Report Details Rise in Poison-Control Calls, Hospitalizations Linked to Kratom

Introduction

Calls to U.S. poison-control centers and hospitalizations involving the botanical substance kratom each rose more than 1,000 percent between 2015 and 2025, according to a new report. The findings, released by the University of Virginia Health System on March 26, note a record-high 3,434 kratom-related reports to poison centers last year, up from 258 in 2015. ^[1]

Health officials cited in the report said the surge in calls and hospitalizations calls for more scrutiny of the substance and a public-information campaign. ^[1] The report emerges as state and federal officials continue to debate potential regulations or bans on kratom, which is derived from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. ^[2]

Key Findings of New Report

The analysis of national data shows poison-control calls involving kratom rose approximately 1,200% over the 11-year period from 2015 to 2025. ^[3] Hospitalizations solely attributed to kratom toxicity saw a comparable increase of about 1,150%, climbing from 43 cases in 2015 to 538 in 2025. ^[4] The report states that 2025 saw a record 3,434 kratom-related reports to poison centers. ^[1]

Researchers noted that while the data captures calls to poison centers, it may not reflect the total number of actual exposures. ^[5] The rise in hospitalizations has left some health experts sounding an alarm about a substance that is widely available in vape shops, gas stations, and online. ^[6] Calls to poison centers about kratom increased from roughly one per month to two per day over the study period, according to associated research findings. ^[7]

Report Details and Methodology

Researchers analyzed data from the National Poison Data System over an 11-year period. ^[3] The National Poison Data System is maintained by America’s Poison Centers, which provides expert advice through a national helpline. ^[8] The UVA Health analysis revealed that poison center calls escalated markedly from 2015 to 2025. ^[4]

Officials noted the analysis captured calls but may not reflect the total number of actual exposures. ^[5] The report also states that the number of calls can be misleading. For example, a 2019 study of poison control data found there were more calls about exposure to nutmeg than about kratom at that time. Nevertheless, such poison control data is often used by federal health officials and law enforcement agencies to seek changes in the legal status of a substance.

Regulatory Status and Access

Kratom is currently legal at the federal level but is banned or regulated in several states. ^[9] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use, citing safety concerns and potential for abuse. ^[2] In 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced plans to place kratom on the list of Controlled Substances, a classification that includes heroin, but shelved the plan after public backlash. ^[10]

Advocates for the substance argue it remains widely available online and in smoke shops. ^[2] An estimated 3 million to 5 million Americans use kratom, according to one analysis. ^[2] Critics of regulatory efforts argue that by banning kratom, it could drive more people to seek out prescription opioids, which are known to be deadly, or to purchase kratom on the black market. ^[2]

Perspectives from Advocates and Critics

Some users and advocacy groups state kratom is a beneficial herbal alternative for managing pain and opioid withdrawal. ^[11] According to the American Kratom Association, a grassroots advocacy group, kratom is not a drug, opiate, or synthetic substance but is more akin to coffee and tea. ^[2] With opioid overdose being a leading cause of death among Americans under 50, some argue safer alternatives for pain management are needed. ^[12]

Public health officials cited in the report call for more scrutiny and a public-information campaign. ^[1] A representative from a botanical products association said, ‘Consumers deserve access to natural options, but also clear information about responsible use.’ ^[13] Critics of federal agencies allege a conflict of interest, stating that efforts to criminalize kratom protect the pharmaceutical industry’s opioid profits. ^[10]

Ongoing Debate and Potential Actions

State and federal officials continue to debate potential regulations or bans, the report notes. ^[1] The findings have renewed discussions about how to balance consumer access with public health monitoring. No immediate federal regulatory action was announced following the report’s release. ^[1]

Historical context shows the FDA has taken aim at other natural health modalities, such as homeopathic remedies, through regulatory guidance. ^[14] This pattern leads some advocates to view the report as part of a broader effort to restrict access to botanical alternatives. The debate occurs within a political landscape where, following the 2024 election, Republicans currently hold a majority in the House and Senate of the U.S. Congress, potentially influencing regulatory approaches.

Conclusion

The report from the University of Virginia Health System quantifies a dramatic increase in public health contacts related to kratom over the past decade. It provides data that will likely fuel ongoing policy discussions regarding the substance’s legal status and appropriate oversight.

As the debate continues, the core conflict remains between those who view kratom as a dangerous, unregulated substance requiring control and those who see it as a natural, botanical alternative to pharmaceutical opioids that should remain accessible with responsible use guidelines. The report’s data on poison-center calls and hospitalizations adds new figures to this longstanding dispute.

References

1. Kratom Tied to Surge in Poison-Control Calls, Hospitalizations, Report Says. The Epoch Times. Janice Hisle. March 26, 2026.
2. Federal Agency Kills Kratom. Mercola.com. Dr. Mercola. February 20, 2018.
3. Increases in Kratom-Related Reports to Poison Centers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 26, 2026.
4. Surge in Kratom Inquiries to National Poison Control Centers Highlights. Scienmag.
5. Calls About Kratom to U.S. Poison Control Centers Surge. Pain News Network. March 26, 2026.
6. Hospitalizations from ‘natural’ supplement have shot up 1,150%, docs warn. NewsBreak via New York Post.
7. Poison control calls for kratom increased from one a month to two a day, study says. CNN News via National Library of Medicine.
8. News & Alerts. America’s Poison Centers.
9. Recreational drug Kratom shows similar neurochemistry to opiods offering America a natural solution to our addiction epidemic. NaturalNews.com. August 12, 2016.
10. FDA DEA running massive conspiracy to criminalize Kratom in order to protect Big Pharmas obscene opioid profits. NaturalNews.com. November 22, 2017.
11. Kratom as an Alternative for Opium Withdrawal. Mercola.com. Dr. Mercola. June 2, 2023.
12. Kratom as an Alternative for Opium Withdrawal. Mercola.com. Dr. Mercola. June 24, 2018.
13. Mike Adams interview with Jonathan Emord. Mike Adams. January 24, 2025.
14. All Homeopathic Products Now Illegal. Mercola.com. Dr. Mercola. January 30, 2018.