Florida university leads kratom research; 1.7M Americans aged 12+ used it in 2021, primarily for recreation, anxiety/depression, with questions on addiction and legality.

A Florida university is leading kratom research, with 1.7 million Americans 12 and older using the plant-based substance in 2021, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. About one-third of users consume kratom for recreational purposes, finding it to be a better alternative to coffee, while another third use it to manage anxiety and depression. Despite the growing user base, questions remain regarding the substance's potential for addiction and its legality.