Doctors warn of kratom use in pregnancy and newborn withdrawal

Medical professionals are reporting an increase in pregnant patients using kratom, leading to cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome where newborns experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. Dr. Angad Madan, medical director of St. Peter’s Addiction Recovery Center, describes kratom as a potent opioid agonist that can be at least 13 times more potent than morphine.

In response to these health risks, there is growing legislative pressure in New York to regulate the substance. A ban on the concentrated form of 7OH has already passed both the New York State Assembly and Senate, awaiting the Governor's signature. Additionally, Albany County has declared kratom a danger to life and health through an emergency public health order following reports of fatalities.