What Is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits and risks. Traditionally used for its stimulant and sedative properties, kratom has evolved into a globally recognized substance with a complex history.

History

Kratom has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Traditionally, laborers chewed the leaves to combat fatigue and enhance productivity. The plant was also used in cultural/religious ceremonies and as a folk remedy for ailments like diarrhea, fever, and pain.

In the early 20th century, kratom came under scrutiny as synthetic opioids gained popularity, leading to legal restrictions in several regions. However, its use persisted, and in recent years, it gained prominence in Western markets as a potential alternative to opioids for pain relief and withdrawal management¹⁻³.

Is Kratom Legal?

The legal status of kratom varies globally:

• United States: Kratom is not federally regulated but is banned in several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Wisconsin.
• Southeast Asia: Thailand legalized kratom in 2021 for medical use, while Malaysia and Myanmar maintain bans.
• Europe: While some countries like the UK regulate kratom, others like Poland have outright bans.
• Australia and New Zealand: Kratom is classified as a controlled substance, and its import or possession is prohibited⁴⁻⁶.

Appearance and Odor

Kratom leaves are dark green and ovate, with a glossy surface. When processed, the leaves are typically ground into a fine powder ranging from green to brown, depending on the strain and drying process.

The aroma is earthy and herbal, with the smell intensifying when brewed as tea. Its taste is often described as bitter⁷.

How Is Kratom Made?

Kratom is a natural product and not chemically synthesized. The primary active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are extracted directly from the leaves. The leaves are dried and then ground up into a fine powder. These alkaloids are responsible for the plant’s psychoactive and therapeutic effects⁸.

Pharmacokinetics

Mitragynine, the primary alkaloid in kratom, is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations occur within 1–2 hours of oral ingestion. Mitragynine undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver via the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Its metabolites are excreted through urine, with an elimination half-life of 3–9 hours, depending on the dose and individual metabolism⁹.

Pharmacodynamics

Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine act as partial agonists at the mu-opioid receptors, leading to their pain-relieving and sedative effects. At lower doses, kratom also interacts with adrenergic and serotonergic systems, producing stimulant effects. This dual-action contributes to its dose-dependent effects, ranging from stimulation to sedation¹⁰.

Routes of Administration

Kratom can be consumed in several ways:

1. Chewing: Fresh or dried leaves are chewed for stimulant effects.
2. Tea: Brewing kratom into tea enhances absorption.
3. Capsules and Tablets: Convenient for standardized dosing.
4. Powder: Mixed with water or other beverages.
5. Extracts: Concentrated liquid forms for more potent effects¹¹.

What Are The Effects Of Kratom

Kratom’s effects are dose-dependent:

• Low doses (1–5 grams): Stimulant effects, increased energy, and alertness.
• Moderate doses (5–15 grams): Pain relief, relaxation, and mild euphoria.
• High doses (>15 grams): Sedation, drowsiness, and risk of adverse effects.

Reported side effects include nausea, constipation, dry mouth, and dizziness. Chronic use may lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms¹²⁻¹³.

Speed of Onset

The onset of kratom’s effects typically begins within 10–30 minutes of ingestion, with peak effects occurring at 1–2 hours. The total duration varies between 4–8 hours, depending on the dose and route of administration¹⁴.

How Long Does Kratom Stay In Your System?

Kratom is not typically included in standard drug screenings. However, specialized tests can detect mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine:

• Detection Window: Kratom can be detected in the urine for up to 7 days.
• Cutoff Levels: Cutoff levels are non-standardized because testing for this substance is rare¹⁵. Labcorp tests at 5 ng/ml for initial testing and 1 ng/mL for confirmatory testing. Whereas other tests range as high as 100-300 ng/mL.
• Testing Methods: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Supply Chain Sources and Locations

Kratom is primarily cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Indonesia accounts for the majority of global exports. Leaves are harvested, dried, and processed into powder or extracts for international distribution. The lack of global regulation raises concerns about product quality and contamination¹⁶.

How Much Does Kratom Cost?

Prices vary by region and form:

• Powder: $3-6 per ounce. Or around 10-20 cents per gram. Bags of powder are often sold in quantities of 50, 100 and 1000 grams.
• Capsules: $15–$30 per bottle (50 capsules).
• Extracts: $30–$50 per ounce.

Prices depend on strain type, quality, and vendor reputation¹⁷.

What Is The Typical Dosing Size For Kratom?

Dosing is often subjective and influenced by user experience:

• Low Dose: 1–5 grams.
• Moderate Dose: 5–15 grams.
• High Dose: >15 grams.

Users are advised to start with small doses to gauge their tolerance and sensitivity.

Who Are The Main Users Of Kratom?

• Age: Use is most common among adults aged 25-45. 
• Gender: Slightly more prevalent among males.
• Geography: Higher usage rates in the U.S. and Southeast Asia.
• Motivations: Pain management, energy enhancement, and opioid withdrawal support.

According to a 2020 survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 2 million Americans reported using kratom annually.

What Are People Saying About Kratom?

Kratom users on Reddit forums often share varied experiences, reflecting both positive and negative aspects of the substance.

Many report using it for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and as a natural alternative to traditional opioids. Users frequently highlight its effectiveness in managing chronic pain and aiding opioid withdrawal, often describing its effects as energizing at low doses and sedative at higher doses.

On the downside, some users mention side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and constipation, particularly with excessive or frequent use. Others express concerns about dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and the lack of regulation.

Discussions also reveal a strong community focus on responsible use, with advice on dosing, preferred strains (e.g., red, green, and white varieties), and the importance of sourcing from reputable vendors. Overall, user experiences are subjective, emphasizing both potential benefits and associated risks.

Conclusion

Many users advocate for kratom as a harm-reduction tool, while critics emphasize the need for regulation and safety testing.

Kratom is a unique substance with a complex profile of effects and risks. While its potential as a therapeutic agent is promising, concerns about safety, regulation, and misuse remain. Responsible use, combined with increased research and education, is essential to maximize its benefits while minimizing its risks.

References