The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is encouraging residents to learn about the potential risks of kratom, an herbal product that has become increasingly available in retail stores and online.

Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves have traditionally been chewed or brewed into tea. In the United States, kratom is commonly sold as powders, capsules, extracts, and in beverages. Kratom can be used to relieve pain or manage symptoms of opioid use disorder. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for any medical use, and research on its safety and effectiveness is ongoing.

"As more people use kratom, it is important to understand that these products are not regulated the same way as medications and may carry health risks,” says Dr. Josh Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director. “If you are using kratom to manage chronic pain, talk with your health care provider about treatment options that have been more thoroughly studied and are more consistently regulated.”

Because kratom products are not made under consistent standards, their strength and ingredients can vary. Some products have been found to contain harmful contaminants or other substances. Newer synthetic products sold as kratom can be much stronger than traditional kratom leaf products.

Some states have banned the sale of kratom products, yet sales in Michigan remain legal. There is consideration at the legislative level to regulate kratom sales, but nothing is officially set in place.

Michigan Poison Control received 347 reports involving kratom products between 2021 and 2025. In 2025 alone there were 116 reports, more than double the number reported in previous years. Most cases involved adults ages 20-39, but 69 reports involved children.

Possible Side Effects of Kratom:

• Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
• Increased heart rate or blood pressure
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Confusion or agitation
• Dependence and withdrawal symptoms with regular use

Residents should avoid combining kratom with alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs. Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying medical conditions should be especially cautious.

For more information on kratom, visit SAFE in Northern Michigan’s website at safeinnm.com. For more information on services offered by HDNW visit our website at nwhealth.org or call us locally at 800-432-4121. To stay updated on local health information, consider subscribing to our newsletter here.