Who Profits from Kratom?
Key Takeaways: Kratom remains widely accessible in the United States, with minimal federal oversight and varying state-level regulations. Despite growing concerns over safety including contamination, health risks, and reported deaths, it continues to be sold online and consumed by millions. Lawsuits and public warnings have brought attention to its dangers, but the industry is expanding rapidly, supported by lobbying groups and inconsistent information. As research continues and legal debates unfold, the future of kratom in the U.S. remains uncertain, raising important questions about consumer safety, regulation, and accountability.
In the United States, Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is largely unregulated, and it is quite easy for anyone to buy kratom online. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about it in the past. Yet, it has remained mostly uncontrolled, and kratom legality remains unhindered, despite the numerous dangers associated with the plant, including addiction, seizures, liver issues, and death. Additionally, the ingredients used in various forms of kratom pose significant health risks, with some products found to be contaminated with salmonella, containing heavy metals such as lead and nickel, or including pharmaceutical opioids like Tramadol.
The regulations that are in place vary widely between states when it comes to how you buy kratom online. Kratom purchases are wholly prohibited in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Kratom is completely banned in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. At the federal level, however, it remains entirely unregulated. It is estimated that between 11 and 15 million Americans use kratom products regularly. In 2021, an estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older had used kratom at some point in their lives
Kratom Related Deaths & Lawsuits
There have been numerous kratom deaths, and lawsuits have ensued. A lawsuit was filed by the family of Krystal Talavera, a 39-year-old Florida woman who died of an apparent kratom-related death in 2021. The family was awarded $11 million after suing The Kratom Distro, Grow LLC, and its owner, Sean Michael Harder.
In 2020, Patrick Coyne of Washington state died from “toxic effects of kratom.” His family filed a suit against Society Botanicals LLC, Kratom Divine, and its owner, Wendi Rook, and was awarded 2.5 million dollars.
As of June 2025, consumers can order kratom products from both of these companies online to most U.S. states and territories. And these are just a few of the many kratom businesses on the market. There is no best kratom company. Many offer bulk kratom at a discounted price to consumers, but the dangers of buying kratom online are too high to trust any of these vendors.
Why is This Happening
In 2023, the kratom market size was valued at between $2.19 to $5.62 billion U.S. dollars. It is projected to grow exponentially within the next 10 years, making it nearly impossible to estimate the net worth of these kratom companies despite kratom’s side effects.
While some of the agencies in the U.S. have tried to control or outright ban kratom, there has been resistance from members of Congress. Additionally, individual users and consumers organize protest and letter-writing campaigns. In 2016, a proposed ban of kratom by the Obama administration was blocked after Representatives Matt Salmon, Rep-AZ, and Mark Pocan, Dem-WI, objected, getting 51 signatures from other members in the House of Representatives. Also, Susan Ash, the founder of the American Kratom Association, led a protest at the White House to prevent the ban from being implemented.
The American Kratom Association is mainly responsible for the lobbying efforts. Advocating on the state level, they work to both prevent regulations and prohibitions and reverse any kratom legislation that has been put in place for buying kratom online.
Research on the association was conducted and published in BMC, as part of Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy. They evaluated its manufacturing practices, its list of approved vendors, and all of the health information provided to determine the quality of the information supplied to consumers. The endorsed vendors scored poorly regarding all the health-related information published, which is why none of these vendors can be trusted when it comes to quality and safety. And, on the AKA’s website itself, the information it stated about the safety of kratom, its risks, and benefits scored especially poorly. So, consumers, clinicians, and lawmakers are receiving insufficient information from the AKA. The American Kratom Association is estimated to have spent $4.4 million to influence the passage of bills through Congress.
The Future of Kratom
The future of kratom sales hinges on several factors. The FDA is funding a clinical trial comparing kratom's addiction potential to oxycodone, with results expected in 2026. The outcome of this study could significantly impact kratom's legal status. Vendors should proactively implement the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) standards, including age verification, labeling transparency, and testing for contaminants. Meanwhile, those struggling with kratom withdrawal can find support through groups like Kratom Anonymous.
For vendors, the path forward involves embracing quality standardization and transparency. As the market evolves, the demand for kratom beverages will increase. For users, the future requires informed decision-making, awareness of potential side effects like kratom hair loss and kratom’s effects on the liver, in addition to the risk of death or overdose. If you are struggling with a high level of kratom tolerance or kratom withdrawal symptoms, seek professional medical advice. Addiction treatment centers are beginning to realize the dangers of using and buying kratom online and are starting to individualize treatment for kratom withdrawal symptoms.