What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the kratom tree contain psychoactive compounds that are used both medicinally and recreationally in some cultures. While scientific research on kratom’s medical effectiveness is limited, many individuals use it to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, cough, and even withdrawal from opioids like heroin and morphine.

Despite its perceived benefits, kratom is not without risks. The substance has been linked to serious side effects including hallucinations, seizures, liver damage, and even death in rare cases. Due to these risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several warnings against kratom products. Nevertheless, the substance remains legal in Massachusetts.

Here’s what you need to know about kratom’s effects, its legal status, and the controversy surrounding its use.

Kratom: Key Facts at a Glance

Kratom remains legal at the federal level in the United States; however, individual states and municipalities have taken steps to ban or restrict its use. Despite its legality in many regions, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has labeled kratom a “drug and chemical of concern” since 2016, reflecting growing apprehension about its safety and potential for misuse.

This substance is widely available in various forms, including green powder, liquid extract, capsules, tablets, herbal supplements, gum, and tea. Most users ingest kratom by swallowing capsules or drinking it as a tea. However, some choose to chew the raw leaves or smoke them to experience its effects more directly.

Kratom is often promoted as a natural alternative to prescription opioids, especially for pain relief. While some people report relief from pain or improvement in mood, regular use can lead to physical dependence. Individuals who become reliant on kratom may experience withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, and involuntary muscle movements when they try to stop using it.

Beyond dependence, kratom is associated with several adverse side effects. These can include nausea, excessive sweating, seizures, and in some cases, symptoms of psychosis. The risks increase when commercial kratom products are mixed with other harmful or unknown substances—an issue that has been linked to several fatalities.

Public health agencies have also raised concerns about kratom’s safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has previously associated kratom with a widespread salmonella outbreak that affected consumers in 38 states. On the street, kratom may go by names like “thang,” “kakuam,” “thom,” “ketum,” or “biak.” While some users may view kratom as a benign herbal supplement, the reality is that it can be habit-forming and, in some cases, dangerous.

Kratom in Massachusetts: Legal But Controversial

Although kratom is currently legal across Massachusetts, this hasn’t always been a settled matter. The state legislature has made several attempts to classify kratom as a controlled substance over the past decade:

2009: House Bill 1789 proposed labeling kratom as a Class B drug—alongside substances like cocaine and LSD—which could have led to criminal penalties and fines. The bill did not pass.
2011: House Bill 526 sought to classify kratom similarly, but it also failed.
2013: Lawmakers considered banning kratom entirely, but the proposed bill never made it through the legislative process.

As of now, no cities or counties in Massachusetts have enacted local bans. This means residents and visitors can legally purchase and possess kratom throughout the state.

However, legal status does not necessarily equate to safety.

Why Kratom Sparks Debate

Kratom remains controversial due to mixed expert opinions and a lack of comprehensive scientific research. Some view it as a dangerous drug, while others see it as a safer alternative to prescription opioids.

Kratom has not undergone extensive clinical testing, making its long-term effects and safe usage parameters unclear. Without formal studies, questions remain about its interactions with other drugs, effective dosages, and potential health consequences.

Also, kratom contains powerful alkaloids—chemicals that can significantly impact the body. Some of these, like mitragynine, may reduce pain and elevate mood, but they can also cause:

Tremors and hallucinations
Insomnia and excessive sweating
Delusions and depression
Liver damage and suppressed breathing
Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
Seizures and, in severe cases, coma

Since kratom is not classified as a pharmaceutical drug, the FDA does not regulate its production. This means kratom products can be contaminated or mixed with other harmful substances, increasing the risk of overdose and health complications.

How Kratom Affects the Brain

Kratom’s compounds bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to how traditional opioids function. At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant—flooding the brain with dopamine and creating feelings of increased energy, alertness, sociability, and euphoria.

However, these effects can come at a cost. Like other stimulants, kratom may:

Trigger impulsive behaviors
Impair decision-making
Raise the risk of cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)

At higher doses, kratom mimics opioids by increasing pleasure and reducing pain, but repeated use can result in:

Hallucinations
Mood disturbances like anxiety and depression
Reduced oxygen supply to the brain

Kratom’s Impact on the Body

Although low doses may temporarily boost energy and focus, regular or high-dose use can take a physical toll. Some of the physical side effects include:

Dry mouth and excessive sweating
Constipation and frequent urination
Appetite loss and weight reduction
Insomnia and confusion
Delusional thinking

In some cases, kratom use has led to overdose.

Kratom and Overdose Risk

According to the National Poison Data System, between 2011 and 2017, there were 11 deaths linked to kratom exposure. In nine of these cases, kratom was used in combination with other substances such as alcohol, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, or cocaine. Two fatalities were attributed to kratom alone.

In 2017, the FDA reported 44 deaths related to kratom. Most involved adulterated products or poly-drug use. While overdose from pure kratom is rare, the risk increases significantly when the substance is combined with other drugs.

Get Drug Addiction Treatment in North Andover, MA

At Luna Recovery for Women, we understand how addictive and harmful both legal and illegal substances can be. Kratom—though legal in Massachusetts—can be just as dangerous as substances already regulated by law.

If you’re struggling with pain, anxiety, or depression and are considering kratom as a coping mechanism, we’re here to offer healthier, evidence-based alternatives. Our outpatient treatment programs are designed to help you regain control and improve your well-being—without relying on risky substances.