Kratom is a relatively new drug that is legal and very accessible. The substance is derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia with leaves that can produce effects similar to opioid drugs. It is also known as mitragyna, kratum, or ketum. Although the use of kratom has been common in certain parts of…
What Is Kratom? Kratom is a tropical tree—classified as Mitragyna speciosa—native to Southeast Asia. Consuming the leaves of kratom has psychotropic—or mind-altering—effects. Kratom leaves contain two major psychoactive compounds, which are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine. Currently, kratom is not illegal in the United States, but it is currently listed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as…