- Survey of 3,003 respondents.
- An estimated 1.7 million Americans used kratom in 2021.
- Infographic included showing study results.
Kratom – the herbal extract that’s been slipping quietly into everything from wellness shots to trendy “focus drinks” like Feel Free Classic – has become the latest natural remedy dividing America. Supporters hail it as a plant-based lifesaver that eases pain and soothes opioid withdrawal. Critics, meanwhile, say it’s playing with fire in a blue-washed bottle.
An estimated 1.7 million Americans used kratom in 2021, according to a national survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Yet the DEA still classifies it as a “drug and chemical of concern.” Despite that ominous phrasing, kratom remains legal in most states – often sold right beside energy drinks at gas stations or through slick online boutiques.
A survey of 3,003 respondents by Renaissance Recovery, a nationwide association of addiction and mental health treatment centers, finds that 49% of Illinoisans want kratom banned outright (this compared to the national average of 43%). The strongest opposition comes from Hawaii, where a remarkable 83% of residents say they would want state lawmakers to outlaw it. Delaware, on the other hand, is the most permissive – though even there, one in ten would support a statewide ban.
How Should Kratom Be Regulated?
Illinoisans can’t seem to agree on how to handle the plant. When asked how kratom should be regulated, opinions split along familiar moral lines:
- 30% said treat it like tobacco – with age limits and health warnings.
- 26% said like alcohol – licensed sellers only, no youth marketing.
- 43% said it should be prescription-only, under medical supervision.
Perceived Risk
When compared to alcohol or tobacco:
- 15% believe kratom is safer.
- 59% think it’s about as risky.
- 26% say it’s more dangerous.
That middle figure – nearly six in ten – suggests that for most people, kratom’s mystique has worn off. It’s no longer an exotic alternative, but another vice on the shelf.
How People First Heard About It
Social media seems to be fueling its rise:
- 21% first learned about it from influencers.
- Another 21% via friends or family.
- 7% through doctors or medical sources.
- 16% through news coverage.
- And a hefty 35% admit they have never heard of it at all.
Age Limits and Store Restrictions
Most Illinoisans agree that kratom shouldn’t be a free-for-all. Nearly three-quarters (73%) think it should follow the same rules as alcohol, meaning sales restricted to those aged 21 and over. Another 68% believe it shouldn’t be sold anywhere children can easily see it, such as gas stations or convenience stores. Even among those open to kratom’s potential benefits, there’s a clear sense of caution – a parental instinct to keep it at arm’s length.
Parental Awareness & Teen Risk
When asked how confident they are that parents truly understand what kratom is or how it works, only 15% said they were very confident, while 23% were somewhat confident. The rest expressed doubt – 30% said they weren’t confident, and 32% admitted parents likely have no idea at all. It’s little wonder, then, that nearly two-thirds (65%) believe kratom is shaping up to be “the next vaping” for teens – a reputation no emerging wellness product wants to earn.
Kratom vs. Prescription Pain Meds
Would people use kratom instead of a prescribed medication if it were cheaper or easier to get?
- 31% said yes.
- 50% said no.
- 19% said not applicable.
Infographic showing study results
“Kratom’s unchecked availability has become a quiet epidemic—devastating those seeking recovery and straining the very communities trying to help them heal,” says Alina Nejadian, LMFT (Clinical Director) of Renaissance Recovery, a division of District Behavioral Health Group. “It’s marketed as natural, but that doesn’t mean risk-free. Our data shows Americans are starting to recognize that – they want transparency and regulation before this turns into the next public-health crisis. If you or a loved one are struggling with kratom addiction, Renaissance Recovery offers resources and support to help you take the first step toward recovery.”
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