What Is Kratom and What Should You Know?

October 26, 2026

Kratom use has been rising across the United States and right here in Iowa. With it comes serious questions about safety, legality, and risk. At UCS Healthcare, we believe education is an important part of prevention. Here is what Iowans should know.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain two psychoactive ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which produce different effects depending on the dose. The leaves are typically crushed and consumed as a tea, tablet, capsule, or extract. In some communities, kratom has earned the nickname "gas station heroin" because of how widely available it is at convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops.

Kratom is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, and the DEA has listed it as a Drug and Chemical of Concern.

The Growing Impact in Iowa

Kratom is not a distant problem. It is affecting communities across Iowa right now.

There have been 45 kratom-associated deaths in Iowa since 2024, spanning 23 counties. Sixteen of those deaths occurred in the first seven months of 2026 alone.
Iowa Poison Control received 68 kratom exposure calls so far in 2026, a 467% increase over two years.
There are currently no statewide age restrictions on the sale of kratom in Iowa.

What Does Kratom Do?

Kratom's effects depend on the dose. At low doses, people report stimulant-like effects including increased alertness, physical energy, and talkativeness. At high doses, kratom produces sedative effects similar to opioids. Iowa officials have noted that kratom contains psychoactive compounds, including 7-OH, that act directly on opioid receptors in the brain.

Kratom consumption can lead to dependence. Cases of psychosis resulting from kratom use have been reported, including hallucinations, delusion, and confusion.

What Does Kratom Do to the Body?

Physical effects of kratom use can include:

Nausea, itching, and sweating
Dry mouth and constipation
Increased urination and loss of appetite
Rapid heart rate, vomiting, and drowsiness

Longer-term use has been associated with anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, liver damage, seizure, and hallucinations.

Is Kratom Addictive?

Yes. People who use kratom regularly can develop dependence. When they stop, withdrawal symptoms may include muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggression, emotional changes, runny nose, and jerky movements. These symptoms are similar to opioid withdrawal, which reflects how kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the brain.

What Is the Legal Status of Kratom in Iowa?

As of fall 2026, kratom remains legal to buy, sell, and possess in Iowa. There are no statewide age, labeling, or purity standards. However, the landscape is changing:

In March 2026, the Iowa House passed HF 2133 by a vote of 69 to 26, which would classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. The Senate companion bill did not reach a floor vote.
On August 26, 2026, the DEA classified three synthetic kratom-derived compounds as Schedule I controlled substances at the federal level.
The Iowa Board of Pharmacy is considering emergency rules on synthetic kratom products.

Regardless of its current legal status, kratom carries real risks and is not recognized as a safe or effective treatment for any medical condition.

How UCS Healthcare Can Help

Some people turn to kratom as an alternative to manage pain, opioid withdrawal, or other conditions. While the intent is understandable, using an unregulated substance without medical guidance carries significant risk. Kratom use can mask underlying conditions, create new dependencies, and complicate existing treatment.

If you or someone you know is navigating substance use, opioid dependence, or concerns about kratom use, UCS Healthcare is here to help. Evidence-based treatment options include:

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) using FDA-approved medications like methadone, Suboxone, Sublocade, and naltrexone alongside counseling
Mental health therapy for individuals navigating co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions
Substance use disorder treatment including outpatient counseling, group therapy, and continuing care
Psychiatric services including evaluation and medication management

These approaches are supported by decades of clinical research and are designed to treat the full picture, not just one piece of it. Care is available across 14 UCS Healthcare locations in Iowa, both in person and through telehealth, making it accessible no matter where someone lives in the state.

Walk-in assessments are available at our West Des Moines location, and our team can help determine coverage, explore financial assistance options, and answer any questions about the cost of services.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about kratom, substance use, or the treatment options available at UCS Healthcare, our team is here to help.