GITNUXREPORT 2025

Kratom Statistics

Kratom's popularity grows amid regulatory debates and potential medical benefits.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Kratom contains alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, responsible for its psychoactive effects

Statistic 2

There are over 40 different alkaloids identified in kratom leaves, with mitragynine being the most prevalent

Statistic 3

The chemical composition of kratom leaves includes over 40 active compounds, some of which are still under research for their pharmacological effects

Statistic 4

The alkaloid mitragynine can cross the blood-brain barrier, exerting psychoactive effects, according to pharmacological studies

Statistic 5

Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia

Statistic 6

The first recorded use of kratom as traditional medicine dates back to the 19th century in Southeast Asia, where it was used to increase stamina and manage pain

Statistic 7

Approximately 75% of kratom users report primarily using it to manage pain

Statistic 8

About 60% of kratom users report using it to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms

Statistic 9

The FDA has issued multiple consumer advisories warning about the potential risks of kratom

Statistic 10

Kratom's reported benefits include pain relief, mood enhancement, and increased energy, according to user surveys

Statistic 11

The most common side effects reported by kratom users include nausea, constipation, and dry mouth

Statistic 12

Kratom withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, hostility, sweating, and muscle aches, similar to opioid withdrawal

Statistic 13

The average user report indicates that kratom dosage varies widely, from 1 to 10 grams per dose, depending on intended effects

Statistic 14

Kratom is sometimes used as a substitute for pharmaceuticals, including opioid painkillers, by individuals seeking an alternative

Statistic 15

Some studies suggest that mitragynine acts as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, contributing to its analgesic effects

Statistic 16

There is ongoing scientific research into kratom's potential for treatment-resistant depression, though evidence is preliminary

Statistic 17

In 2020, reports of adverse events linked to kratom increased by approximately 40%, according to poison control centers

Statistic 18

Kratom can produce effects ranging from stimulant-like to sedative, depending on dosage, with lower doses acting as stimulants and higher doses as relaxants or opioids

Statistic 19

In some users, kratom can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes and itching, though these are less common

Statistic 20

The average potency of kratom strain varies, with some strains marketed for their stimulating effects and others for sedative effects, influencing user choice

Statistic 21

Kratom can interfere with prescription medications such as antidepressants and blood thinners, necessitating medical consultation before use

Statistic 22

The majority of kratom-related deaths reported in the US involved polydrug use, often combining kratom with other substances

Statistic 23

Kratom users frequently self-report taking it in doses ranging from 1 gram to 15 grams, with increased doses correlating with stronger sedative effects

Statistic 24

Researchers continue to investigate kratom's potential for reducing opioid dependency without respiratory depression, a prominent concern with traditional opioids

Statistic 25

The DEA listed kratom as a drug of concern in 2016 but has not classified it as a controlled substance as of 2023

Statistic 26

Kratom is legal in 32 US states as of 2023, with some states banning it

Statistic 27

In 2019, the US FDA issued a ban on kratom imports but it was temporarily lifted, reflecting ongoing regulatory debates

Statistic 28

Kratom's legal status varies worldwide, with some countries banning it entirely such as Australia and Thailand, and others permitting its sale and use

Statistic 29

In 2021, seizures and arrests related to kratom products increased, indicating rising law enforcement attention

Statistic 30

Despite its traditional use in Southeast Asia for centuries, kratom's rise as a supplement in Western countries has increased regulatory scrutiny

Statistic 31

Kratom is scheduled as a controlled substance in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, where its use is strictly prohibited

Statistic 32

Kratom's legal landscape is evolving, with several states and localities proposing bans or restrictions as research into its safety continues

Statistic 33

Approximately 2.1 million Americans reported using kratom in 2021

Statistic 34

The global kratom market size was valued at USD 350 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 931 million by 2027

Statistic 35

The average age of kratom users is estimated to be between 35 and 44 years old

Statistic 36

It is estimated that less than 1% of US adults have tried kratom, indicating it remains a niche but growing substance of interest

Statistic 37

Kratom is often sold in head shops, online, and in some local markets, with online sales accounting for over 70% of transactions in the US

Statistic 38

A survey found that approximately 80% of kratom users are male, with females comprising about 20%, indicating a gender disparity in usage

Statistic 39

Kratom's popularity has grown significantly in the US over the past decade, with a 5-fold increase reported from 2011 to 2021

Statistic 40

The majority of kratom users report taking it orally in powder, capsule, or tea form, with less common routes including inhalation of vaporized leaves

Statistic 41

The percentage of high school students reporting recent kratom use remains below 1%, indicating relatively low adolescent experimentation

Slide 1 of 41

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Approximately 2.1 million Americans reported using kratom in 2021
The global kratom market size was valued at USD 350 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 931 million by 2027
Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia
Approximately 75% of kratom users report primarily using it to manage pain
The DEA listed kratom as a drug of concern in 2016 but has not classified it as a controlled substance as of 2023
Kratom contains alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, responsible for its psychoactive effects
About 60% of kratom users report using it to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms
The average age of kratom users is estimated to be between 35 and 44 years old
Kratom is legal in 32 US states as of 2023, with some states banning it
The FDA has issued multiple consumer advisories warning about the potential risks of kratom
Kratom's reported benefits include pain relief, mood enhancement, and increased energy, according to user surveys
The most common side effects reported by kratom users include nausea, constipation, and dry mouth
There are over 40 different alkaloids identified in kratom leaves, with mitragynine being the most prevalent

Despite its rising popularity and perceived benefits, kratom remains a controversial botanical with a complex legal status and a growing body of research highlighting both its potential as a pain reliever and the risks associated with its use.

