What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tall leafy tree that grows in tropical climates, mainly in Thailand and South East Asia. It is usually between 3 and 15 metres tall. Kratom’s botanical name is Mitragyna speciosa and it is part of the Rubiaciae family (the same family as coffee trees).

Kratom has stimulating properties and has been used for a long time by humans as an opiate substitute. However, unlike opium, it can have an amphetamine-like effect on the user. Users in its native environment tend to chew on fresh Kratom leaves. Leaves can also be crushed or powdered and added to liquid like tea. Kratom is occasionally smoked, but has no stronger effect if taken in this way. It is generally the working class that choose Kratom as a habitual drug.

Kratom is legal to sell in the UK. It can be bought in extract form and mixed with liquid. Kratom should always be taken on an empty stomach.