Calls to poison centers in the United States regarding the widely available herb kratom surged over 1,200% from 2015 to 2025, according to new research. The study highlights a striking escalation in reported cases, raising alarms within the medical community, reports BritPanorama.
The analysis revealed that there were 3,434 kratom poisoning reports in 2024, marking a significant increase from just 258 calls in 2015. This alarming trend corresponds with a rise in hospitalizations linked to kratom, from 43 admissions in 2015 to 538 in 2025. The findings suggest that the substance, often marketed as a natural product, is increasingly associated with severe health risks.
The research, published in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, indicates that kratom’s dual properties as both a stimulant and sedative can lead to serious health complications. Symptoms of kratom poisoning include high blood pressure, vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, and increased heart rate.
Dr. Christopher Holstege, coauthor of the study, noted a particular spike in calls in 2025, emphasizing that the data reflects a “concerning trend.” He stated, “We are experiencing a marked increase in kratom associated products being sold in the U.S. market.” Until recently, kratom has been available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and teas, often sold without federal regulation despite its potential for abuse.
This influx of cases appears to be exacerbated by the herb’s increasing availability across states where it is not banned. While kratom consumption is estimated to involve nearly 2 million Americans, the lack of federal oversight has raised questions among health officials about its classification and safety.
There were also significant increases in the combined use of kratom with other substances, which surged 1,300% over the same time period, raising concerns about the compound’s safety in poly-drug scenarios. The potential for addiction remains a key point of concern, especially with the rise of semi-synthetic products containing higher concentrations of psychoactive components.
In light of these findings, experts are calling for more comprehensive research on kratom and its effects to better inform public health strategies and regulatory approaches. “Building this evidence base is essential to promoting safe kratom use, identifying high-risk combinations of substances, and guiding public health action to prevent future health effects in this rapidly evolving drug landscape,” the authors wrote.
The rapid increase in kratom exposure cases may necessitate stronger regulations to mitigate the risks associated with its use. As the government re-evaluates its stance on kratom and its derivatives, the implications for consumers and healthcare providers are profound and ongoing.
