I’m Kratom is often marketed as “natural” and “safe,” yet news outlets across the country continue to report hospitalizations, deaths, youth exposures, and government warnings linked to kratom and its active alkaloids. This page compiles verified media coverage to inform the public, policymakers, and families.

https://project.tampabay.com/investigations/deadly-dose/kratom-industry/

https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/20/daniel-naroditsky-chess-grandmaster-cause-of-death/

https://www.2822news.com/news/coroner-warns-of-kratoms-risks-after-deadly-overdose/

https://www.local3news.com/local-news/lawmakers-working-to-ban-kratom-in-tennessee-and-georgia/article_071dacf6-8ffe-4d2c-a3eb-8443c3150f91.html

https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2026-01-27/utah-senate-pushes-3-approaches-to-regulating-kratom-and-7-oh-ahead

https://www.drugtopics.com/view/hidden-in-plain-sight-legal-substances-putting-children-at-risk

https://thebrunswicknews.com/news/local_news/rep-townsend-takes-another-swing-at-banning-kratom/article_2f6ac7fe-1b6c-45dc-97b9-dc3027517551.html

A Montana Mom Shares her story:

https://www.krtv.com/news/great-falls-news/parent-warns-of-the-dangers-of-kratom-after-sons-death

https://joecannonhealth.libsyn.com/is-kratom-of-7-oh-safe-wendy-chamberlain-from-kratom-danger-awareness

Oklahoma Mom Tells Her Story:

https://www.newson6.com/story/68bf34959cce2fcd210ea6ee/oklahoma-mother-warns-community-after-losing-27-year-old-son-to-kratom-overdose

Columbus Mom Wanting A Ban on all Kratom Products:

https://abc6onyourside.com/on-your-side/6-on-your-side/columbus-ohio-mom-calling-for-a-ban-on-herbal-supplement-kratom-after-death-of-her-son

Springfield Mom Sues Kratom Manufacturer:

https://www.ky3.com/2025/12/03/springfield-mother-sues-kratom-companies-sons-overdose-death/

https://www.supplysidesj.com/herbs-botanicals/-embarrassing-mistake-fda-withdraws-notice-of-proposed-study-on-kratom-psychedelics

Georgia gives it another try to ban Kratom:

https://thebrunswicknews.com/news/local_news/rep-townsend-takes-another-swing-at-banning-kratom/article_2f6ac7fe-1b6c-45dc-97b9-dc3027517551.html

Kratom Prohibited in The Military:

https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2026-01-22/kratom-drug-use-navy-ban-20485637.html

https://northstarrecoverycenter.com/blog/gas-station-heroin/

https://www.freedommag.org/news/feel-free-sold-in-30-000-locations-across-us-despite-federal-seizures-organ-damage-and-hospitalizations-d1663a

https://julieroys.com/pastor-chris-reed-admits-he-was-dependent-on-drug-kratom/

https://www.instagram.com/wchamberlain11/reel/DRX8hh2kcfa/

https://newschannel9.com/news/local/debate-heats-up-in-tennessee-over-kratoms-potential-ban-and-public-health-implications

https://www.michaeldeleonblog.org/blog/when-a-tennessee-sheriff-warns-about-teens-and-kratom-every-state-should-pay-

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/vanderpump-rules-cast-member-reveals-024500608.html

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17oBTwveiT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://drugfree.org/drugs/what-is-kratom/

When Deaths Are Denied

Families were not looking for kratom to be the cause of death.

No one wants this to be the answer.

These determinations were made through formal forensic investigation by medical examiners and toxicologists, using autopsy findings, scene investigation, medical history, and certified toxicology. National public health data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warnings issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), peer-reviewed forensic literature, and professional standards established by the National Association of Medical Examiners document deaths in which mitragynine toxicity was identified as a cause or contributing cause, including cases without illicit opioids.

Denying these deaths does not change the medical record.

It only delays prevention — and puts more families at risk.

In Memory of Joseph

Joseph S. Lumbrazo, a beloved son and father, lost his life on August 30, 2020.

His death was determined by medical evidence, not assumption or denial.

Disclaimer

This content is provided for public education and awareness purposes only and is based on publicly available information from recognized medical and public health authorities. It is not intended to provide medical or legal advice.

RICKETTS’ LETTER CALLS ON FDA TO ADDRESS KRATOM SCHEDULING LOOPHOLE:

https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-letter-calls-on-fda-to-address-kratom-scheduling-loophole/

https://www.kcrg.com/2026/03/18/bill-outlawing-kratom-schedule-i-drug-passes-iowa-house/#

https://www.fox28spokane.com/spokane-valley-kratom-ban-takes-effect-today/

Department of Consumer Protection Releases Guidance for Businesses Regarding Controlled Substance Drug Schedule Updates

https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/news-releases-from-the-department-of-consumer-protection/2026-news-releases/guidance-for-businesses-regarding-controlled-substance-drug-schedule-updates?language=en_US

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/pdfs/mm7511-H.pdf

Northern Michigan Republican leads charge to ban kratom statewide

https://www.michiganpublic.org/politics-government/2026-03-24/northern-michigan-republican-leads-charge-to-ban-kratom-statewide

Another report is pulling back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes in the kratom industry — and it’s exactly what many of us have been warning about.

A federal case against a major kratom product (Feel Free) was finally moving forward…

Then suddenly — the government dropped it.

Just 10 weeks later, the company behind it wrote a $500,000 check to a political group tied to federal leadership.

Let that sink in.

Meanwhile, this same product:

Was seized by federal authorities

  • Has been linked to reports of addiction and withdrawal

  • Is still being sold nationwide in gas stations and convenience stores  

And this isn’t an isolated issue. The article describes a growing pattern:

       Companies pushing “wellness” products

       Political connections shaping enforcement decisions

      Americans left dealing with addiction, withdrawal, and harm

This is what “profits over people” looks like.

We are watching an industry:

  • Market addictive substances as “natural” and “safe”

  • Exploit regulatory gaps

  • And potentially influence policy at the highest levels

All while families are left picking up the pieces.

This is not about politics.

This is about public safety, transparency, and accountability.

How many more stories need to come out before real action is taken?

https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-hudnall/article315593616.html

💔 In memory of Joseph S. Lumbrazo

Kratom Danger Awareness, Inc.