Protect Michigan from Opioid-like Kratom Addiction

What Parents and Lawmakers Need to Know

Every day, unsuspecting consumers are misled into believing that kratom is a "safe," plant-based, herbal supplement that can increase focus and energy, and relieve chronic pain. Although kratom can indeed provide some of these therapeutic benefits, most consumers are unaware that kratom acts like an opioid in the body, creating serious health risks including seizures, addiction, and, in some cases, death.

Contact Lawmakers

Leaders Against Kratom Addiction

Protecting the lives of children should not be controversial. We need to get kratom off our streets. People are losing their lives, and as lawmakers we have a very clear responsibility to act. We can’t afford to let this problem get any worse. I’m proud to lead the way in taking action.
Representative Cam Cavitt
Michigan's 106th District
Read the Complete Press Release

Consumers need to understand that they don’t really know what they’re getting when they buy kratom products. They’re often marketed as energy drinks or gummies, which creates a false sense that it’s a harmless supplement. The truth is these unregulated and often highly concentrated stimulants can be dangerous, especially for children.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald
Oakland County
Read the Complete Quote

This is a wolf in sheep’s clothing…Many individuals do not understand the risks of taking kratom and 7-OH products since it is unregulated and is marketed as an energy supplement, among many other things.
What most people don’t understand is that they may develop a kratom use disorder, which is a form of an opioid use disorder, that has the same symptoms, side effects, and treatment as all opioid use disorders. We don’t sell oxycodone, heroin or fentanyl in gas stations for people to self-administer.
Dr. Vita V McCabe, MD
Director of University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services
Read the Complete Quote

How is it possible an opioid-like substance is so easily accessible in smoke shops, gas stations, and convenience stores?

The kratom industry exploits federal food and dietary supplement laws to avoid being registered as a "drug." In doing so, they bypass many safety measures consumers typically expect for an opioid-like substance, such as pharmacy consulting and purchase limits to avoid misuse and addiction. Kratom is primarily sold in vape shops, gas stations, and convenience stores—settings that can create the impression its risks are similar to vaping or drinking an energy drink.

What we are experiencing with kratom is a crisis. These products are being marketed towards our kids, and many parents aren’t even aware that it’s happening. Our children are being poisoned by products that they can easily purchase at gas stations.
Representative Cam Cavitt
Michigan

Why End Kratom Addiction?
Cameron's Story: Duped into Addiction

Dean Francis (R), his wife, Sarah, and their son Cameron in Midlothian, VA, on Aug. 12, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

In 2017, our son Cameron discovered kratom online while he was a college athlete. It was marketed as a "safe, plant-based herbal supplement"—a healthy alternative to alcohol that could boost mood, improve focus for studying, and even help with sleep.
In 2021, a terrifying trip to the emergency room exposed the truth. A physician told us plainly: kratom acts like an opioid—and Cameron was in severe withdrawal. He felt like he was going to die. What followed was physical and emotional torment we wouldn't wish on anyone. Recovery was long, agonizing, and seemingly hopeless at times—more like climbing a mountain on his hands and knees.
Cameron lost nearly eight years of his life to a product sold as "harmless."
Today, his story is no longer rare. Across our communities, more families are confronting kratom dependence, devastating withdrawal, and worse–death.
While compounds in this plant may have therapeutic potential, the risks are real, and many in the kratom industry work tirelessly to downplay them. This website exists to expose the truth, warn parents and grandparents, and urge lawmakers to act—either by regulating kratom products with the same safeguards we expect for pharmacy-controlled substances: clear consumption limits, tracking, and a quality consultation upon purchase.
Together, we can end kratom addiction—and save lives.

– Dean Francis, aka Dad

Read Article from The Epoch Times

Can kratom be addictive?

Massive online recovery communities document the reality: r/kratomquitters, a subreddit for anyone struggling with kratom addiction, has over 55,000 members, Kratom Quitters hosts daily support meetings for over 11,000 members struggling to quit, and the Kratom Sobriety Podcast exposes the reality of kratom addiction.

Join a Support Group Listen to the Podcast

Can kratom kill?

The Tampa Bay Times' investigation found over 580 kratom-related deaths in Florida alone, with 46 people overdosing solely on kratom. Medical examiners document alarming levels of kratom compounds in victims' systems.

Tampa Bay Times: "The Deadly Dose" Investigation See List of Known Deaths Kratom Danger Awareness

What do recovery experts say about kratom?

