Untangling facts, risks, and misconceptions around kratom as it becomes more visible across Florida
If you’ve walked through Little Havana lately or browsed wellness shops across Coral Gables, you’ve probably seen kratom popping up alongside herbal teas, supplements, and even CBD products. With Miami’s growing interest in natural remedies — from Latin homeopathic traditions to the rising popularity of medicinal cannabis — many residents are asking the same question: Is kratom a safe alternative? As communities search for relief from anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and more, this topic is becoming a real conversation in Miami households.
What exactly is kratom and how does it compare to cannabis?
Just like the cannabis sativa plant, kratom has been used for centuries as a natural medicinal and recreational substance. Today, it’s sold in capsules, powders, and liquid extracts that are often mixed into drinks. Supporters claim it helps with headaches, anxiety, depression, and even opiate withdrawal — sometimes producing euphoric effects similar to marijuana.
But experts caution against assuming it’s a safer or cheaper alternative to medicinal cannabis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it or its active ingredient, mitragynine, for medical or dietary use. Dr. Deirdre James, an internist and endocrinologist, warns that the accessibility can give consumers a false sense of security. According to her, kratom can cause serious liver damage and even psychosis, particularly among younger users with developing brains.
What Florida’s regulations mean for Miami consumers
Florida restricts kratom sales to adults over 21 and requires clear labeling and purity standards. Sarasota County banned it back in 2014, and Manatee County is considering the same. More recently, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier banned the sale of isolated or concentrated 7-OH statewide, signaling increased scrutiny.
FDA regulatory specialist Bob Durkin advises residents to be extra cautious: choose products with full labeling, packaging, and clear instructions — though he stresses that “safe” kratom is far from guaranteed. As Miami continues navigating evolving cannabis laws, understanding what’s regulated — and what’s not — becomes essential for anyone considering kratom as part of their wellness routine.
Miami’s health-conscious community deserves accurate, accessible information, especially when conversations around natural remedies travel as fast as they do on Calle Ocho. For more insight, the MMERI Virtual Forum on Cannabis Conversations dives deeper into why experts say “kratom and cannabis don’t mix.”
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