Kratom Poisonings Spike, Raising Health Concerns

CDC reports dramatic 1,200% increase in kratom exposure reports to poison control centers over 10 years

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:11pm

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A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report has found a dramatic spike in kratom-related exposure reports to U.S. poison control centers, with the number of cases soaring by approximately 1,200% between 2015 and 2025. The FDA has warned that kratom, an herbal supplement used for pain relief and to treat opioid withdrawal, can pose serious health risks like liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in kratom use and poisonings highlights growing concerns about the safety and regulation of this herbal supplement, which is currently uncontrolled at the federal level and banned in only a handful of states. As kratom becomes more popular, especially among younger demographics, public health officials are urging caution about the potential dangers.

The details

The CDC report found that kratom exposure reports jumped from 258 in 2015 to 3,434 in 2025, a 1,200% increase. In total, there were 14,449 kratom-related exposure reports over the 10-year period. The report noted that the dramatic rise in 2025 corresponded with the emergence of high-potency, semi-synthetic kratom products. Men accounted for the majority of cases, making up around two-thirds to three-quarters of reported exposures.

  • Between 2015 and 2025, the number of kratom exposure reports to U.S. poison control centers soared by approximately 1,200%.
  • In 2025, there were 3,434 kratom exposure reports, a sharp increase from 258 reports in 2015.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The U.S. public health agency that conducted the study on the spike in kratom-related poisonings.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The federal agency that has warned the public about the health risks of using kratom, an herbal supplement that is not approved for medical use.

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What’s next

Several states, including Minnesota, are considering further restrictions or bans on kratom in response to the growing public health concerns. Minnesota lawmakers are considering raising the minimum age to purchase kratom from 18 to 21 and classifying it as a Schedule II controlled substance, which would require a prescription.

The takeaway

The spike in kratom-related poisonings underscores the need for greater regulation and oversight of this herbal supplement, which is currently uncontrolled at the federal level. As kratom use becomes more widespread, particularly among younger demographics, public health officials are warning about the serious potential health risks associated with the drug.