Kratom industry warns synthetic opioids should not be called 'kratom'

The American Kratom Association (AKA) asserts that products found near two deceased Ole Miss students were synthetic opioids, not natural kratom, distinguishing them from a plant with a long history of traditional use. AKA spokesperson Mac Haddow argues that these chemically altered substances, which contain synthetic opioids like pseudoindoxyl and MGM-15(DHM), are mischaracterized and should be regulated or banned, unlike natural kratom. The association advocates for enforcing existing regulations to ban synthetic products and protect the natural leaf, emphasizing that natural kratom is not dangerous and has potential health benefits.

• The American Kratom Association (AKA) states that products found near two deceased Ole Miss students were synthetic opioids, not natural kratom.
• Spokesperson Mac Haddow clarified that the recovered products were chemically manipulated opioids, not natural kratom leaf.
• The AKA distinguishes between natural kratom, used for centuries in Southeast Asia, and synthetically altered versions that pose risks.
• The association is advocating for the banning of synthetic products and the protection of natural kratom leaf.
• Haddow criticized the mischaracterization of these synthetic opioids as ‘kratom’ and called for the enforcement of existing regulations.
• The Mississippi Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) regulates kratom sales, prohibiting certain adulterated or high-potency products.
• The FDA has previously issued import alerts and the DEA considered scheduling kratom alkaloids, both in response to concerns about concentrated and modified kratom products.
• The AKA supports state regulations including testing, labeling, and age restrictions (21 and up) for kratom products.