Kratom Poison Hotlines Seeing Alarming Spike In Calls

Have you heard of Kratom? It's becoming a big problem across the United States, and is something that more teens and young adults are talking about, and in many cases, using.

Do we need to worry about Kratom use here in Minnesota?

WHAT IS KRATOM?

It’s often described as “natural” or “plant-based,” but health officials say that label can be misleading, especially now. Here's what you need to know.

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tropical tree and is sometimes used for pain relief, to boost energy, or to improve your mood. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning about a specific compound connected to kratom called 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH.

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7-OH

This substance is not the same as the natural leaf. It’s a concentrated byproduct that can act on the brain in a similar way to opioids, and could carry a real risk for addiction and abuse. Some officials say it may even be more potent than morphine.

KRATOM IS LEGAL IN MINNESOTA

In Minnesota, kratom is still legal. That means it’s easy to find in places many families pass every day, including gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores, and it's not seen by many young adults as a problem.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that calls to poison control centers involving kratom have surged dramatically.

A recent study found more than a 1200% increase in kratom-related calls over the past decade, including a sharp rise just in the last year alone. Researchers say that kind of spike is a warning sign.

For families across Central Minnesota, this hits close to home. Because kratom is legal here, there may be less awareness of the risks. Teens may assume that if something is sold openly in a store, it must be safe.

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WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF KRATOM?

Side effects linked to kratom include nausea, dizziness, and increased heart rate. Some users may experience dependency and withdrawal symptoms. When concentrated forms like 7-OH are involved, those risks increase.

The FDA is recommending tighter federal control of the substance. Several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Vermont, and Wisconsin, have banned kratom entirely, but Minnesota has not.

PARENTS - BE AWARE

Parents, caregivers, and young adults are encouraged to have open conversations and ask questions. What exactly is being used? Where is it coming from? And what are the real risks?

The bottom line is simple. “Natural” doesn’t always mean safe. And just because something is easy to buy doesn’t mean it comes without consequences.

Staying informed could make all the difference for your family and friends.