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(Iowa) -- Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety are warning Iowans about the rising dangers from kratom (KRAY-tum) and its related products.
Iowa HHS reports there have been 45 kratom-associated deaths since 2024, including 16 in the first seven months of this year. Iowa Poison control reports a 467 percent increase in kratom exposure calls over the past two years. HHS says kratom contains various psychoactive compounds and is typically marketed as a natural supplement for pain, anxiety, or opiod withdrawal.
There is a growing concern over concentrated and synthetic 7-OH products. The Drug Enforcement Administration classified three kratom-derived compounds as Schedule I controlled substances on August 26th of this year. Those three compounds newly classified as Schedule I controlled substances include:
- mitragynine psuedoindoxyl
- MGM 15
- MGM 16
7-OH is currently under review for emergency classification. The State of Iowa is urging Iowans to avoid concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products, know the signs of opioid overdose, and call 9-1-1 immediately if someone shows signs of overdose. HHS says naloxone can safely be used in the case of an overdose.
The State of Iowa is reminding residents that calls or texts to 988 will be connected to crisis support. Your Life Iowa can be reached by calling 855-581-8111, texting 855-895-8398, or through the Your Life Iowa website.