GLOBALKRATOM.ORG · Evidence-based CDC report for clinicians, journalists, and families
DEA 7-OH rulemaking: comment guide | law enforcement comment guide | pharmacy comment guide
Whole‑Leaf Kratom · Not Just Synthetics

Banning 7‑OH Alone Won't Protect Families.
Natural Kratom Causes Real Harm.

This library compiles peer‑reviewed evidence, FDA reports, and CDC case studies documenting the dangers of unregulated whole‑leaf kratom – dependence, withdrawal, liver injury, cardiac arrest, and deaths.

MISSION

We advocate for evidence‑based policy that protects public health, informs lawmakers, and prevents harm from unregulated kratom – including natural whole leaf products, not just high‑potency extracts.

Kratom leaf - whole leaf harms
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Natural Leaf vs Extracts:
What Policymakers Should Know

Even before high‑potency 7‑OH extracts emerged, whole‑leaf kratom was associated with severe outcomes, contamination, and healthcare burden. Understanding the full market matters for effective regulation.

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South Carolina State Representative Rutherford
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"The FDA didn't ban it!"
– South Carolina State Representative Rutherford

Despite decades of documented harms, whole‑leaf kratom remains unregulated. Learn why federal action has stalled – and what can still be done.

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KEY PUBLIC HEALTH INDICATORS

Federal and poison-center surveillance signals

Data from national systems tracking kratom-related harms, exposures, and adverse events.
CDC
CDC SUDORS
1,151
Kratom/mitragynine detected in overdose deaths in 2023 across participating jurisdictions.
2020–2024 range: 866 to 1,151 annual detections
America's Poison Centers
AMERICA'S POISON CENTERS
14,449
Poison center exposure reports involving kratom from 2011–2023.
National Poison Data System surveillance
FDA
FDA FAERS
1,470
FAERS adverse-event reports associated with kratom/mitragynine.
Includes 722 death outcomes and 370 hospitalizations

The Issues

Scientific evidence shows significant public health risks from whole‑leaf kratom and its alkaloids.

Liver injury

Liver Injury

Cases of cholestatic injury, liver failure, and transplant linked to kratom use. Recovery often occurs after cessation (NIH LiverTox).

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Pregnancy risk

Pregnancy & Neonatal Risk

Evidence of neonatal withdrawal, limited safety data, and potential harm to developing infants.

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Youth exposure
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Youth & College Exposure

Increasing use among adolescents and college students fueled by aggressive marketing and easy access.

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Contamination

Product Contamination

Heavy metals, microbes, pesticides, adulterants, and variable potency found in many products (FDA lab data).

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Lawmaker policy resources
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For Lawmakers:
Better Policy Saves Lives

Outdated laws and lack of enforcement leave families vulnerable. We provide the data, documents, and expert analysis needed to protect communities. (State Laws Summary)

Resources for Lawmakers →
Policy news
Policy

States Move to Protect Families as Kratom-Related Harms Rise

May 8, 2026
Reddit user reports
User Reports

Does Pure Leaf Kratom Get You High? A Review of Reddit User Reports

June 6, 2026
FDA clinical trial
Clinical Trial

Does Pure Leaf Kratom Get You High? Part II – The FDA-Sponsored Human Trial

June 29, 2026
Florida 7-OH
Regulation

Florida Raises 7‑OH Limit 2.5× Despite Declaring "Imminent Hazard"

June 25, 2026
Pinney's Plan
Policy Analysis

Pinney's Plan. DEA's Policy. – How an Industry-Linked Strategy Became Federal Policy

July 9, 2026
Whole-leaf kratom dependence analysis
Policy Analysis

Connecticut Consumer Accounts Reveal Severe Whole‑Leaf Kratom Dependence

July 17, 2026
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We are mothers, families, clinicians, and concerned citizens united to end preventable harm.Whole‑leaf kratom is not a harmless botanical. Real oversight, testing, and enforcement can save lives.