Kratom Safety Overdose And Death Explained

Listen to the full episode here: The Daily Dose Audio Podcast

Kratom Safety Death By Extract

A Tragic Tale Unveils Kratom’s Controversial Landscape

What Is Kratom Alkaloid Toxicity and why did it lead to a young man’s overdose last December. The top headline in kratom news today is covering the recent wrongful death lawsuit brought by Ethan Pope’s parents seeking justice from manufacturers and distributors for selling this plant.

Last December Ethan Pope was found dead on his kitchen floor, it is unknown who had found him the day he overdosed but toxicology reports indicate he had high levels of Mitragynine and no other substances were detected.

Kratom has been used for years by millions with little incident, many use it for anxiety and some for pain but it’s primarily gained traction for opioid abuse as a replacement.

Though we haven’t seen anything too alarming from the use of this plant, kratom safety is and will always be a priority. This marks the eighth case where someone died with nothing else in their system.

Kratom Safety And Harm Reduction What To Know

Kratom Alkaloid Toxicity: Unveiling the Tragic Overdose of Ethan Pope

They don’t know how long their son had been using kratom, but he must have been experiencing adverse effects, Dana Pope said at a news conference Thursday. In his apartment, they found a to-do list with one task that stuck out: Stop taking kratom.

There so many unanswered questions such as why was he using extract and not leaf, or better yet how long had he been using it for and more over did he understand what he was using or was it something he was turned on to randomly. It’s important that people know the difference between leaf and extract and which is best for them

Some of these questions may help to identify ways to prevent this from ever happening again, education is probably one of the most important aspects to using any supplement.

Typically a natural plant substance can be harmless but in concentrated forms with volume it can become dangerous. Kratom extracts aren’t made for the average person and no one should use it daily though yes people do. There’s no telling where this case will lead but there has been some data on kratom related deaths over the years.

OPMS Silver Kratom Capsules 64ct Blister Pack

The Data On Kratom Use And Abuse

So the U.S. health officials said in a report released in 2019 that kratom was a cause in 91 overdose deaths in 27 states. While most of those who died had also taken heroin, fentanyl or other drugs, kratom was the only substance detected in seven of the deaths.

Another 2019 study found that calls to U.S. poison control centers about kratom skyrocketed more than 50-fold, from 13 calls in 2011 to 682 calls in 2017.

The truth is there many substances legal and otherwise with much higher overdose rates when comparing it to kratom, so is it safe or not, the answer is split.

Using leaf itself in small amounts has proven to be beneficial for many people, extracts on the other hand require more caution and research. I myself use extract once or twice a week for anxiety and it works so I don’t abuse it, was Ethan abusing liquid extract?

Herba Essentia Relax Blend Kratom Powder

The Debate On Safety

The safety of kratom remains a contentious issue, with proponents citing its benefits while skeptics point to alarming statistics. The data on kratom-related deaths, especially when linked to extracts, paints a complex picture. In 2019, U.S. health officials reported that kratom played a role in 91 overdose deaths across 27 states.

In seven of these deaths, kratom was the sole substance detected. Additionally, a study from the same year revealed a staggering increase in calls to U.S. poison control centers related to kratom, rising from 13 calls in 2011 to 682 calls in 2017.

It’s important to place these figures in a broader context. While these statistics raise concerns, there are substances, both legal and illegal, with significantly higher overdose rates compared to kratom.

The debate on kratom’s safety is, therefore, divided. Many individuals, like the author of this article, have found solace in occasional kratom use for managing anxiety. The crux of the matter lies in responsible use and the distinction between the plant’s various forms.

*UPDATE 11/15/22

Recently I spoke with an insider at OPMS, there have also been updates around the evidence discovered in this persons wrongful death. 

First the new info that is coming out, it’s been reported that the person who died was using other dangerous substances along side kratom. The OPMS extracts used were also reported to be OPMS Black Shots.

None of the info has been confirmed yet and I will update it when I know more. Referring back to what we do know, there was no evidence of other substance abuse and nothing else was reported in toxicology so we really need to wait and see if that new info can be confirmed as true.

The insider told me via email that management hasn’t said anything to employees regarding the news surrounding the death or the lawsuit that’s ongoing. As of now due to the nature of the situation I imagine a statement from OPMS will come out soon.

FAQs

What is Mitragynine, and how does it relate to kratom’s safety?

Mitragynine is a natural alkaloid found in the kratom plant and is one of the primary active compounds responsible for its effects. Its role in kratom’s safety is complex. While it provides the therapeutic benefits that many seek, high levels of Mitragynine have been associated with cases of overdose and fatalities. Understanding the balance between its benefits and risks is crucial.

Is kratom entirely safe or dangerous?

Kratom’s safety is a subject of debate. In its natural leaf form, used responsibly and in moderation, many individuals have found it to be safe and beneficial. However, when kratom is transformed into highly concentrated extracts, it can become dangerous, especially if used recklessly or excessively. The safety of kratom largely depends on the form, dosage, and individual factors.

What’s the difference between kratom leaf and extract, and why does it matter?

Kratom leaf is the natural, unaltered form of the plant, usually ground into a powder or brewed into a tea. Kratom extracts, on the other hand, are highly concentrated forms that can be up to 50 times more potent. The difference matters because extracts require more caution due to their increased potency, making them riskier for inexperienced or careless users.

How can one use kratom responsibly and reduce the risk of overdose?

To use kratom responsibly, individuals should start with the natural leaf form, be mindful of their dosage, and avoid frequent or excessive use. Education about the potential risks and benefits is essential. If you are considering using kratom, consult with a healthcare professional for guidance and always purchase from reputable sources.

Are there any ongoing legal cases or controversies related to kratom use?

Yes, there have been legal cases and controversies surrounding kratom, including wrongful death lawsuits like the one filed by Ethan Pope’s parents. These cases raise questions about product safety, responsible use, and the need for regulation within the kratom industry. As the legal landscape evolves, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments.

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The News

Every week I cover stories I care about from cannabis to kratom and all kinds of topics in between.

The Info

All the info and articles are pulled from various sources all linked below for you to do your own research.

The Goal

It’s to educate and to inform. When we are equipped with the correct info we can then make better informed decisions.

Meet The Author

Mike Korlin

I have been studying and applying functional medicine in my personal life for nearly a decade. As a student, a retailer and a human being my knowledge is drawn from my own and thousands of other peoples experiences that I have spoken to or aided in discovering the wonderful world of plant medicines.

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