The Origin of Kratom

Mitragyna speciosa, kratom, is a tropical deciduous and evergreen tree of the coffee family (Rubiaceae) that grows in Southeast Asia in the floristic regions of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. Its leaves are used for medicinal properties. People in Thailand and especially on the southern peninsula traditionally chew kratom raw. Kratom is also used in neighboring Southeast Asian countries where it grows naturally. As traditionally used, kratom is not viewed as a drug and there is no stigma associated with consuming kratom or discriminating against kratom eaters. In southern Thailand, kratom has been a part of traditional culture for millennia and is widespread in traditional cultural performances and in agriculture. In southern Thailand, kratom chewing usually begins around the age of twenty-five, and many continue to chew the leaves for the rest of their lives. The average amount of leaves consumed is 10 to 90 leaves consumed daily. In southern Thailand, over 80% of the male population consumes kratom daily in some areas. Traditional consumption of kratom is considered to be equivalent to drinking coffee. It is psychoactive and its leaves are chewed for mood and health problems. Kratom is a native of Thailand and, despite being grown naturally in the country, was outlawed for 80 years and was originally banned because it reduced the Thai government’s opium tax revenue. Fortunately this ban was repealed in 2021.