Kratom is Unregulated, and not FDA-approved
It Can Cause Effects that Mimic Other Substances Like Stimulants and Opioids
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) released a new fact sheet to educate New Yorkers about kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH. Kratom is legal substance, however is not FDA-approved to treat any medical conditions, while 7-OH is the natural breakdown product of kratom’s primary psychoactive chemical, mitragynine.
The United States Drug Enforcement Agency classifies kratom as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern” because of its sedative effects and addiction potential, however it has not been scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. Since they are not regulated, there is no quality control, meaning consumers may not always be aware of what is in the products they buy.
“While kratom is legal, it can still cause adverse health effects, and people need to be aware of the potential dangers.” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “This is important information that can help New Yorkers keep themselves and their loved ones safe by making sure they are educated about these emerging substances”
“People consume kratom either recreationally or to help managing pain or anxiety, but many are unaware that kratom carries certain health risks, including liver toxicity and potential dependance or withdrawal symptoms – risks that may be worsened when the product is strengthened by the concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “New Yorkers have a right to know what they’re consuming and if those products come with health risks. The fact sheet released by OASAS combined with the safety information and guidance to clinicians released by the Department of Health ensures that information is available and accessible.”
Kratom is an herb from Southeast Asia that may be used for its stimulant and pain relief effects. It’s effects can mimic both stimulants, such as making an individual more alert and talkative; and opioids, including euphoria, decreased alertness, and confusion. While kratom itself is not an opioid, when taken in larger quantities it can act in a way similar to opioids, leading to tolerance, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal. Severe kratom intoxication can lead to respiratory depression, seizures, or abnormal heart rhythm, and has been linked to coma and death in some individuals.
A minor natural component of kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), can have a strong opioid effect when in concentrated form. Manufacturers have made synthetic 7-OH (which may be sold as 7-OH or added to kratom plant products) in substantially higher quantities than would be found in unadulterated kratom. Research about 7-OH and its potential association with dependence or overdose is ongoing.
In New York, the possession and sale of kratom products is legal. In December of 2025, Governor Hochul signed legislation prohibit sale of these products to individuals under the age of 21, and to require all kratom products to have a full list of ingredients along with a consumer warning that the product may be addictive and interact with other medications or substances.
This fact sheet compliments the background and safety information released by the New York State Department of Health in December, which includes general information for the public to learn about this emerging substance, as well as clinical guidance for providers to be aware of and address the use of kratom among their patients. The New York State Department of Health began to specifically monitor 7-OH in June 2025.
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found on the NYS OASAS website
No comments:
Post a Comment