Arizona’s High-Potency Kratom Ban Ignored: Easy Access Continues Amid Lack of Enforcement

The brown tablets encased in light blue packaging may appear harmless, but they conceal concerning secrets revealed only through extensive testing. Marketed as “Advanced kratom alkaloids,” these tablets can retail for prices ranging from $10 to $40, depending on the vendor.

These pills purport to include kratom, a plant long used in Southeast Asia for its opioid-like effects, which help laborers manage pain. In small doses, it provides stimulation, while greater doses can induce sedation. However, kratom enthusiasts are raising alarms regarding the potential dangers of these products.

The main component responsible for kratom’s effects is 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), an alkaloid naturally present in the plant’s leaves. Unfortunately, lab-synthesized versions often contain disproportionately high levels of this substance, which intensifies its opioid-like characteristics. “It’s closer to morphine than it is to kratom,” warned Matthew Lowe, executive director of the Global Kratom Coalition, which advocates for safe kratom use and strives to keep it legal.

A recent investigation by the coalition revealed that such tablets are widely available in Arizona shops and are being misrepresented as pure kratom. Alongside these tablets, products like nasal sprays and even “7-OH ice cream cones” were discovered, which violate existing state regulations governing kratom.

Despite laws intended to regulate kratom products, enforcement appears inconsistent. Confusion among federal and state authorities has contributed to a patchwork of regulations, often resulting in ineffectual governance. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), tasked with enforcing kratom regulations, does not collect data on kratom sales and lacks proactive enforcement measures.

“ADHS is assessing the federal and state laws pertaining to kratom due to possible regulatory conflicts,” an agency spokesperson informed the Arizona Mirror. The spokesperson added that while the agency is ready to act on complaints about illegal sales, existing data on kratom sales remains nonexistent.

In response to potential dangers posed by these products, the Global Kratom Coalition has filed a letter urging Attorney General Kris Mayes to investigate the situation. “We are appealing to the AG’s office for action and seeking media attention on this issue,” Lowe stated. “These products are spreading rapidly throughout the United States.”

Local law enforcement is aware of illicit kratom products on the market, yet there is no organized enforcement initiative focused on these dangerous items. A representative from the Phoenix Police Department confirmed that while the Drug Enforcement Bureau has encountered these products, the volume detected remains low.

According to reports, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is not currently investigating kratom. “Due to its lack of oversight, kratom may contain harmful additives and is therefore seen as a concern by the DEA and FDA,” said spokesman Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez.

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is related to the coffee plant and has historically been consumed as powder, tea, or pills. It interacts with the same brain receptors as opioids. While proponents argue it can serve as an alternative to opioids, it remains under scrutiny. The DEA classified it as a “drug of concern” in 2011, and in 2016, it briefly aimed to designate kratom as a Schedule I drug, a status it later withdrew amid public outcry.

Regulatory efforts in Arizona have seen some progress. In 2019, Governor Doug Ducey signed the Arizona Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits sales to minors and mandates labeling guidelines. However, the act limits the 7-OH content in kratom products to no more than 2%. Reports indicate that many products exceeding this threshold, marketed misleadingly, are now prevalent in stores.

Users have expressed concerns about the addictive nature of these synthetic kratom products. Reports on social media describe experiences of addiction far surpassing that of traditional kratom. National data supports these claims, revealing instances of morbidity linked to kratom. For instance, in 2022, the CDC reported 30 kratom-related deaths.

Concern over synthetic sales has mounted, with advocates like Lowe calling for stricter regulations. “These products are misrepresented as kratom and pose a substantial risk,” he emphasized. They urge regulators to target the manufacturers responsible for selling these potentially hazardous products, which include eye-catching shapes designed to appeal to minors.

Lowe warns consumers to remain vigilant. “It’s crucial to understand that these products can be highly addictive,” he concluded. Efforts are ongoing to reform consumer protection legislation to address those challenges. However, the underlying issue remains that current regulations are often inadequately enforced, leaving consumers vulnerable to unsafe products in the market.