Maine Kratom Emergencies Jump at Least 50% as Poison Calls Rise 1,200% Nationally
Updated
Updated · Spectrum News · Jun 15
Maine Kratom Emergencies Jump at Least 50% as Poison Calls Rise 1,200% Nationally
1 articles · Updated · Spectrum News · Jun 15
Summary
Maine clinicians say kratom-related emergency visits and poison-control calls have risen at least 50% in recent years, with doctors also seeing stronger products reach consumers.
Kratom is sold widely in powders, pills and liquids at convenience stores and gas stations, but doctors say its unregulated packaging often obscures dose and contents.
Products marketed as “7-OH” have added concern because they contain a synthetic, much more powerful form of kratom, raising risks of dependence, toxicity and withdrawal.
Nationally, CDC data show kratom-related poison-center calls surged 1,200% from 2015 to 2025, while Florida recorded about 580 kratom-linked overdose deaths over the past decade.
Maine toxicologists say regulators struggle to keep up as formulas change, leaving consumer awareness and caution as the main immediate safeguard.