Residents of North Idaho are being advised to stay away from kratom products. The warning comes from the Panhandle Health District, which has noticed a troubling rise in local deaths linked to this unregulated drug available at convenience stores.
Dr. Gregory Pennock, the health district’s medical director, highlighted that kratom, especially a potent form known as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), is becoming a significant issue both in Northern Idaho and across the country. While the exact details of the local deaths haven’t been shared, they indicate a concerning trend.
Kratom is derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It is typically crushed into a powder and can be brewed as a tea or taken as a pill. Although it isn’t classified as an opioid, it interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, leading to effects similar to those of opioids. Notably, 7-OH is a more concentrated and potent version found in some kratom products.
Currently, kratom and its derivatives are not regulated at the federal or state levels in Idaho and Washington. Last year, Spokane’s mayor proposed a citywide ban on kratom, but the decision was postponed as further regulation discussions were underway.
The health district emphasized the potential dangers of kratom and 7-OH, warning that concentrated forms could lead to severe health issues, including seizures and even addiction. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and agitation.
The advisory urges residents to steer clear of kratom and especially 7-OH. Users are encouraged to report any adverse reactions and seek medical help for withdrawal symptoms or addiction. The situation has sparked debates among business owners, like Gina Rogers, who runs a store selling kratom products. She feels that the warning could unfairly categorize kratom and synthetic variations together and advocates for clearer regulations that differentiate between them.
Rogers supports state regulations on kratom and calls for a ban on 7-OH, believing that completely banning natural kratom could negatively impact responsible users in the community.
On the other hand, former kratom user Emily Beutler, a resident of Coeur d’Alene, argues that the warning is necessary. She has observed many in the area struggling with kratom addiction, noting that even people without previous addiction issues can find themselves in trouble. Since overcoming her own struggles, Beutler is now working on a supplement to help others facing kratom withdrawal.
Recent data has shown that the number of kratom users in the U.S. has increased significantly in the past decade. According to a survey by the National Institutes of Health, about 10% of Americans reported trying kratom in some form, with many using it for pain relief or to manage anxiety. However, the community impact of kratom use, particularly concerning addiction and withdrawal, cannot be overlooked.
As kratom continues to generate debate, it’s clear that a nuanced understanding of both its benefits and risks is essential for informed decision-making. Informed discussions and regulations could help mitigate its negative effects on communities while allowing responsible use to persist.
