What is Kratom and Why is It So Controversial?
If you’ve heard about kratom lately, it was probably in one of two ways: either a friend swears by it, or you saw a warning in the news. The truth? Both sides exist — but the story behind kratom is far more nuanced than headlines suggest.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a natural plant (Mitragyna speciosa) from Southeast Asia, traditionally used in countries like Indonesia and Thailand for energy, pain relief, and mood support. It comes from the same family as the coffee plant and is most commonly used in powdered leaf form or capsules.
The main active compounds in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — both naturally occurring alkaloids that interact with the body’s opioid receptors, though in a far less dangerous or addictive way than traditional narcotics.
The Controversy Explained
Kratom’s legal status has been debated in the U.S. due to its opioid-like properties and concerns about unregulated products. But the real issue isn’t kratom — it’s misinformation, adulterated and/or synthetic products, and lack of oversight. Inconsistent testing and synthetic adulterants in some products led to early safety issues.
Fortunately, the kratom community has stepped up. Thanks to third-party lab testing, GMP certification standards, and organizations like the American Kratom Association, reputable brands like 1836 Kratom now ensure clean, safe, naturally-derived kratom without contamination.
What the Science Says
Recent peer-reviewed studies — including work out of Johns Hopkins — suggest kratom may be beneficial for people struggling with pain, anxiety, or withdrawal symptoms. Unlike synthetic opioids, natural kratom does not cause respiratory depression at normal serving sizes, and overdose deaths involving pure kratom are virtually nonexistent.
The key is purity. Natural kratom, harvested, dried, and tested properly, is a safe and effective botanical when used responsibly.
Know What You’re Taking
Always choose a brand that tests every batch, discloses lab results, and operates under GMP standards. At 1836 Kratom, we believe education is just as important as efficacy — and we’re proud to support honest kratom use across the country.