Residents Should Be Aware Of Kratom’s Dangers
AJ Allen, prevention specialist for the Roosevelt County Health Department, reports that Kratom is another dangerous substance that is being consumed in the area.
According to information from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Kratom acts as a stimulant in low doses. At high doses, Kratom acts as a sedative, with effects such as pain relief, relaxation and a sense of euphoria.
Kratom alkaloids bind the same receptors targeted by opioids such as morphine or fentanyl. Research is ongoing as Kratom effects are not entirely comparable to opioids and may not result in the same risks.
In the brain, 7-0H acts like an opioid and is considered more potent than morphine.
Allen knows of three Wolf Point businesses that carry Kratom. One product looks similar to an energy drink container. Allen also expresses concerns that there are no age restrictions regarding purchasing Kratom.
Earlier this month, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced executive actions to classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Kratom’s effects are associated with two alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymiltragynine (7OH).
The North Dakota governor reported that 10 states have banned Kratom.
“Right now, it’s the Wild West when it comes to Kratom and 7-OH sales in North Dakota: no regulations, no age limits, no accountability,” Armstrong said in a press release. “We’re taking emergency action to press pause and get these products off the shelves until the Legislature can address the issue.”
The Blackfeet Tribal Council has also banned Kratom on its reservation.
Allen said, “Our Montana legislators are trying to come up with something for the session that starts in January. It is something that the legislators are looking into.”
He said that one overdose death from Kratom has been reported recently in Sidney.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there have been 45 unintentional drug overdose deaths with Kratom detected in toxicology during 20192024. At least one other substance was listed as contributing to the cause of death in about eight in 10 deaths with Kratom present.
The National Survery estimates about 8,000 people in Montana ages 12 or older consumed Kratom in 2022-2023.
During 2024, there were 13 unintentional overdose deaths in Montana where Kratom was detected.
