Kratom Concerns in the News Again

There are some new concerns about the addiction risks and side effects associated with a popular drink containing Kratom that is sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online. It is often marketed under the guise of being a natural herbal supplement to help people focus, energize, or even relax, but behind its wellness claims lies a growing concern about Kratom's opioid-like high and addictive potential.

The State Attorney General banned concentrated Kratom products earlier this year but allowed some Kratom drinks and powders to remain on store shelves. One popular products that is currently legal for sale in Florida is Feel Free, an energy drink that contains Kratom. Ingredients listed on the blue 2-ounce bottle are: Alkaloids (34mg), Mitragynine (20mg), and 7-hydrodxymitragynine (<0.05mg). Directions on the product warn users to consume only 1 ounce (half the bottle) but often users find themselves exceeding the recommended amount...and that's where the problems can start.

Medical experts caution that Kratom leaf products can be chemically addictive as they bind to the same brain receptors as opioids. Addiction levels may begin low with only one bottle a day, but before long users may become physically dependent and find themselves consuming higher levels.

The Federal Drug Administration warns consumers not to use Kratom. They cite risks like liver toxicity, seizures, substance use disorder, and even death from the toxic effects of Mitragynine, the main component of Kratom in drinks like Feel Free.

Bottom line is that consumers need to realize that just because some products are legal, it doesn't mean they are for everyone. Research the facts - stay informed - stay safe!

Resources

DEA Drug Fact Sheet - Kratom

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf

CBS News Segment (3 min.)

 Kratom supplement faces scrutiny over addiction concerns