Is kratom a miracle cure? Is it an illegal drug? The truth is that it’s neither! Kratom is a botanical supplement made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, like many natural wellness products from Eastern culture, kratom is often misunderstood. 

Kratom misinformation is common. Because kratom is relatively new to the United States and formal research is still lacking, many believe that it’s in the same category as illicit substances. On the other side, some kratom proponents also drastically overstate its benefits and make health claims that aren’t currently backed by science.

So, what’s the truth about kratom? In this article, we’ll clear up the kratom misinformation you may have heard. We’ll also offer some tips to help you talk about kratom with family and friends who may have questions about its safety and efficacy. 

Kratom is Not Illegal

The most common kratom misinformation centers around its legality. Some people falsely believe that kratom is an illegal drug like heroin or cocaine. While some individual states and counties have banned kratom, it is not regulated at the federal level. In other words, the US federal government does not consider kratom an illegal substance.

In the United States, illegal drugs are classified under the Controlled Substances Act. Although the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has voiced concerns about kratom and listed it as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern,” kratom products remain federally unregulated. 

The Food and Drug Administration, meanwhile, considers kratom a “new dietary ingredient,” which requires more scientific data. It has not approved kratom (or its active ingredients) for any medicinal use in the United States. The agency is continuing to evaluate research and safety information about kratom.

However, due in part to the misinformation circulating about kratom, some regions have voted to prohibit or restrict its use. To learn about kratom laws in your state, visit the American Kratom Association’s interactive map.

Other Kratom Misinformation Myths

In addition to questions about legality, it’s also common to hear kratom misinformation, such as:

Myth: It’s a Synthetic Drug

Synthetic drugs, also known as “new psychoactive substances” or NSPs, are artificial compounds that aim to mimic the effects of illicit controlled substances without the same chemical composition. Producers create synthetic drugs to bypass legal restrictions and drug testing. However, these compounds are often very dangerous and may be adulterated with other harmful drugs like fentanyl. 

Fact: Kratom is Natural

Although some states include kratom in legislation to ban synthetic drugs, this is an unfair designation. As long as you are purchasing kratom from a reputable vendor that tests for contaminants, it’s 100% pure and natural. Kratom is made from leaves, not chemicals in a lab. 

Myth: There Are No Kratom Safety Standards

As discussed previously, kratom products are not federally regulated. They are not currently subject to FDA inspections or government safety standards. Unfortunately, some malicious suppliers “cut corners.” They may sell kratom that’s spoiled, contaminated, or potentially adulterated with harmful artificial ingredients. This is cause for concern that the kratom industry takes very seriously.

Fact: Industry Leaders Have GMP Certification

While the United States government doesn’t currently impose safety standards for kratom products, many leaders within the kratom industry are working hard to self-regulate. The American Kratom Association has created a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) program with rigorous requirements. Vendors who receive AKA-GMP Certification (like us!) sell the highest quality products that are pure, ethically sourced, and tested by a third-party lab to screen for contaminants.

Myth: Kratom is a “Miracle Cure”

Some kratom misinformation is positive in tone yet still inaccurate or misleading. Many people who try kratom say that it changes their lives. Social media and forums like Reddit are full of positive user testimonials, with individuals making numerous unverified health claims about kratom. Untrustworthy vendors may also exaggerate the potential benefits of kratom.

Fact: More Research is Needed

Individual anecdotes are no substitute for peer-reviewed studies. Unfortunately, there isn’t very much scientific data to confirm or deny the health benefits of kratom or its alkaloids. However, the limited research that does exist suggests that kratom may have therapeutic potential. Hopefully, kratom advocacy will prevail and create a path for more research funding to examine its possible medical use.

Tips for Talking About Kratom

Have you or someone you love benefited from using kratom? If so, consider sharing your story and speaking up to help dispel these common kratom myths. But as with any controversial subject, changing someone’s mind about kratom may feel daunting. 

Here are some tips for talking about kratom with people who may not share your point of view:

• Listen and Ask Questions: Don’t just bombard your opponent with information. Listen to their perspective and ask questions to understand their concerns. 

• Have a Conversation, Not a Fight: Don’t try to “win.” Instead, find common ground and establish a friendly rapport. If someone truly believes kratom is dangerous, you probably won’t change their opinion immediately, but you can plant a seed to help them have a more open mind.

• Share Resources: Offer to share links to trusted, reliable sources like the American Kratom Association or Kratom Science.

• Tell Your Story: Why do you love kratom? Do you feel that it’s made a positive impact on your life? Talk about it! Often, real human stories are the most effective way to change someone’s mind about a contentious issue.

• Take a Break: Remember that it’s okay to hit the pause button. If the conversation gets too heated, you can always walk away and return to it later.

At Joe’s Botanicals, we believe that kratom helps many people lead a more fulfilling life when used responsibly. For the purest, highest quality kratom that’s AKA-GMP Certified, shop Joe’s Botanicals today.