What Is Kratom?

Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, is the name of a leaf from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain two major active chemicals that affect the brain: mitragynine and 7 hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

At low doses, kratom can produce stimulant effects that give people energy. At higher doses, it can produce opioid-like effects that may cause relaxation and sedation.

7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), when concentrated, acts like a powerful opioid and binds to the same brain receptors involved in addiction, overdose, and dependence.

Because kratom and 7-OH products are unregulated, they may cause addiction, serious health harms, withdrawal symptoms, overdose, and death.

As of October 2025, the sale of 7-OH products is prohibited statewide, with product embargoes enacted under California’s Health and Safety Code.

Kratom products are often marketed as “natural”
remedies for pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal.
However, kratom is not approved by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration for any medical use. The DEA has
also listed kratom as a Drug and Chemical of Concern.

There is no known safe dose of kratom. Effects vary
widely between products, and contamination is
common.