Sold in some gas stations, tobacco shops, and on-line in Michigan under a variety of names. This product is now banned in some states. National Institute on Drug Abuse
What is Kratom?
Leaves from the tropical tree Kratom in Southeast Asia which causes stimulant and sedative effects in different doses. More commonly abused in the Asia Pacific region than the United States.
Street Names
Thang, kakuam, thom, ketum, and biak,
How is it used?
Swallowed as a pill, crushed and smoked, brewed as a tea, chew the raw leaves
How does it affect the body?
At low doses, increased alertness, physical energy, and talkativeness, at high doses, sedation.
Addictive: causes hallucinations, delusion, and confusion, nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, and loss of appetite.
Long-term use can cause anorexia, weight loss, and insomnia.
What are the Potential Dangers?
In low doses, Kratom has stimulating effects and, in large doses, depressant effects. Kratom can cause vomiting, chills, itching, and loss of appetite. Long-term use can cause extreme weight loss, skin darkening, frequent need to urinate, constipation, muscle pain, and liver damage. Kratom may also cause dizziness, delusions, and seizures. It may suppress your breathing and lead to coma and death. Mayo Clinic
Poison control centers in the U.S. received about 1,800 reports involving use of Kratom from 2011 through 2017, including reports of death. By comparison, in 2019 alone, 1,357 calls to Poison Control Centers involved exposure to Kratom. Kratom: Unsafe and ineffective – Mayo Clinic Kratom is not currently regulated in the United States, and federal agencies are taking action to combat false claims about kratom. In the meantime, your safest option is to work with your doctor to find other treatment options.
Is Kratom Addictive?
It can be. Like other drugs with opioid-like effects, Kratom can become addictive for some people. Withdrawal symptoms can include muscle aches, hostility/irritability, emotional changes, jerky movements, and runny nose. National Institute on Drug Abuse
Is Kratom legal to buy and use in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan has attempted to regulate Kratom but no legislation exists so far. Michigan debates future of kratom, an herbal remedy linked to 9 state deaths | Bridge Michigan. Some states have banned Kratom. Other states have regulated it.