Kratom Deaths Are Not Rare—And It’s Time We Stop Pretending They Are

Kratom, a plant-based substance often marketed as a “natural” remedy for pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal, has quietly become a dangerous fixture in smoke shops, gas stations, and online marketplaces across the United States. Proponents claim it’s safe. Some even say deaths linked to kratom are rare. But let’s be clear: that is not what our nation’s leading health agencies have said.

Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) have expressed growing concern about kratom’s safety, particularly its potential for abuse, addiction, and fatal consequences. In multiple public advisories, the FDA has explicitly linked kratom-containing products to dozens of deaths. In fact, as early as 2018, the FDA reported 44 deaths associated with kratom, some involving pure mitragynine—the primary active compound in the substance.

These are not isolated cases. In the years since, toxicology reports, lawsuits, and grieving families have steadily added to the list of lives lost to this unregulated and deceptively marketed substance.

Despite this, kratom vendors and advocacy groups continue to push the narrative that deaths from kratom are “rare” or that the plant is being unfairly targeted. This is a dangerous misrepresentation. While kratom may not be involved in fatalities on the same scale as fentanyl or heroin, that does not mean the lives lost are negligible. Behind every kratom-related death is a person—often young and otherwise healthy—who did not expect a plant sold over the counter to be lethal.

Notably, neither the FDA nor NIDA has used the word “rare” to describe kratom deaths. Instead, they emphasize the need for caution, additional research, and regulatory oversight. The FDA warns that kratom has “opioid-like properties” and can lead to “serious health consequences,” including seizures, liver damage, and death. NIDA acknowledges its potential for addiction and notes that its effects can mimic those of narcotics.

Even more troubling is the likelihood that kratom deaths are underreported. Many coroners and medical examiners do not routinely test for mitragynine in toxicology screenings, meaning the true number of deaths may be significantly higher than current data reflects. Families who’ve lost loved ones to kratom often find themselves having to fight just to have mitragynine listed on the death certificate.

So why the confusion? A major part of the problem is the way kratom is marketed—as a dietary supplement, not a drug. This regulatory gray area allows vendors to sell kratom with little oversight, no quality controls, and no warnings about its potential risks. Many consumers have no idea that the “natural” powder or capsule they’re taking could interact with medications, suppress respiration, or lead to addiction.

It’s time to stop minimizing the danger. Whether it’s one life or a thousand, each kratom-related death is a tragedy that could have been prevented with proper regulation, education, and accountability.

Conclusion:

In summary, both the FDA and NIDA have raised concerns about the safety of kratom, especially regarding its potential for abuse, addiction, and serious health risks. While the exact number of kratom-related deaths may be relatively low compared to other substances, neither agency has characterized these deaths as rare. Instead, they emphasize the importance of caution and further research into kratom’s effects and safety profile.

The narrative that “kratom deaths are rare” is not only false—it’s deadly.