New Kratom Documentary Sparks National Health Debate

Mountainside Treatment Center says film is a defining cultural moment in the public discussion around the controversial herbal supplement.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structure of kratom leaves, conceptually representing the ongoing scientific and medical discussion around this controversial substance.A new documentary film explores the complex public health debate surrounding the herbal supplement kratom.NYC Today

A new documentary film about the herbal supplement kratom has sparked a national conversation around the substance's potential health benefits and risks. Mountainside, a leading addiction treatment center, says the film represents a defining cultural moment in the ongoing public debate over kratom and its role in the opioid crisis.

Why it matters

Kratom is a botanical substance derived from a Southeast Asian tree that some claim can help with pain relief and opioid withdrawal, but it remains controversial due to concerns about its addictive properties and potential health risks. The new documentary aims to shed light on the complex issues surrounding kratom and its place in the national conversation around public health and addiction treatment.

The details

The documentary, titled "Kratom: The Forgotten Leaf," explores the history, uses, and ongoing regulatory battles around kratom in the United States. It features interviews with kratom users, researchers, and public health officials on both sides of the debate. Mountainside, which operates addiction treatment centers across the country, says the film represents an important step in fostering a more nuanced public dialogue around kratom and its role in addressing the opioid epidemic.

  • The documentary "Kratom: The Forgotten Leaf" was released on April 1, 2026.

The players

Mountainside

A leading addiction treatment center that operates facilities across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“This documentary is a defining cultural moment in the national conversation around kratom and its role in addressing the opioid crisis.”

— Bill Staples, Chief Medical Officer, Mountainside

What’s next

Mountainside says it plans to use the documentary as a springboard for further public education and policy discussions around kratom and addiction treatment.

The takeaway

The new kratom documentary highlights the complex and controversial nature of this herbal supplement, sparking a national debate around its potential benefits and risks in the ongoing fight against opioid addiction.