kratom
Coverage of kratom in the Nexus archive.
- Dare County seeks to regulate Kratom sales
Dare County in North Carolina is seeking to regulate the sale of Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The plant's leaves can be smoked, brewed into tea, or made into pills, though the article does not specify the nature of the proposed regulations.
- DEA moves to ban opioid-like kratom compound 7-OH
The DEA is moving to ban the opioid-like kratom compound 7-OH, classifying it alongside substances such as heroin and LSD. This regulatory action would place products containing 7-OH in a restricted category due to their chemical similarities to controlled substances.
- Trump Administration Delivers Lucrative Win for Its Kratom Allies
After Trump's victory, companies selling kratom supplements and their executives increased lobbying spending on Trump administration allies and made donations to his political operation. The Trump administration's actions are described as a 'lucrative win' for kratom industry supporters.
- Advocates Fear Tennessee’s Kratom Ban Could Lead to Increase in Overdoses
Tennessee's new kratom ban, effective Wednesday, has sparked concerns among overdose prevention advocates and addiction experts who warn it could lead to increased overdoses as users turn to more dangerous alternatives. The law criminalizes possession and sale of kratom, including synthetic forms, and joins six other states with similar bans, despite some users relying on it to manage opioid addiction.
- Long Island county mulls bans on ‘gas station heroin’ kratom — but there’s an exemption
Suffolk County is considering banning synthetic forms of kratom, such as pills, capsules, and liquid vials, which are often sold in gas stations. However, the proposed law would exempt the sale of the actual kratom plant.
- Tennessee addiction centers prepare for influx of kratom users ahead of the July 1 statewide ban
Tennessee will ban kratom sales and consumption starting July 1, with addiction centers preparing for increased demand. Medical professionals warn of its risks as an opioid substitute, while some users argue it aids recovery. The law was supported by Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes and opposed by kratom advocates.
- Kratom is a legal $13 ‘natural’ high that’s led to addiction and 91 deaths: ‘Soccer moms are on it’
Kratom, a legal $13 'natural' high, has led to addiction and 91 deaths, with reports indicating its use among soccer moms. A former addict described it as initially curing their pain before causing problems.
- This plant extract can make a lethal drug cocktail. Can it also treat opioid addiction?
The U.S. will test kratom for treating opioid disorder, while California addresses a business accused of violating kratom restrictions.
- This plant extract can make a lethal drug cocktail. Can it also treat opioid addiction?
The U.S. will test kratom for its potential to treat opioid disorder, while California targets a business accused of violating kratom restrictions. The plant extract is linked to both a lethal drug cocktail and possible addiction treatment.
- Virginia judge ushers in fraud claims against nation’s leading kratom distributors
A Virginia judge denied a motion to dismiss fraud claims against kratom distributors, allowing a lawsuit by Corey Tucker to proceed. Tucker alleges companies concealed the addictive nature of kratom products, which he claims caused severe withdrawal symptoms. The judge rejected arguments that conspiracy allegations were unsupported and found Tucker's claims plausible.
- Missouri settlements halt sales of concentrated kratom product 7-OH
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway secured settlements with companies Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC and CBD American Shaman, halting in-state sales of the concentrated kratom compound 7-OH. The agreements end a legal dispute over whether 7-OH should be classified as a dangerous opioid or a regulated product.
- How the Kratom Industry Won Friends in the Trump Administration
The kratom industry's influence campaign has secured allies among top Trump administration officials, according to an investigative report by Kenneth P. Vogel. The article highlights efforts to promote kratom, described as a risky drug.
- How Kratom, an Addictive Gas Station Drug, Found Allies in Trump’s Cabinet
The article discusses kratom, an addictive substance sold at gas stations, and its unexpected support from members of Trump’s Cabinet. It highlights the kratom product 'Feel Free' produced by Botanic Tonics, displayed at a smoke shop in Oklahoma City.
- The Kratom Civil War Is Heating Up, and MAHA Has Picked a Side
Kratom and its active component 7-OH, which have opioid-like effects, are widely available in the US. Health secretary RFK Jr. is pushing to ban 7-OH, sparking conflict between proponents of the substances and regulators.
- NC bill could bar people under 21 from buying hemp-derived products
North Carolina lawmakers are considering a bill to prohibit individuals under 21 from purchasing hemp-derived products, including smokable hemp and kratom, following a reported case of a 14-year-old emergency room patient. The House Agriculture and Environment Committee approved a rewritten version of Senate Bill 59, which imposes fines on businesses that sell these products to minors. The bill includes amendments to cover kratom and will next proceed to the House Rules Committee.
- Kansas City-based American Shaman agrees to stop selling kratom and 7-OH
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman has agreed to stop selling kratom and 7-OH products in Missouri, following a lawsuit alleging deceptive marketing and public health risks. The company must cease in-state sales and advertising within 30 days, with potential penalties for violations.
- Kratom product sales to be regulated in Virginia
Virginia has enacted a new law regulating kratom sales, requiring age restrictions, secure storage, risk labeling, and a ban on 7-OH, a potent kratom compound. The law, sponsored by Del. Joshua Cole and signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, addresses concerns about kratom's addictive potential and health risks.
- A rare cancer-fighting plant compound has been decoded
Scientists at UBC Okanagan have uncovered how plants produce mitraphylline, a rare natural compound with promising anti-cancer potential. The discovery could make it easier to produce sustainably in the future. Mitraphylline appears only in tiny amounts in tropical plants like kratom and cat’s claw.
- STAT+: Trump pivots on kratom derivative 7-OH, floating approval for some forms
President Trump suggested approving some forms of 7-OH, a kratom derivative. The compound occurs naturally in kratom and is used as a recreational drug and pain treatment. Kratom is less dangerous than synthetic opioids but can still cause addiction and overdose.
- What is kratom, and is it legal in California?
Kratom, an herbal product, was banned in six U.S. states 18 months ago, with one state reversing its ban while others have advanced new restrictions. Reports of adverse effects, including deaths, linked to kratom have increased, prompting regulatory discussions.
- Kratom-related calls to U.S. poison centers rise 1,200% in a decade
Kratom-related calls to U.S. poison centers increased 1,200% over a decade, with thousands reported in 2025. California's poison control center also observed similar trends.
- Kratom poisonings soar in US as experts blame synthetic versions and caution against bans
Kratom poisonings in the US have increased significantly, with experts attributing the surge to synthetic derivatives like 7-OH. The CDC report highlights a 1,200% rise in poisonings over a decade, prompting warnings against blanket kratom bans that could harm individuals using natural kratom for pain management and addiction recovery.