Kratom is a plant-based psychoactive substance that causes dose-dependent stimulant and opioid-like effects. In recent years, kratom-based vape products have become increasingly available and popular in US stores. These products can result in serious and potentially life-threatening risks, along with the risk of addiction and dependence.
- Kratom can be used in various methods, including chewing leaves, ingesting a brewed tea or dried powder capsules, or smoking a vape containing kratom compounds.
- Kratom vapes can pose a high risk of addiction, overdose, and severe health issues.
- Kratom vapes often contain high concentrations of the kratom compound 7-hydroxymitragynine, which makes them much more dangerous than natural kratom products.
Understanding kratom vaping
Kratom is a substance derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa. The substance is consumed by chewing the leaves, brewing into tea, consuming capsules of dried powder, smoking, or vaping. The plant is indigenous to Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries for its analgesic and stimulant properties. [1]
In recent decades, it has become more popular in the West, such as in the United States, where it can be bought legally in most states. It is often marketed as a herbal tincture or dietary supplement. In recent years, kratom or kratom-based products have increasingly been sold within vape and tobacco stores. [1][2]
These stores often sell products such as flavored tobacco or vape juices, along with alternative products to use in vapes, such as kratom and THC. Kratom contains the psychoactive components mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), the latter of which has been increasing in popularity as a recreational drug and is often found in kratom-based vape products in high concentrations. [2]
There is currently a limited amount of data and scientific research available regarding the use of kratom, and particularly of kratom vaping. As this method of kratom use becomes increasingly popular, research into its effects, risks, and prevalence is increasing. [1][2][3]
Desired effects of kratom vaping
People who vape kratom products may seek several short-term effects related to the plant’s stimulant and opioid-like properties. Reported desired effects can include:: [1][4]
- Increased energy
- Enhanced mood (though people experience irritability, anxiety, and paranoia, especially in higher doses)
- Pain relief
- Anti-anxiety effects
These effects depend on the dose, individual sensitivity, and the concentration of kratom alkaloids in the product.
Health risks of vaping kratom
Kratom vape products, including those containing 7-OH, can cause serious health risks. Many of which are similar to the risks posed by opioids, in particular, the risk of respiratory depression. Other reported adverse effects include: [1][2][4]
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Constipation
- Seizures
- Tolerance, dependence, and addiction
Additionally, there are increased risks of kratom vape use when administered alongside other substances. For example, using kratom vape products alongside other substances can increase the risk of overdose, respiratory depression, and seizure. [1]
As research into kratom vaping continues, currently unknown risks may be discovered. For example, there may be risks of kratom vaping similar to those of other vape products, such as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury) or “popcorn lung”.
Addiction and dependence risks
Kratom, and particularly its psychoactive compound 7-OH, are addictive substances. Anyone using kratom vape products may be at risk of developing a physical dependence, tolerance, or addiction to the substance. [2][3]
Kratom vapes containing high concentrations of 7-OH may pose particularly high risks of addiction, drug interactions, and overdose. Minimal research exists that assesses the risks and comparative effects of pure kratom, concentrated extracts, and other kratom-based products that are available in shops to ingest or vape. [2][3]
These products are unregulated and, as such, are often marketed and advertised in misleading ways, causing unaware consumers to be placed at greater risk of adverse effects, addiction, and dependence. [3][5]
Vaping kratom vs. Traditional methods
The following table compares some of the available kratom products, including 7-OH kratom vapes, extracts, and natural leaf preparations: [2][3][5][6]
| Method | Onset of effects | Potency | Risks compared to other kratom products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kratom vape (most often containing high concentrations of 7-OH) | Within seconds or minutes | Far more potent than other preparations (The plant contains around 2% concentrations of 7-OH, while vapes contain semi-synthetic 7-OH at significantly higher concentrations of up to 98%). | The highest risk of addiction, health issues, and overdose, as well as risks of unknown concentrations and contents. |
| Extracts | Around 15 minutes | Fairly high, up to 60% concentration of 7-OH. | Higher risk than natural preparations. |
| Ingesting capsules or leaves (natural preparations) | 30-45 minutes | Mild to moderate. | Lowest risk, although it can still result in addiction and health issues. |
Is kratom vape legal?
Kratom is legal to sell and purchase in most US states. However, it is on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Drugs and Chemicals of Concern list. It is not approved for marketing and sale by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a dietary supplement, although it is often sold as such. The FDA has recommended that 7-OH be placed under the Controlled Substances Act as a scheduled substance. Kratom vapes are not illegal nationwide, although each state’s law varies. [1]
Harm reduction and safer alternatives
The kratom vapes that are most widely available in US vape and smoking stores are often high-concentration 7-OH products. These vapes carry a significantly higher risk of adverse effects, overdose, and addiction than natural kratom products. [3][5]
As such, people who wish to use kratom products may be able to reduce their potential risks by aiming to find lower concentrations of 7-OH products or by utilizing natural kratom products, such as vaporizing the leaves of the plant or ingesting capsules of dried powder kratom.
However, the only way to avoid all risks associated with kratom use, whether by ingestion or vaping, is to avoid these products altogether. Because kratom is not a regulated substance, incorrect or misleading marketing can be and is used, causing those who utilize the products to be unaware of the real potency and danger of the product. [3]
When to get help
People using kratom-based vape products may wish to seek professional advice and support if they notice any of the following:
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on kratom vape products.
- Using kratom vapes more frequently than intended.
- Struggling to cut down or stop using kratom vapes.
- Continuing to vape kratom products despite physical or mental harm.
- Impaired social, professional, or personal functioning due to kratom vaping.
A medical professional can provide guidance and referral to appropriate services that can help reduce and stop kratom use.
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