Kratom poisonings soar in US as experts blame synthetic versions and caution against bans

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a significant increase in kratom poisonings across the United States. Experts, including Walter Prozialeck, a pharmacology professor at Midwestern University, attribute this surge primarily to synthetic derivatives like 7-OH, rather than natural kratom. The report found that kratom-related poisonings increased by approximately 1,200% over the past decade, with a notable spike in 2025. This situation raises concerns that blanket bans on kratom could negatively impact individuals who use natural kratom for pain management or addiction recovery.