The State of North Dakota banned the sale, use and possession of all kratom and kratom products, effective August 5. In light of the ban, Fargo Cass Public Health, Fargo Police Department and Fargo Fire Department are encouraging residents to understand the health risks associated with kratom and how to respond if someone experiences a medical emergency.
What is kratom?
According to the U.S Food & Drug Administration, kratom is made from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Kratom can produce stimulant effects at lower doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses. Products vary widely in strength and may contain other substances, making their effects unpredictable.
Because kratom can produce opioid-like effects, including slowed or stopped breathing, naloxone (Narcan) should be given if an overdose is suspected. While naloxone may not reverse every effect of kratom, it is safe to administer and may save a life.
Safety information
If someone has used kratom and is very sleepy, difficult to wake up, having trouble breathing or is unresponsive, treat it as a medical emergency:
• Call 911 immediately.
• If the person has no pulse, begin CPR.
• Give naloxone (Narcan), if available, when an opioid or kratom overdose is suspected.
• Naloxone may not reverse every effect of kratom, but it is safe to use and could save a life.
• Give rescue breaths until the person starts breathing again.
• Continue monitoring the person until emergency responders arrive.
For symptoms that are not life-threatening or for questions after using kratom, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom to treat opioid use disorder or any other medical condition. People who regularly use kratom may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it. Anyone who wants help reducing or stopping kratom use should seek guidance from a healthcare provider or connect with local treatment and recovery resources. Text or call 2-1-1 for information about withdrawal management/detox and substance use disorder treatment options.
Anyone seeking help with their use of kratom or 7-OH, an opioid-like compound found in the kratom plant, is encouraged to call the North Dakota Health & Human Services Behavioral Health Program Directory at 701 328 8920 or visit hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/directory.