Kratom: What Parents Should Know

Mitragynine converts into 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent opioid receptor agonist. Despite “natural” marketing, kratom products can cause dependence, withdrawal, and even neonatal abstinence.

Acts like an opioid. 7-OH binds the same μ-opioid receptors as morphine. Human studies confirm measurable 7-OH after kratom use; animal work shows potency several times higher.1–4

Rising harm reports. CDC data show hundreds of kratom-positive overdose deaths. U.S. poison centers logged 10,272 kratom cases (2014–2023).5–7

Dependence and withdrawal. Clinicians document kratom dependence, opioid-like withdrawal, and neonatal abstinence in infants born to kratom-using mothers.8–11

Unregulated and misleading. Kratom products are often mislabeled or adulterated with synthetic drugs. FDA warns no kratom products are approved or proven safe.12–13

FDA Kratom Advisory Back to Information Center

Parent Playbook

What to watch for. Kratom powders, capsules, gummies, and drinks sold as “energy,” “relaxation,” or “herbal tea.” Symptoms: sweating, tremor, anxiety, vomiting, or cravings when stopped.5–9

Where it’s sold. Gas stations, vape shops, and online supplement stores. Bright, candy-like packaging often targets younger buyers.12–13

If someone is in trouble. For extreme drowsiness, confusion, or seizure-like activity, call 911. For guidance, contact Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.6–7

Talk about it. “Just because it’s sold next to vitamins doesn’t mean it’s safe. Kratom acts on the same brain receptors as opioids. I care about your health — let’s read the real data together.”

Packaging Example

Kratom products often mimic candy and snack packaging, creating confusion and increasing risk of youth exposure.

Kratom candy-like packaging (photo by MAHA)
Various Kratom products showing candy-like appearance. Photo © Mothers Against Herbal Abuse.

FDA Product Warnings & Examples

Photos courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Public Domain.

FDA product photo showing kratom bottles cited in warnings
Photo: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Public Domain.
FDA example image of kratom capsules and powder products
Photo: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Public Domain.
FDA example image of kratom shots and gummies sold in stores
Photo: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Public Domain.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: “It’s natural, so it’s safe.”
Fact: Morphine and heroin were “natural,” too. Natural origin doesn’t make a chemical safe for human use.1–4

Myth: “It helps with withdrawal.”
Fact: Clinical reports show kratom causes opioid-type dependence and withdrawal. No physician-guided tapering protocols exist.8–10

Myth: “The FDA just hasn’t approved it yet.”
Fact: FDA has formally rejected kratom New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) applications citing safety and abuse risk.12–13

References

  1. Kruegel AC, et al. 7-Hydroxymitragynine is an active metabolite of mitragynine. ACS Cent Sci. 2019;5(6):992–1001. link
  2. Huestis MA, et al. Human mitragynine & 7-OH pharmacokinetics after kratom leaf. Molecules. 2024;29(5):984. link
  3. Hill R, et al. Respiratory depressant effects of mitragynine limited by conversion to 7-OH. Br J Pharmacol. 2022;179(14):3875–3885. link
  4. Matsumoto K, et al. Antinociceptive effect of 7-OH in mice. Life Sci. 2004;74(17):2143–2155. link
  5. Matsumoto K, et al. μ-receptor involvement in 7-OH effects. Eur J Pharmacol. 2006;549(1–3):63–70. link
  6. Olsen EOM, et al. Kratom detected in overdose deaths—27 states. MMWR. 2019;68(14):326–327. link
  7. CDC. SUDORS Final Data Dashboard (2020–2023). link
  8. Gummin DD, et al. 2023 NPDS Annual Report. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2024;62(12):e1–e1261. link
  9. Weiss ST, Douglas HE. Treating kratom withdrawal with buprenorphine/naloxone. J Addict Med. 2021;15(2):167–172. link
  10. Davidson L, et al. Neonatal abstinence after maternal kratom. J Neonatal Perinat Med. 2019;12(1):109–112. link
  11. Mackay L, Abrahams R. Maternal & neonatal dependence/withdrawal. Can Fam Physician. 2018;64(2):121–122. link
  12. Wright ME, et al. Systematic review of prenatal kratom exposure. J Perinatol. 2021;41:1236–1243. link
  13. Ordean A. Review & clinical management: antenatal kratom exposure. Res Rep Neonatol. 2023;13:15–21. link
  14. U.S. FDA. FDA and Kratom — Public Health Focus (2025 update). link
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