Dallas nonprofit warns of kratom’s rising popularity among teens
With the fate of THC being debated in Austin right now, a Dallas nonprofit is sounding the alarm on another substance that is growing in popularity among teens
As Texas lawmakers continue to debate how to handle THC, a North Texas nonprofit is raising concerns about another legal substance growing in popularity among teens: kratom.
Kratom is a plant-based substance sold in powders, capsules, drinks, and gummies at many corner and convenience stores.
WATCH HEREIt’s legal to buy in Texas and is often marketed as a natural remedy for pain, stress, or even opioid withdrawal. But youth advocates warn that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe.
“It can act as a stimulant in small doses and a sedative in larger amounts,” said Matt Radican, lead clinician at nonprofit Youth180 in Dallas. “It’s also often marketed as a natural alternative, which can be really appealing to teens, especially if they’re navigating stress or mental health challenges.”
SIGN UP According to the National Library of Medicine, kratom targets the same brain receptors as opioids. In high doses, it can cause sedation, euphoria, and potentially dangerous side effects, including nausea, rapid heart rate, and hallucinations.
Youth180 staff say they are hearing from more parents who are concerned about teens experimenting with kratom.
“As awareness grows, we expect more families and professionals are definitely going to be able to recognize it as a potential concern,” Radican said.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Unlike THC products or alcohol, kratom is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The substance is banned in six states. Here in Texas, the legal age to buy is 18 years old.
Click here for more information about kratom in Texas.
A proposal to regulate the substance more did not move forward this year. Senate Bill 1868 would have added age restrictions and labeling requirements, but it died in committee last legislative session.
Radican said Youth180 hopes lawmakers will try again to protect teens from what they call a hidden risk.
“We definitely welcome efforts to regulate kratom, especially when those regulations are aimed at protecting youth,” Radican said. “It’s important that we have oversight and age restrictions to limit access and prevent misuse. Our hope is that these changes will lead to more proactive conversations, especially among those families and professionals.”
National health officials are also paying closer attention to kratom. In recent months, the FDA has issued warnings against using it for medical treatment, citing risks of liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder. The agency also sent warning letters last month to several companies selling kratom-infused drinks, gummies, and powders.
At a press event last week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he is pushing for the plant’s active component to be classified as a Schedule I substance, alongside heroin and LSD.
“They’re marketed for children. They’re gummy bears. They’re bright colors. They’re candy flavors. This is really a sinister, sinister industry,” Kennedy said. “Our agencies have been asleep at the wheel on all of these other crises, and now we’re going to wake up and we’re going to stop this before it starts.”
Youth180 encourages parents to look for sudden changes in mood or behavior in their children and to have open conversations about substance use. Click here for more information.