Kratom and its active alkaloids are associated with increasing rates of poisonings, hospitalizations, and deaths — yet these products remain unregulated in many states. MAHA supports efforts to restrict the sale and marketing of kratom through statewide bans, scheduling, or emergency actions. Here's why:
Key Harm Statistics
- CDC SUDORS reported 1,151 kratom-related deaths in 2023 alone.
- Florida ME listed 516 kratom-caused deaths from 2020–2023.
- NPDS logged 10,272 kratom exposures — 45% hospitalized.
- FDA FAERS: 1,437 adverse events, 707 involved death.
- FDA CAERS: 189 hospitalizations, 188 dependence cases.
Policy Note:
Targeting only 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is not enough. Most poisonings and deaths are caused by full-plant kratom and its primary alkaloid, mitragynine. Partial bans leave the primary threat untouched.