It\u2019s a green, mean, killing machine.<\/p>\n
At least according to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who\u2019s launching a federal crackdown<\/a> on 7-OH \u2014 a synthetic byproduct of the kratom plant<\/a>. <\/p>\n Sold widely in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops, the opioid-like substance is drawing scrutiny for its potent effects and high risk of abuse. <\/p>\n During a press conference, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ripped into sellers of kratom products as a \u201csinister industry.\u201d AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n What is kratom?<\/p>\n Kratom is an herbal extract made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree called Mitragyna. Users chew the leaves, brew them into tea or take it in powder, capsule or extract form, according to the Mayo Clinic<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cKratom affects the brain like a stimulant at low doses \u2014 boosting energy, focus and mood,\u201d Dr. Joseph Volpicelli<\/a>, a clinical adviser for Oar Health<\/a>, told The Post. \u201cSimilar to a sedative at higher doses, it also provides pain relief and euphoria.\u201d<\/p>\n Its popularity has soared in the US in recent years, with many turning to it as a so-called natural fix for pain, anxiety, depression and even to kick opioid addiction.<\/p>\n Kratom is legal for adult use at the federal level, though the FDA hasn\u2019t approved it for any medical purpose. Several states \u2014 including Alabama, Rhode Island and Wisconsin \u2014 have banned its sale and possession outright.<\/p>\n Is kratom dangerous?<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Natural\u2019 doesn\u2019t mean safe,\u201d Volpicelli warned.<\/p>\n Kratom can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, itching and loss of appetite \u2014 with heavier use sometimes leading to seizures, hallucinations, liver damage and even death<\/a>, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration<\/a> (DEA). <\/p>\n National poison control centers\u00a0documented 1,807 calls about kratom exposures<\/a>\u00a0between 2011 and 2017, a number that\u2019s \u201conly been increasing since then,\u201d Dr. Michael Greco, an emergency medicine physician, told The Post<\/a> this week.<\/p>\n Kratom, which comes in powders, gummies and drinks, can have serious side effects. betka82 \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n A Washington Post analysis<\/a> found kratom listed in at least 4,100 deaths from 2020 to 2022. Last year, the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> uncovered more than 580 kratom-related deaths in Florida alone since 2013.<\/p>\n \u201cIt can be especially risky when mixed with other substances or used in high doses, like we have seen in the drink \u2018Feel Free<\/a>,\u2019\u201d Volpicelli noted.<\/p>\n How addictive is kratom?<\/p>\n Though some people say that it has helped them wean off or manage other dependencies, including to opioids and alcohol, kratom can be highly addictive in its own right \u2014 especially for people who already struggle with addiction.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the past two years, I have noticed an increased number of people coming to my clinic for the treatment of kratom addiction,\u201d Volpicelli said.<\/p>\n \u201cThese people find it difficult to control their use of kratom and experience opioid-like withdrawal symptoms when they stop.\u201d<\/p>\n That\u2019s because kratom\u2019s active ingredients \u2014 mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) \u2014 bind to the same brain receptors as morphine and alcohol, triggering a rush of dopamine, the body\u2019s \u201cfeel good hormone.\u201d<\/p>\n Jordan McKibban died at age 37 after taking kratom. Courtesy Pam Mauldin<\/p>\n \u201cThat creates a dangerous, addictive cycle where kratom use increases the craving for more use,\u201d Volpicelli said.<\/p>\n Over time, users can build a tolerance and face withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, nausea, muscle pain, irritability and even involuntary jerky movements, according to American Addiction Centers<\/a>.<\/p>\n What is 7-OH \u2014 and is it more dangerous?<\/p>\n While 7-OH can be found naturally in kratom in small amounts, manufacturers have figured out how to supercharge it \u2014 boosting its concentrations in capsules, powders, liquids and edibles.<\/p>\n Some of these souped-up products contain 109% to 509% more 7-OH than what\u2019s naturally in the plant. Experts warn that means they will have stronger effects \u2014 and a greater risk for addiction and harm.<\/p>\n