What is Kratom and Where Did it Come From?

Kratom (also known as Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree native to Southeast Asia and is a central nervous system stimulant that people use to boost physical and mental energy. As the drug appears more frequently in gas stations, health food stores, and online marketplaces across the US, it is crucial we understand the potential benefits of kratom use, but also its drawbacks and high risk of addiction.

The Physiology of Kratom Use

The leaves of the plant contain psychoactive compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, that act on opioid receptors in the brain to promote stimulant and pain-relieving effects. The type of effect users experience depends on how much of the drug is consumed. When people take lower doses, they may feel more alert, talkative, and energized. At higher doses, people might feel more of its sedative effects, which many people use to self-treat their opioid use disorder (OUD).

Kratom History

Kratom use dates back to the 1800s when it was used by laborers in Southeast Asia to sustain energy throughout the day and relieve pain associated with the demands of their job. They would chew the bitter leaves, mix them into tea, or grind them into a powder. The leaf is ingrained in the region’s culture, as some women use the substance as a household remedy for fevers, coughs, and anxiety. Men often consume it as a drink during social gatherings to unwind. Although the drug can be habit-forming, there is far less stigma attached to kratom than alcohol in countries like Malaysia and Thailand.

Use in the U.S.

Over the last two decades, the US has seen a jump in kratom availability as well as usage. As of 2019, an estimated 10 to 16 million adults in America consume the drug regularly. Some experts believe the sudden popularity could be attributed to people’s interest in seeking natural alternatives for pain management and opioid withdrawal. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) does not currently regulate the drug under the Controlled Substances Act, so regulation is up to the individual states.