Oklahoma Lawmakers Examine Kratom Risks and Youth Access

Oklahoma lawmakers examined kratom products, youth access and health risks on Monday, Oct. 12, during a House committee study in Oklahoma City after medical experts and families warned about addiction cases, deaths and the need for stronger oversight.

The interim study was hosted by Representatives Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, and Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, before the House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances Committee. Officials discussed products sold in convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops.

According to the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, mitragynine or related alkaloids were listed as contributing factors in 42 deaths between January 2025 and June 2026. The office said mitragynine is now among the top five substances listed in overdose deaths.

Rep. Ellen Pogemiller said the hearing was intended to help lawmakers understand the risks and develop possible policy responses.

"As a state, what are we doing to ensure the products that are on our shelves are not reaching youth, and that people understand the potential harms with the products?" said Ellen Pogemiller, state representative.

Pogemiller also said lawmakers need to address advertising and access concerns involving kratom products. She organized the hearing after receiving messages from constituents describing harmful experiences.

"It’s my responsibility not only as a state representative, but as a mother to ensure Oklahomans are aware of the dangerous and addictive products such as kratom sold in our state that are being advertised to our children," said Ellen Pogemiller, state representative.

Presenters told lawmakers that kratom comes from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and is marketed for energy, mood, pain relief and relaxation. They warned that some products contain compounds such as 7-hydroxymitragynine, known as 7-OH.

Medical officials said the market has changed with stronger synthetic derivatives. Jesse Kemp, a toxicologist with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, said the products can be difficult for consumers to understand.

"There’s a lot of people that are being exposed to products that are not safe for them, and I don’t think a lot of them know what they’re getting into," said Jesse Kemp, toxicologist.

Donnie Anderson, director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, called for additional authority over certain kratom-related compounds.

"It’s killing people, and this is something that we did warn was going to happen," said Donnie Anderson, director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

Families also described addiction experiences during the study. Isabella Gardner told lawmakers she began using a kratom-based tonic while dealing with physical strain from dancing before entering rehabilitation at age 18.

"The drinks made my skin painful, red and scaly," said Isabella Gardner, kratom addiction survivor.

"People at rehab called it ‘alligator skin,’ and I started to get styes that would bleed and blister. Finally, my rock bottom was passing out at work. I made the hard decision, again, to ask for help," said Isabella Gardner, kratom addiction survivor.

Braxton Bunch, 19, told lawmakers he used kratom products before experiencing serious health problems and seeking treatment.

"I still live with the hurt I have caused innocent bystanders, my family and myself, and I thank God every day that I am still alive and I was given a second chance at life," said Braxton Bunch, kratom addiction survivor.

Medical examiner officials also cited broader concerns. Kacey Cliburn said the agency had never seen an over-the-counter commercial product become one of the most common substances connected to overdose deaths.

"Our office has never experienced a situation like this, in which an uncontrolled, over-the-counter commercial product has displaced a drug in the top five listed in the cause of death," said Kacey Cliburn, forensic toxicologist.

Other witnesses described family impacts and policy concerns. Angela Goins discussed her brother’s death after addiction involving kratom pills with dangerous additives.

"For my family, this isn’t an abstract discussion about chemistry, it’s the reason my brother is gone," said Angela Goins, family member.

Frank Turner, an addiction specialist with more than 25 years of experience, urged lawmakers to consider stronger action.

"Drugs are killing our kids," said Frank Turner, addiction specialist.

"And how many of us have to die for us to make some drastic changes?" said Frank Turner, addiction specialist.

Policy analyst Tane Webb recommended raising purchase age limits, restricting products to natural plant material, setting concentration standards and expanding enforcement. Former state Rep. Doug Cox also called for broad restrictions.

"If you are really interested in saving Oklahomans’ lives; if you are really interested in keeping Oklahoma families from being destroyed, then outlaw all of it," said Doug Cox, former state representative.