Clear, research-based information about kratom
Kratom Universe is an independent guide to kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): what it is, how it is regulated, and what research says about its effects and risks. Our articles are built on primary sources — NIDA, the FDA, DEA filings, state statutes and peer-reviewed research — and our legal guides are reviewed whenever laws change.
New here? Start with What Is Kratom? A Complete Guide, or check the state-by-state legal guide. Following the news? Our Kratom Law Tracker logs every federal and state change.
Browse by topic
- Kratom Basics — the plant, its alkaloids, strains and history.
- Legal & Regulation — federal and state law, 7-OH, and the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.
- Safety & Health — side effects, dependence, drug testing and where to get help.
- Buying Guides — reading labels and lab reports, and comparing product types.
Latest guides
- Kratom Laws Around the World: Country-by-Country Guide (2026)Is kratom legal outside the US? How Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Canada treat kratom in 2026, and what travelers should know.
- Kratom Glossary: 20 Terms Explained in Plain EnglishA plain-English kratom glossary: 7-OH, mitragynine, KCPA, COA, Maeng Da, vein color, temporary scheduling and more, with links to in-depth guides.
- Kratom and Alcohol: Why Mixing Them Is RiskyCan you drink alcohol with kratom? Health agencies warn that combining kratom with alcohol or other depressants raises the risk of serious harm. Here is why.
- DEA Revises Its 7-OH Proposal: What the New Threshold MeansIn October 2026 the DEA replaced its 7-OH scheduling proposal with a new 1 mg/g threshold and a 100-to-1 ratio test. Here is what changed and what happens next.
- Is Kratom Legal in North Carolina? (2026 Law Guide)Kratom is legal in North Carolina, which has no kratom-specific law yet. A 2026 hemp and kratom bill that would regulate kratom and ban synthetic 7-OH is unresolved.
- Is Kratom Legal in Michigan? (2026 Law Guide)Kratom is currently legal in Michigan, but a bill to ban growing, selling and distributing kratom passed the Michigan House in 2026 and is pending in the Senate.
Kratom Universe provides educational information only, not medical or legal advice. Kratom is not FDA-approved to treat any condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call SAMHSA’s free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. See our full disclaimer.