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What Is Kratom? Understanding the Risks and Legal Landscape

As kratom use continues to rise in the U.S., many employers and individuals are asking: What is it—and should I be concerned? At Mid-South Drug Testing, we believe education is key to prevention and safety. Here’s what you need to know about this increasingly controversial substance.


What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The leaves of this tree contain two main active compounds—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. These compounds produce both stimulant-like and sedative effects depending on the dosage.


How Kratom Affects the Body

At low doses, kratom may act as a stimulant, increasing energy, alertness, and sociability. At higher doses, it tends to have sedative or opioid-like effects, which can lead to drowsiness, euphoria, or even suppressed respiration. Users report side effects such as nausea, sweating, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of appetite. In extreme cases, it can cause hallucinations, seizures, liver damage, or psychosis. Regular use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by other addictive substances.


How Is Kratom Used?

In the United States, kratom is commonly consumed in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, extracts, brewed teas, or chewed raw leaves. Because it is readily available online and in some retail stores, kratom is often marketed as a “natural alternative” for pain relief or mood support, despite lacking FDA approval.


Is Kratom Legal?

Kratom is not currently scheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act, but its legal status varies by state and municipality. Some states have banned or restricted its use, while others allow it to be sold and consumed freely. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified kratom as a Drug and Chemical of Concern due to its potential for abuse, addiction, and serious health risks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use and warns consumers of its safety risks.


Why Employers Should Take Notice

Because kratom is not federally regulated, it may not appear in standard drug panels—but that doesn't mean it's safe. Employers in safety-sensitive industries should be especially aware of kratom's effects, including impaired judgment or motor coordination, sedation during work hours, and potential for dependency among employees. If your workplace doesn’t currently address kratom in your drug and alcohol policy, now is the time to revisit it.


Protect Your Workforce. Stay Informed.

At Mid-South Drug Testing, we help employers navigate evolving substance trends like kratom by offering expert guidance, policy reviews, and customizable testing panels.


Call us at (901) 320-9295 or (870) 215-0025


Let’s work together to keep your workplace safe, compliant, and informed.

 
 
 

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