What Parents Need to Know About Kratom: The Legal, Addictive Substance Harming Kids

What Is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain compounds that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. In low doses, Kratom acts as a stimulant. In higher doses, it mimics the effects of opioids like morphine — offering pain relief, sedation, and even euphoria. 
  
Despite its mind-altering effects, Kratom is not regulated by the FDA, and it remains legal in most U.S. states. 
  
“People think because it’s natural and legal, it’s safe — but that’s dangerously misleading,” says Dr. Caleb Alexander, professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University. 

Where and How Kids Access Kratom 

Kratom is alarmingly easy to purchase: 

• Gas stations and vape shops often sell Kratom products alongside energy drinks and CBD gummies. 
• Online retailers market Kratom under wellness branding — sometimes with vague, misleading claims about "mood support" or "natural energy." 
• Social media influencers and online forums like Reddit have popularized Kratom among youth as a “legal high.” 

  
Forms of Kratom commonly sold include: 

• Powdered tea or capsules 
• Liquid Kratom shots 
• Gummies 
• Tinctures 

  
Some products are intentionally marketed to appeal to young users, with colorful packaging, fruit flavors, and false promises of stress relief or enhanced focus. 

The Effects and Dangers of Kratom 

While some claim Kratom can relieve pain or anxiety, the medical risks far outweigh any unproven benefits, especially for young people. According to the CDC, Kratom use has been linked to: 

• Addiction and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioids   
• Liver toxicity and damage   
• Seizures   
• Hallucinations and psychosis   
• Respiratory depression   
• Increased risk of overdose, especially when combined with other drugs 

  
Between 2016 and 2017, the CDC identified Kratom as a cause of death in 91 drug overdoses in the U.S. (CDC, 2019). More recent reports from the FDA continue to warn consumers about Kratom’s addictive potential and unsafe drug interactions. 
  
“There is no evidence that Kratom is safe or effective for any medical use,” stated former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb in a 2018 warning. “The risks outweigh the benefits.” 
 

Why Teens Are Particularly at Risk 

Adolescents are especially vulnerable to Kratom's harms for several reasons:

• Developing brains are more susceptible to addiction and mental health disruptions. 
• Easy access means teens can purchase Kratom without ID in many states. 
• Lack of regulation means dosing is inconsistent and sometimes contaminated with other dangerous substances like fentanyl or benzodiazepines. 

What Parents Can Do 

1. Start the conversation early. Be honest with your child about the risks of Kratom and other so-called “legal highs.” 
 2. Check your local laws. As of 2025, Kratom remains legal in many U.S. states, but several (including Alabama, Indiana, and Wisconsin) have banned it. 
 3. Monitor purchases and online activity. Pay attention to gas station purchases, online orders, and unusual packaging. 
 4. Seek support if your child is using it. Kratom withdrawal can be intense, and professional help is often needed to stop safely. 
 

The Bottom Line 

Kratom is a dangerous, addictive substance that hides in plain sight. Marketed as a “natural remedy,” it poses serious risks to teens and young adults, including addiction, overdose, and long-term mental health damage. Parents need to stay informed — and act early. 
  
If you're concerned about your child or want to learn more, visit: 

• https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
• https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/kratom

  
Shatterproof is supporting states in their efforts to pass regulations that will restrict the appeal and use of these products for those under 21 and provide transparency of its risks on labels and to the public. You can help.