Michigan leaders must distinguish natural kratom leaf from dangerous synthetic derivatives

By: Matthew Lowe

Outlets: Michigan Advance

Published: April 2, 2026

Words: 762

Last Updated: 3 months, 4 weeks ago

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The conversation around natural kratom leaf and concentrated synthetic derivatives is heating up in Lansing, as state lawmakers consider a blanket ban on all forms of kratom. But Michigan leaders are making a dangerous mistake in conflating a centuries-old botanical with chemically engineered opioids.

This key distinction is worth repeating: Not all kratom products are the same.

Natural kratom leaf originated in Southeast Asia, sourced from the Mitragyna speciosa tree and traditionally used by indigenous …

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