Kratom: Effects, Side Effects, Withdrawal, and Legal Status
Kratom is a plant-derived substance that has become increasingly common in the U.S. People use it in many forms, often believing it provides energy, relaxation, or other benefits. Because kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, it has raised questions about safety, dependence, and legal status. This page provides a factual overview of kratom, including how it works, potential side effects, withdrawal risks, and current regulatory concerns.
Health Street offers kratom urine testing for employers and individuals who need accurate, lab-based results. Testing is conducted through certified laboratories with proper chain-of-custody procedures to support workplace and compliance needs.
About Kratom
What Is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its leaves contain naturally occurring compounds (primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) that act on opioid receptors in the brain, giving it stimulant-like effects at low doses and sedative effects at higher doses. Although it is not classified as an opioid, its behavior in the body can mimic opioid-like effects.
It comes in various forms, such as:
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Powder, capsules, and pills
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Teas and other beverages
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Liquid or concentrated extracts
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Vape products
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Raw or crushed leaves
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CBD combinations
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Strains like red, green, gold, or white kratom
Popular Street Names
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Thang
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Kakuam
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Thom
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Ketum
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Biak
Intended Use and Effects
The FDA makes clear that kratom is not approved for any medical use and warns against its use. Despite this, some individuals use it for its perceived stimulant effects at lower doses and sedative effects at higher doses. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) notes that kratom's active ingredients interact with opioid receptors, which is why some people take it in an attempt to manage discomfort or opioid withdrawal on their own.
Reported effects vary widely and may include:
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Stimulation or increased alertness
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Changes in mood or mild euphoria
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Relaxation
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Sedation at higher doses
About Kratom
Kratom has been associated with a range of adverse reactions. Reported side effects can include:
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Nausea or vomiting
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Dizziness
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Constipation
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Rapid heart rate
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Sweating
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Tremors
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Confusion
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Itching
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Restlessness or anxiety
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Trouble sleeping
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Loss of appetite
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Jaundice
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Dark urine
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Fatigue
More Serious Side Effects
More serious reactions have been documented as well, including seizures and liver injury. Although not common, liver injury can be severe enough to become life-threatening. Documented cases of effects on the liver have included acute liver failure, jaundice, and hospitalization, and in rare situations, liver injury of this type can progress to fatal outcomes if not treated promptly.
Because kratom products vary widely in strength and may contain contaminants, the FDA warns that side effects can be unpredictable and potentially harmful.
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
Because it binds to opioid receptors, stopping after regular use may cause physical withdrawal. Some of these include:
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Irritability
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Muscle aches
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Runny nose
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Anxiety
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Trouble sleeping
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Nausea
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Sweating
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Cramping
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kratom do?
Different effects may occur depending on the dose. Lower doses are more commonly associated with stimulation and alertness, while high doses may cause relaxation or sedative, opioid-like effects. Individual response can vary.
What is red kratom used for?
Red kratom is often marketed as more calming or sedating than other varieties. However, this substance does not have FDA approval, and there is no scientific evidence supporting strain-specific effects.
Is kratom safe?
There is no evidence that it is safe for medical use. The FDA warns of addiction risk, contamination concerns, and serious side effects. It is not approved for any medical use and should not be marketed as a dietary supplement or food additive. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also notes that kratom is a Drug and Chemical of Concern. Despite this, some individuals use it for perceived energy, relaxation, as a pain reliever, or to self-manage opioid withdrawal.
Is kratom an opioid?
No, it is not an opioid, but its active compounds bind to opioid receptors in the brain, which is why its effects can resemble those of opioids.
Is kratom addictive?
It may cause dependence in some people, but research is still limited. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), some people report mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms after regular use, while fewer report symptoms consistent with substance use disorder. Its main compounds act on opioid receptors, but they appear to activate them differently than opioids, which may reduce addiction risk. More research is needed to fully understand its potential for addiction.
How long does kratom last?
Kratom effects typically last several hours. Its metabolites may be detectable in urine for up to five days, depending on use patterns and individual factors.
What are the benefits of kratom?
Some users report increased energy or relaxation, but these claims are anecdotal. Medical research has not verified any health benefits.
Is kratom legal?
It is not illegal at the federal level, but the FDA states that kratom is not approved for any medical use and cannot be legally marketed as a dietary supplement or added to food. The FDA also warns that kratom carries risks, including contamination concerns and potential for addiction, and has taken enforcement actions against imported or marketed products. Some states and local jurisdictions have banned or restricted kratom, so legality varies by location.
Are kratom gummies, tea, or vapes safer than powder?
No. No form has been proven safe. Potency and purity can vary widely across products, increasing the risk of unpredictable effects.
Health Street Kratom Drug Test Options
Health Street offers the following Kratom drug test options. These drug testing options can be ordered by both individuals and employers. Whether you're an employer seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace or an individual looking to drug test yourself or a family member, we have a drug testing solution for you.