"Is kratom an opioid?" is one of the most common questions about the plant, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you mean by the word. Kratom is not a poppy product and is not on the federal list of controlled substances. But the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says its main compounds act on the same kind of receptor that opioid drugs act on.
This guide sticks to what government health agencies say. It is not medical advice, and it does not make claims about what kratom does for anyone.
The short answer
- Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree in the coffee family. It is not related to the opium poppy.
- Its two best-studied compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), activate mu-opioid receptors, according to NIDA.
- NIDA says the resulting effects "only partially compare" to those of opioids like heroin or oxycodone.
- The FDA treats concentrated 7-OH products differently from the natural leaf.
What NIDA says
NIDA describes kratom as producing "opioid- and stimulant-like effects." It explains that kratom leaves contain many alkaloids, and that the best-studied are mitragynine and 7-OH.
According to NIDA, mitragynine is found in the leaves and breaks down into 7-OH in the body when digested. Both activate mu-opioid receptors, which are structures on the surface of nerve cells.
NIDA also notes that neither kratom leaves nor mitragynine appear to lead to the respiratory depression that is characteristic of a life-threatening opioid overdose. In laboratory models, however, 7-OH can cause respiratory depression that is reversed by naloxone.
What the FDA says
The FDA says there are no FDA-approved kratom drug products, and it has warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse events. Its kratom page lists liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder among them.
The FDA also says mitragynine and 7-OH bind to the same receptors in the brain (mu opioid receptors) as opioid drugs such as codeine, and that 7-OH shows substantially greater mu-opioid receptor potency than mitragynine.
On July 29, 2025, the FDA announced it was recommending a scheduling action to control certain 7-OH products. The FDA says this is aimed at 7-OH, which it calls a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant, and not at natural kratom leaf products. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has final authority over scheduling. Check the DEA and Federal Register for the current status before relying on this.
What NCCIH says
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says that mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine "interact with opioid receptors in the brain." It also reports that harmful contaminants such as heavy metals and disease-causing bacteria have been found in some kratom products, and that regular users may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop.
How the agencies compare
| Says kratom compounds act on opioid receptors? | Says it is the same as opioid drugs? | Approved uses? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIDA | Yes, mu-opioid receptors | No, effects only partially compare | None approved by the FDA |
| FDA | Yes, same receptors as drugs such as codeine | Treats 7-OH products as a separate concern | No approved kratom drug products |
| NCCIH | Yes, interacts with opioid receptors | Not stated | Not stated |
Is kratom legal if it acts on opioid receptors?
At the federal level, NIDA states that the DEA lists kratom as a "drug of concern," but kratom and its compounds are not on the US schedule of controlled substances. Some states, counties and cities ban it. Laws change, so check where you live before buying.
Why the leaf versus 7-OH difference matters for shoppers
Because the FDA separates concentrated 7-OH products from the natural leaf, it is worth knowing what is actually in a product. A third-party lab report that matches your lot number is the most direct way to see what a brand tested for. We explain how in our kratom lab results guide.
Panacea Natural, the vendor we compare on this site, lists the format and size of each product on its product pages. You can compare them in our kratom capsules and kratom shots guides. Read the label and follow the serving information on the package.
Frequently asked questions
Is kratom an opioid? Kratom is not an opium-poppy product and is not federally scheduled. But NIDA, the FDA and NCCIH all say its compounds interact with opioid receptors. NIDA adds that the effects only partially compare to those of opioid drugs.
Is kratom a controlled substance? Not at the federal level, according to NIDA. The DEA lists it as a "drug of concern." Some states and localities ban it.
Is 7-OH the same as kratom? No. 7-OH is one compound found in kratom. The FDA describes 7-OH products as a concentrated byproduct of the plant and distinguishes them from natural leaf products.
Has the FDA approved kratom? No. The FDA says there are no FDA-approved kratom drug products and warns consumers not to use kratom.
Should I talk to a doctor? Yes. If you take any medication or have a health condition, talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any kratom product.
Sources: NIDA: Kratom · FDA: FDA and Kratom · FDA: FDA Takes Steps to Restrict 7-OH Opioid Products (July 29, 2025) · NCCIH: Kratom · Panacea Natural product pages (checked October 2026).