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LA County Dept. of Public Health sounding the alarm on kratom products following overdose deaths

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 2:53 GMT by KTTV
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Kratom‑Related Fatalities Spark Alarm in Los Angeles County

In a startling turn of events, Los Angeles County has reported a spate of deaths linked to the herbal supplement kratom, prompting the sheriff’s office to launch a full‑scale investigation and urging caution among residents. According to a statement released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LACSD) on Friday, five people died from kratom‑related overdoses in the county during the past twelve months—a figure that has alarmed both law‑enforcement officials and health professionals.

The victims, all aged between 20 and 30, were reportedly regular users of kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia that has gained popularity in the United States as an over‑the‑counter remedy for chronic pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal. The LACSD’s investigation determined that the deaths were caused by an interaction between kratom and other substances, primarily opioids and benzodiazepines, that amplified sedative effects and led to respiratory depression.

“These are preventable deaths,” said Sheriff Maricela Flores at a press briefing. “Kratom is not a harmless herbal supplement. When used in isolation or in combination with other depressants, it can be deadly.” Sheriff Flores also announced that the department will now be scrutinizing kratom sales in the county, seeking evidence of unregulated distribution and potential violations of local health statutes.

A Growing National Concern

Kratom’s surge in popularity has not been confined to Los Angeles. In the past five years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple warning letters to companies selling kratom products for allegedly making false health claims and to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cited a rise in kratom‑related adverse events. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies kratom as a “Drug of Concern” under its “Potentially Misused Drugs” list, although it is not yet scheduled as a controlled substance.

An article from the Los Angeles Times highlighted that the FDA has documented over 200 kratom‑related poison‑control calls nationwide, with a subset of cases leading to hospital admissions. In California, the Department of Public Health has been monitoring kratom’s use closely, and the state legislature has already introduced bills aimed at curbing its distribution.

One of the most comprehensive pieces of information on the legal status of kratom in California is available through the state’s official website. The article explains that while California does not have a statewide ban on kratom, local jurisdictions—including Los Angeles County—can enact ordinances to regulate its sale. However, the current lack of a consistent testing protocol for kratom products complicates enforcement and increases the risk of contaminated or mislabeled products entering the market.

Why Kratom Is Dangerous

The botanical roots of kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, contain alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7‑hydroxy mitragynine, which act on opioid receptors in the brain. At low doses, users report stimulant effects; at higher doses, the drug can produce analgesia and sedation. The variability of alkaloid concentrations among products—often due to inconsistent manufacturing practices—poses a significant safety risk.

Moreover, kratom can potentiate the effects of other depressants. When combined with prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol, it can depress the central nervous system to dangerous levels, leading to hypoxia, unconsciousness, or death. The five fatalities in Los Angeles all had detectable levels of at least one additional depressant in their blood, according to the coroner’s office.

In a 2022 report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), researchers emphasized that “the lack of regulatory oversight, variable product potency, and the prevalence of adulterated products are primary drivers of kratom‑related toxicity.” The NIDA report also called for more rigorous clinical studies to better understand kratom’s pharmacology and potential therapeutic benefits, balanced against its abuse liability.

Public Health Recommendations

Health officials are urging consumers to exercise caution. Dr. Maria Santiago, a toxicologist at the University of Southern California, recommends:

1. Avoid Mixing: Do not combine kratom with opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other CNS depressants.
2. Seek Credible Sources: Purchase from reputable vendors that provide third‑party lab test results.
3. Start Low, Go Slow: If using kratom for pain or anxiety, begin with a very low dose and monitor for side effects.
4. Know the Signs: Recognize symptoms of overdose—slow or irregular breathing, fainting, or severe drowsiness—and seek emergency care immediately.

In addition, the LACSD is collaborating with the Los Angeles County Health Department to launch a public‑service announcement campaign. The initiative aims to educate residents about the risks associated with kratom and the importance of consulting healthcare providers before using it for self‑medication.

Legal and Regulatory Developments

The state of California has taken several steps to address the rising concerns. A 2021 bill, SB 1380, was signed into law, giving the California Department of Public Health the authority to enforce restrictions on the sale of kratom. The law mandates that retailers provide lab reports for their products, which would enable better quality control.

At the federal level, the FDA has been considering additional measures. In a recent statement, the agency noted that while kratom is currently exempt from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’s labeling requirements, it is not exempt from the Federal Anti‑Drug Abuse Act of 1970. The FDA’s ongoing risk assessment will likely determine whether kratom should be reclassified as a drug requiring prescription oversight.

Meanwhile, the DEA’s “Potentially Misused Drugs” list keeps kratom under watch. The agency has indicated that it will be evaluating data on kratom’s abuse potential and is open to revisiting its scheduling status should new evidence warrant such action.

Looking Forward

The Los Angeles County sheriff’s office has requested that local vendors voluntarily halt kratom sales until a clear regulatory framework is established. Sheriff Flores stated that “we are working with community leaders, public health officials, and federal agencies to ensure the safety of our residents.”

The recent spike in kratom‑related fatalities has prompted a national conversation about the role of dietary supplements in public health. While kratom’s advocates tout its potential as a safer alternative to prescription opioids, the documented deaths in Los Angeles underscore the need for stringent regulation, robust scientific research, and comprehensive public education.

As California and federal authorities weigh the options, residents and healthcare providers alike must stay informed. The tragedy in Los Angeles serves as a sobering reminder that even “natural” substances can carry significant risks when used without proper oversight.