Written by: Jermaine Galloway
As we head into a new school year, there is one question I believe schools, parents, and community professionals should be asking:
Could schools begin seeing more kratom this year?
Unfortunately, I believe the answer may be yes.
That does not necessarily mean more young people are suddenly seeking out kratom. Instead, several factors may be coming together that could make kratom more visible, more affordable, and more accessible to young people.
Here are some of the trends I believe professionals should be watching.
1. Price Could Become a Bigger Factor
As states take different approaches to regulating kratom and products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), manufacturers and retailers may adjust their products, pricing, and marketing strategies.
If 7-OH products become more restricted or less available, consumers and retailers may shift their attention toward traditional kratom products.
That could create increased competition among products and potentially drive prices down.
And price matters.
2. Kratom Is Already Being Sold Alongside 7-OH Products
Visit many smoke shops, specialty retailers, or other stores selling emerging products, and you may find traditional kratom products displayed alongside 7-OH products.
The same retailers, distributors, and manufacturers may promote both.
This creates an important dynamic: when consumers are comparing products based on price, strength, availability, or perceived effects, pricing can influence what they choose.
If a stronger 7-OH product is priced similarly to traditional kratom, consumers may gravitate toward the stronger product. If regulations change that market, retailers may respond by adjusting the price and positioning of traditional kratom.
That could make kratom more financially accessible.
It is important to clarify that kratom should not be considered harmless or simply "weak." Kratom contains active compounds that can have significant effects. The comparison here is specifically about how traditional kratom products are often positioned relative to concentrated 7-OH products.
3. Lower Cost Can Increase Appeal
When I look at emerging youth drug trends, I often talk about three major factors:
Price. Accessibility. Flavor.
Kratom can potentially hit two of those factors: price and availability. Some products are also flavored or packaged in ways that may make them more appealing to consumers who are unfamiliar with kratom.
If kratom becomes one of the less expensive intoxicating products available through retail channels, cost alone could contribute to increased curiosity and experimentation.
4. Kratom Comes in More Forms Than Ever
Kratom is no longer simply a bag of powder.
Today, products may be encountered in forms such as:
- Capsules
- Gummies
- Tablets
- Flavored chewables
- Liquid shots
- Drink mixes
- Extracts
- Flavored powders
This variety creates an important challenge for schools.
A product may not look like what adults traditionally expect a drug to look like.
Some products may resemble vitamins, supplements, candy, energy products, or other everyday consumer items. That can make identification more difficult for parents, educators, school staff, and law enforcement.
5. "It's Herbal, So It Must Be Safe"
One of the misconceptions we hear is:
"It's herbal, so it must be safe."
Another is:
"It's legal, so it must be safe."
Neither assumption is accurate.
Kratom comes from a plant, but natural does not automatically mean safe. Kratom contains biologically active compounds, and concentrated products can present additional concerns.
Researchers are continuing to study questions surrounding kratom, including its effects, dosing, interactions, dependence potential, and long-term use.
The important message for schools and families is simple:
Don't confuse "plant-based" or "legal" with "risk-free."
6. There Is a Knowledge Gap in Schools
One of the biggest concerns I have is not necessarily what schools know about kratom.
It is what they may not know yet.
Many educators, administrators, school resource officers, counselors, parents, and even healthcare professionals may have received little or no training on:
- What kratom is
- The different forms and product types
- Current packaging and branding
- Common terminology
- Retail marketing strategies
- What products may look like
- What to look for during searches or investigations
- How products may be disguised or placed into other containers
A product can be difficult to identify when you have never been taught what to look for.
Education Is One of the Best Prevention Tools
This is exactly why education matters.
At Tall Cop Says Stop™, we spend significant time helping professionals understand emerging drug trends, not just the names of substances, but the products, packaging, terminology, marketing, retail environment, and behaviors surrounding them.
The Tall Cop Boots on the Ground Drug Resource Guide and Tall Cop Says Stop™ training address topics including:
- Kratom and emerging kratom products
- 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
- Product identification
- Packaging and branding
- Retail marketing trends
- Current terminology
- What parents, educators, and other professionals should know
- Recognizing products that may not look like traditional drugs
The goal isn't to create fear.
The goal is to create awareness.
Know What Is Happening in Your State
Another important factor is that kratom regulations are not the same everywhere.
Some states and communities have implemented restrictions involving kratom and/or 7-OH products, while other areas have different requirements or fewer restrictions.
That means professionals cannot assume that what is happening in one state—or even one neighboring community—is happening in their own.
Know your state's laws. Know the regulations in neighboring states. Know what is being sold in the stores around your schools.
Drug trends do not stop at state lines.
What Should Schools Do?
As you prepare for the new school year, don't wait until a kratom-related incident occurs before learning about the products.
Take the time now to:
- Recognize the products.
- Understand the terminology.
- Know what is being sold in your community.
- Watch pricing and accessibility.
- Talk with parents and staff.
- Stay current on changes involving kratom and 7-OH.
The goal isn't simply to know what kratom is.
The goal is to recognize it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Stay informed. Stay aware. Stay ahead of the trends.
Because when it comes to emerging drug trends, “You Can't Stop What You Don't Know”.