Chemical Composition and Pharmacology

Kratom contains alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, responsible for its psychoactive effects
There are over 40 different alkaloids identified in kratom leaves, with mitragynine being the most prevalent
The chemical composition of kratom leaves includes over 40 active compounds, some of which are still under research for their pharmacological effects
The alkaloid mitragynine can cross the blood-brain barrier, exerting psychoactive effects, according to pharmacological studies

Chemical Composition and Pharmacology Interpretation

While kratom's complex cocktail of over 40 alkaloids, led by mitragynine, offers a potent psychoactive punch capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, its intricate chemistry still beckons scientists to fully decode whether it's a healing hero or a cautious culprit.

Cultural History and Market Trends

Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia
The first recorded use of kratom as traditional medicine dates back to the 19th century in Southeast Asia, where it was used to increase stamina and manage pain

Cultural History and Market Trends Interpretation

Historically rooted in Southeast Asia's herbal arsenal since the 19th century, kratom's enduring use as a stimulant and pain reliever reminds us that nature's remedies often come with a long, complex legacy.

Health Benefits and Risks

Approximately 75% of kratom users report primarily using it to manage pain
About 60% of kratom users report using it to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms
The FDA has issued multiple consumer advisories warning about the potential risks of kratom
Kratom's reported benefits include pain relief, mood enhancement, and increased energy, according to user surveys
The most common side effects reported by kratom users include nausea, constipation, and dry mouth
Kratom withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, hostility, sweating, and muscle aches, similar to opioid withdrawal
The average user report indicates that kratom dosage varies widely, from 1 to 10 grams per dose, depending on intended effects
Kratom is sometimes used as a substitute for pharmaceuticals, including opioid painkillers, by individuals seeking an alternative
Some studies suggest that mitragynine acts as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, contributing to its analgesic effects
There is ongoing scientific research into kratom's potential for treatment-resistant depression, though evidence is preliminary
In 2020, reports of adverse events linked to kratom increased by approximately 40%, according to poison control centers
Kratom can produce effects ranging from stimulant-like to sedative, depending on dosage, with lower doses acting as stimulants and higher doses as relaxants or opioids
In some users, kratom can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes and itching, though these are less common
The average potency of kratom strain varies, with some strains marketed for their stimulating effects and others for sedative effects, influencing user choice
Kratom can interfere with prescription medications such as antidepressants and blood thinners, necessitating medical consultation before use
The majority of kratom-related deaths reported in the US involved polydrug use, often combining kratom with other substances
Kratom users frequently self-report taking it in doses ranging from 1 gram to 15 grams, with increased doses correlating with stronger sedative effects
Researchers continue to investigate kratom's potential for reducing opioid dependency without respiratory depression, a prominent concern with traditional opioids

Health Benefits and Risks Interpretation

While kratom promises pain relief and a potential alternative to opioids, the rising adverse events and FDA warnings highlight a perilous balancing act between its therapeutic allure and uncharted health risks.

Legal and Regulatory Status

The DEA listed kratom as a drug of concern in 2016 but has not classified it as a controlled substance as of 2023
Kratom is legal in 32 US states as of 2023, with some states banning it
In 2019, the US FDA issued a ban on kratom imports but it was temporarily lifted, reflecting ongoing regulatory debates
Kratom's legal status varies worldwide, with some countries banning it entirely such as Australia and Thailand, and others permitting its sale and use
In 2021, seizures and arrests related to kratom products increased, indicating rising law enforcement attention
Despite its traditional use in Southeast Asia for centuries, kratom's rise as a supplement in Western countries has increased regulatory scrutiny
Kratom is scheduled as a controlled substance in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, where its use is strictly prohibited
Kratom's legal landscape is evolving, with several states and localities proposing bans or restrictions as research into its safety continues

Legal and Regulatory Status Interpretation

Kratom’s paradoxical legal journey—ranging from being a lingering concern of the DEA and FDA to its widespread legal status in many U.S. states—mirrors society’s ongoing struggle to balance cultural tradition, public safety, and regulatory clarity amid global bans and rising law enforcement attention.

Market Size and Usage Demographics

Approximately 2.1 million Americans reported using kratom in 2021
The global kratom market size was valued at USD 350 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 931 million by 2027
The average age of kratom users is estimated to be between 35 and 44 years old
It is estimated that less than 1% of US adults have tried kratom, indicating it remains a niche but growing substance of interest
Kratom is often sold in head shops, online, and in some local markets, with online sales accounting for over 70% of transactions in the US
A survey found that approximately 80% of kratom users are male, with females comprising about 20%, indicating a gender disparity in usage
Kratom's popularity has grown significantly in the US over the past decade, with a 5-fold increase reported from 2011 to 2021
The majority of kratom users report taking it orally in powder, capsule, or tea form, with less common routes including inhalation of vaporized leaves
The percentage of high school students reporting recent kratom use remains below 1%, indicating relatively low adolescent experimentation

Market Size and Usage Demographics Interpretation

Despite remaining a niche interest with less than 1% of U.S. adults trying it, kratom's booming market—projected to hit nearly a billion dollars by 2027—reveals that these botanical rebels, predominantly middle-aged men, are quietly transforming from underground remedy to mainstream phenomenon in the shadows of online commerce.