthy.