A Page For
Consumers

Your Home for Information

Welcome to the Global Kratom
Coalition’s Consumer Hub.

Your trusted resource for all things related to leaf kratom. Whether you are a new or experienced user, our goal is to empower you with accurate, science-backed information and a supportive community. Here, you’ll find everything you need to make informed decisions about your health and wellness, understand the evolving regulatory landscape, and connect with fellow advocates. We are committed to ensuring your voice is heard and that you have access to safe, high-quality leaf kratom.

Many Voices in
the Conversation

The Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC) was established by the GKC to bring together a wide range of voices and perspectives to foster a balanced dialogue about leaf kratom. The council is dedicated to promoting responsible use, shaping informed policies, and advancing scientific understanding. By engaging with policymakers and promoting education, the KCAC works to align public perception with scientific evidence.

Meet the KCAC

The KCAC is a council composed of diverse individuals led by Chairman Dr. C. Michael White and includes members like David Bregger, who advocates for safer regulations after a personal tragedy; Dijon Evans, who found pain relief through kratom; and Brendan Johnson, who used kratom to overcome opioid dependence. Their unique stories ensure that a broad spectrum of experiences is represented.

How to Join

The KCAC aims to unify stakeholders, champion balanced regulations, and enhance consumer safety. We invite you to contribute your perspective and get involved in our mission.

Learn About Kratom 

An in-depth educational course on the pharmacology, chemistry, and safety of kratom. Dr. Erin Berthold leads five comprehensive modules designed to provide evidence-based knowledge about kratom’s effects, metabolism, and interactions.

Dr. Erin Berthold

Dr. Erin Berthold is a research scientist specializing in plant biochemistry and pharmacology. With a PhD investigating kratom’s interactions with cannabidiol in preclinical models of pain and addiction, she brings expert insights into the science of kratom.

Pharmacodynamics of Leaf Kratom
Learn how leaf kratom’s diverse alkaloids act as a symphony, interacting with your body’s receptors to produce effects. Learn More
Pharmacokinetics of Leaf Kratom
Explore the four-step journey of how your body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and ultimately eliminates leaf kratom’s compounds. Learn More
Not All Kratom Is Equal
Learn critical differences between leaf, extracts, and synthetic derivatives to understand how formulation influences effects and safety. Learn More
Kratom Interactions
Discover how kratom interacts with medications and other substances and why consulting a healthcare professional is vital. Learn More
Leaf Kratom Product Labeling
Learn the essential components of a proper kratom label, including alkaloid content and warnings for informed decisions. Learn More

Insights from the Community:
Understanding the Consumer

Data tells the real story of the leaf kratom consumer. Explore the findings from national surveys that shed light on who uses leaf kratom, why they use it, and their views on regulation.

2024 National Consumer Survey

Key findings from a survey of 1,000 U.S. kratom consumers reveal:

  • Demographics
  • Reasons for Use
  • Consumer Experiences

 

Louisiana
Voter Poll

  • A clear majority (51%) oppose classifying leaf kratom as a Schedule 1 substance.
  • Voters make a sharp distinction between leaf kratom and synthetic derivatives, with 53% favoring a ban on such lab-made products.
  • The data indicates a public demand for intelligent regulation rather than outright prohibition

Navigating the
Regulatory World:
Your Rights and the Law

The legal status of leaf kratom is continually evolving. This section provides the information and tools you need to stay informed about the laws in your area and the history that shapes them.

  • Interactive Regulation Map: Use our comprehensive U.S. map to find state-by-state details on legality, age restrictions, and specific regulations under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).
  • The Evolution of Leaf Kratom: Explore a visual timeline of leaf kratom’s journey, from its traditional use in Southeast Asia to its introduction in the U.S. and key advocacy milestones. Learn about significant events like the DEA’s withdrawn attempt to schedule kratom in 2016, the first KCPA in Utah in 2019, and the formation of the Global Kratom Coalition in 2023.

Real Stories, Real Impact:
Share Your Leaf Kratom Journey

The heart of our community lies in the powerful, personal experiences of those who use leaf kratom. Here, we invite you to explore stories of improved well-being and to contribute your own, helping to shape a more informed understanding of this remarkable plant.

A Success Story,
Dijon Evans

A survivor of chronic pain from complex regional pain syndrome, neuralgia, and multiple organ failure, Dijon’s journey was marked by surgeries, complications, and the loss of a limb. After traditional pain management options failed, Dijon found hope in leaf kratom, which provided relief and restored a sense of purpose, enabling a life once thought impossible.

Tell the World!

Your story is a powerful tool in educating policymakers and the public, reflecting the common uses reported in surveys, including for mood enhancement, focus, and energy. Share your testimonial to help us advocate for continued safe and legal access to natural leaf kratom for all.

Your Comprehensive Resource Library

Navigate effortlessly between General, Scientific, Legal and Regulatory and Product Safety resources— with just a single click. Join the fight against misinformation by sharing fascinating facts you discover. Simply hit ‘Download’ to receive the knowledge and invite others to explore our rich repository of information!

  • pdf
    2024 Kratom Consumer Survey
    This survey review offers key insights into the kratom user base, revealing who they are, why they use kratom, and their perspectives on its health effects.
  • pdf
    The Evolution of Kratom: A Historical Timeline
    An infographic tracing kratom’s journey from its traditional origins in Southeast Asia to its current complex legal and political landscape in the United States.
  • pdf
    Not All Kratom Is Equal
    An infographic of clear visual guide comparing the potency, history, alkaloid sources, and common product forms of leaf kratom, kratom extract, and synthetic 7.
  • pdf
    The Differences Between Kratom Products
    A detailed diagram visual comparison of leaf kratom, extracts, and synthetic “kratom,” highlighting distinctions in their market entry, alkaloid profiles, and appropriate regulatory approaches.
  • pdf
    Kratom Safety, Taxonomy, and Regulation
    Provides a general overview of kratom, addressing common confusion between product types and outlining the GKC’s goals for a safe and regulated marketplace.
  • pdf
    2024 FDA Study: Kratom Dosing & Safety Results
    A summary of an FDA-commissioned study that found controlled servings of dried leaf kratom were generally well-tolerated and resulted in no serious adverse events.
  • pdf
    FDA Pilot Study: Updates on Kratom Alkaloid Research
    A presentation from the FDA detailing updates on its pilot dose-finding study of kratom alkaloids, including study design, preliminary observations, and next steps.
  • pdf
    Scientists’ Statement on 7-OH and MGPI Products
    A statement from leading scientists clarifying that products with high amounts of 7-OH and MGPI are synthetic and do not constitute natural kratom.
  • pdf
    Scientific Statement on Kratom Products
    An overview by scientists covering the history of kratom use, its current regulatory status, and the scientific understanding of its effects in the United States.
  • pdf
    Comprehensive Report on Substance Use Disorders
    A detailed analysis comparing the prevalence, severity, and symptoms of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) associated with kratom, caffeine, alcohol, opioids, and other substances.
  • pdf
    The Science of Leaf Kratom: Psychoactive Effects
    This document reviews scientific evidence on leaf kratom’s effects, refuting claims about cognitive impairment and abuse potential while clarifying its atypical opioid profile.
  • pdf
    2024 FDA Pilot Study on Kratom Dose Response
    Details of the FDA’s pilot study evaluating the effects, safety, and pharmacokinetics of orally administered botanical kratom in non-dependent, recreational polydrug users.
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  • pdf
    Congressional Letter to the FDA on Kratom
    A letter from members of Congress to the FDA expressing concerns about mislabeled kratom products and requesting information on consumer protection measures.
  • pdf
    GKC Letter to FDA on Public Safety Guidance
    A letter from the Global Kratom Coalition to the FDA, expressing a desire to collaborate on public safety guidance for kratom products and regulatory approaches.
  • pdf
    Louisiana Voter Poll on Kratom Regulation
    This poll assesses public opinion in Louisiana regarding kratom’s legality and regulation, including support for banning synthetic drugs while keeping leaf kratom accessible.
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    List of Banned Zip Codes: USA
    A data file listing zip codes across the country where the sale, possession, or distribution of kratom is currently illegal.
  • pdf
    KCAC Position: Registration of Kratom Products
    This statement advocates for a public registry of kratom vendors and products to ensure transparency, accountability, and a safer market for consumers.
  • pdf
    GKC Statement on Synthetic 7-OH Products
    The GKC clarifies its opposition to synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, arguing they are not kratom and should be regulated as new drugs, not supplements.
  • pdf
    KCAC Position: Status and Legality of 7-OH Products
    This KCAC statement discusses the legal and regulatory status of 7-OH products, arguing they are not “kratom” and require a distinct regulatory approach.
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  • pdf
    The Severity and Prevalence of Addictive Substances
    This infographic visually compares Substance Use Disorder (SUD) severity and prevalence across various substances, including kratom, heroin, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
  • pdf
    Comparative Safety Analysis of Kratom
    This document provides a comparative risk analysis of kratom versus other legal and illicit substances, using data from the FDA and poison control centers.
  • pdf
    Contaminants in 7-Hydroxy Mitragynine Products Report
    A detailed report identifying synthetic alkaloid contaminants found in 7-Hydroxymitragynine products and discussing the serious implications for regulatory oversight and consumer safety.
  • pdf
    Botanical Safety Handbook: Kratom Entry
    An entry for Mitragyna speciosa from the American Herbal Products Association’s handbook, providing safety classifications, contraindications, and potential drug interactions for kratom leaf.
  • pdf
    Debunking Myths About “7”: The Facts
    A fact sheet refuting misleading claims about “7” (a synthetic substance), arguing that it is not natural kratom, is not safe, and is deceptively marketed.
  • pdf
    In-Depth: Debunking Myths About “7”
    A more detailed version of the fact sheet refuting claims about “7,” providing comprehensive evidence that it is a dangerous, unapproved, and illegal synthetic drug.
  • pdf
    KCAC Position: Proper Labeling of Kratom
    This statement advocates for the importance of clear, comprehensive labeling on kratom products to ensure consumer safety and outlines essential information that should be included.
  • pdf
    KCAC Position: Kratom Use in Children
    This statement outlines concerns about kratom use by minors, highlighting potential adverse events and the issue of products being marketed in ways that appeal to children.
  • pdf
    UCONN Continuing Education: Kratom Course for Pharmacists
    An educational program from the UCONN School of Pharmacy designed to inform pharmacists about natural kratom, its effects, and key points for patient education.
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    The Fourth Wave of the Opioid Epidemic
    This presentation warns of a potential “fourth wave” of the opioid crisis driven by dangerous and addictive synthetic opioid stimulators, arguing they must be banned.
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    Fact Check: “Synthetic 7” and the Opioid Crisis
    This KCAC statement fact-checks and refutes misleading claims that the sale of “synthetic 7” products has reduced opioid-related deaths, citing a lack of evidence.
  • pdf
    GKC Perfect Label – Kratom Product Label Guidelines
    This document from the Global Kratom Coalition provides comprehensive guidelines for labeling kratom products to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
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