Kratom Guides

Kratom is the leaf of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. Its main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), act partly on opioid receptors. People report stimulant-like effects at lower amounts and sedative effects at higher amounts. Regular use can lead to dependence and withdrawal.

Kratom is not federally scheduled, but several states and some cities ban it, and others regulate it under Kratom Consumer Protection Acts. In July 2026 the DEA announced it intends to temporarily place concentrated and synthetic 7-OH products in Schedule I; botanical kratom leaf with naturally occurring 7-OH below the set threshold is excluded. Check your state’s current law before buying or using kratom.

All kratom guides

Information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using kratom, especially if you take other medication. For adults 21 and older. See our editorial policy.