TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A study from the University of Michigan in the United States has revealed that 100,000 children in the country consume kratom. Kratom is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, the leaves of which have calming effects and contain the active compound mitragynine.
Low doses of kratom can provide stimulant effects similar to caffeine, boosting energy, alertness, and sometimes producing mild euphoria. On the other hand, high doses result in sedative and analgesic effects similar to the way opioid drugs like morphine work.
Sean Esteban McCabe, a professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, stated that their research is the first to measure the prevalence of kratom use in the United States. The data was collected over four years from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which includes individuals aged 12 and above.
According to the respondents' data, more than 5 million people admitted to having tried kratom. "That figure includes over 100,000 children between the ages of 12 and 17," the study quoted from Earth on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Furthermore, adults aged between 21 and 34 reported the highest levels of kratom use, with approximately 3.4 percent having used kratom at least once. Meanwhile, lifetime use across all age groups increased from 1.6 percent to 1.9 percent over four years (2021-2024).
"This may seem a small jump on paper. But, across a country of 340 million people, that change adds hundreds of thousands of users in three years," said McCabe. Additionally, he added, "Kratom tended to show up alongside other substances – not on its own."
McCabe stated that the high number of children consuming kratom does not happen without cause. There is ease of access for them to obtain this type of plant and its deviant utilization. Many products are sold in cigarette shops or through phone applications. These products often come in the form of fruit-flavored tablets, chewable candies, or brightly colored packaged drinks that are easily mistaken for candy or energy supplements.
Local authorities have repeatedly issued warnings about the widespread use of kratom among children. However, this measure is considered suboptimal as there is no specific regulation prohibiting it like narcotics.
Read: How to Prevent Hantavirus Infection From Rats at Home
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
First Kratom Export to India Receives Certification from Indonesian Quarantine Agency
20 April 2025
The first kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) export marks a positive step for business players in expanding the herbal commodity market abroad.
Not Just Marijuana: Here Are 5 Plants Banned in Indonesia
21 Maret 2025
There are five types of plants prohibited in Indonesia, including marijuana, which falls under the category of narcotics. Find out more here.
Indonesia Implements Regulations for Kratom Export Trade
9 September 2024
The Indonesian government has officially established regulations governing the handling, utilization, and trade of kratom plants.
Jokowi Gathers Ministers to Discuss Kratom Plants That Contain Narcotics
20 Juni 2024
President Joko Widodo or Jokowi gathered cabinet ministers at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, June 20 to discuss Kratom plants.
Careless Addition to the List of Narcotics
11 Januari 2024
The plan to include kratom in the list of new psychoactive substances opens up an opportunity for extortion. Further comprehensive research is needed.
Trade Ministry Mulls Kratom Export with National Narcotics Agency
1 September 2023
The Trade Ministry will discuss kratom export with BNN and BPOM
