Natural leaf kratom should not be conflated with its potent synthetic derivatives, says Dr. C. Michael White, a University of Connecticut pharmacy professor and chair of the Kratom Consumer Advisory Council. In his recent Hartford Courant opinion piece, White stresses that while synthetic opioids derived from kratom’s alkaloids—such as 7-hydroxymitragynine—pose serious addiction risks, natural kratom leaves have a much milder pharmacological profile. The council supports Connecticut’s proposed framework requiring product registration, lab certification, and age restrictions, ensuring consumer safety without restricting access for responsible adult users. White argues that maintaining legal access to natural kratom may offer a safer alternative for those managing chronic pain or opioid dependence, provided appropriate safeguards are in place.
The latest news on the legalization of controversial botanicals.