Portrait of Dr. Joshua Smith, Henry Ford

This is now becoming a real crisis because our building is full of people addicted to this. They just thought this was a safe or organic product that they picked up from wherever they buy their cigarettes.
Dr. Joshua Smith, MDFamily & Addiction Medicine, Henry Ford Health System

Portrait of Dr. Sean Esteban McCabe, PhD

Policy changes regarding kratom and 7-OH products are needed in all states if we are serious about protecting our children. Five million people is more than the entire population of the six smallest states in the U.S. combined: Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Delaware.
Dr. Sean Esteban McCabe, PhDUniversity of Michigan, Department of Health Behavior and Clinical Sciences

Portrait of Dr. Eliza Hutchinson, MD, FASAM

We are seeing patients walking into my clinic who’ve used it for about two weeks, and are absolutely addicted, meaning their body is physiologically dependent. They’re spending hours and hours of their day trying to acquire the product.
Dr. Eliza Hutchinson, MD, FASAMUniversity of Michigan, Family and Addiction Medicine Physician

Kratom addiction is real, and so is the pain and suffering that goes with it. Tens of thousands of people, and all their families, are facing a crisis that never should have happened. This industry chose to side-step safeguards to maximize a profit, and now attempts to blame the users. It was preventable then, and it is preventable now.
The good news is that we are no longer suffering in isolation. We’ve organized, and our collective voice will be heard.
Hilary TesluckExecutive Director of End Kratom Addiction

What the Industry Doesn't Want You to See

Watch stories from journalists, people that were affected by kratom, and Senator McKell revealing the crisis hiding behind "natural supplement" marketing.

The Growing Toll of America's Booming Kratom Industry – Bloomberg Originals

Kratom Addiction Testimonies

Cameron's Testimony

Feel Free Experience

Jason Elis Detox

Kratom Addiction Recovery: Client Testimonial | The Sanctuary at Sedona

Kratom is an epidemic growing rapidly

Kratom/Kava Sold Like 5 Hour Energy

Mom Explains Not Harmless — Mind-Altering Severe Addiction

My Experience With Kratom | LAHWF

My Kratom Video Uncovered Something Weird

the feel free scandal is nuts

The Progression of Kratom Addiction

This Gas Station Drug Nearly Ruined My Life

What is Kratom?

Kratom in the News

"Worst thing I've ever been through": Finding out what kratom is and how it's addictive

Former user speaks out to inform others about kratom | WSOC-TV

Growing concern about the supplement kratom's possible side effects, risk of addiction

Justice for Kielee: End Kratom Tragedies

Recovering kratom addict thought substance was 'natural' | Elizabeth Vargas Reports

US health officials warn about synthetic Kratom, mother speaks out following son’s overdose

What is Kratom, and what are the risks?

Kratom Experts and in Law

Addiction Experts Discuss Kratom: Easy Access, Addictiveness, Withdrawal, and Life Devastation

Kratom: The Truth Behind the Leaf

Senator McKell Kratom Bill

Senator McKell Kratom Bill 2

Other States and Institutions Have Already Banned Kratom

U.S. Navy Reserve
Jan. 14, 2026
Kratom is prohibited for Sailors and Marines. Just because it’s sold as a 'supplement' doesn’t mean it’s safe or authorized. Kratom products may be unregulated or mislabeled, increasing health risk.
Ohio
Dec. 12, 2025
All forms of kratom-related products were made illegal to sell, possess, or distribute by the Board of Pharmacyʼs 3-Factor Analysis and Governor DeWineʼs Executive Order.
Connecticut
Dec. 10, 2025
Following a public hearing in which 64 individuals provided testimony, the Department of Consumer Protection classified kratom as a Schedule I substance.
California
Oct. 24, 2025
Kratom and 7-OH are illegal to sell or manufacture for consumption. While these products are sometimes marketed as natural remedies, they are dangerous and can result in fatal overdoses. – Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer
And More
Additionally, kratom is banned in Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire, while regulations have been imposed in Arizona, Georgia, and New York, and Nevada.

Help Us Take Action.

Michigan lawmakers need to address kratom addiction crisis affecting thousands of families statewide.

Join EKA

Join Michiganders in demanding action on kratom to prevent addiction and abuse.

Join Our Newsletter

Contact Your Representatives

Send pre-written messages to your state legislators.

Learn How

End Kratom Addiction raises awareness about kratom addiction in Michigan and urges lawmakers to take action.

Learn More About Our Mission