Kratom has a long-standing presence as a niche botanical and still retains its prominence in 2026. Once associated with a niche audience, it is now drawing attention from users, researchers, and regulators alike.
The kratom plant has its origin in Southeast Asia, with a long history of use. Once confined to Southeast Asian lands, kratom has now become extensively popular among the US audience.
According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, there were 1.6 million reported kratom users in the US in 2023. With the growing popularity, there is a huge focus on kratom usage, its safety, and what the latest research says about it.
This article breaks down the latest kratom usage statistics, including prevalence, user patterns, and the latest research shaping the conversation in 2026.
How Many People Use Kratom in the U.S.?
The estimated number of kratom users greatly varies in various US states. Most recent reports suggest the number of users is between 1.5 and 2.0 million. The JAMA Network reported the number of 1.6 million.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also reported 1.7 million kratom users in the US in 2021.
Another research published by Palamar added that nearly 0.7% of the US population has used kratom in the past year. Other reports also suggest that the number of first-time kratom users is much higher than this.
The variations in the reported user are possible based on the methodology used. Though there are no more recent reports on the number of kratom users, the suggested data reflects that the number of users is quite high. The number may be underestimated because people are usually reluctant to admit to using a product that is not recommended as a supplement.
Kratom Market Size & Growth Statistics
According to the statistics published by Maximize Market Research, the global kratom market was valued at USD 2.56 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.2% and will cross USD 7.79 billion by 2032.
North America has a major share in the global market expansion, amidst the ongoing opioid crisis. The regional share held by North America is much bigger, but it can’t be validated in numbers. However, there has been a 600% increase in kratom demand in the region in the past five years.
There is a global surge in the regional demand for kratom. Here is the percentage increase in regional kratom demand in the past 5 years.
Kratom User Demographics: A Complete Breakdown
Kratom has been a popular herb with a long-standing history of use. After staying popular for hundreds of years in Southeast Asia, the botanical is now ruling the other world regions, including Europe and America.
Many research studies were conducted in an attempt to disclose kratom user demographics. Here are some insights into the kratom user demographics:
Age of Kratom Users
Kratom was once perceived to be popular among young adults aged between 20 and 39. However, the recent data published by the CDC suggests that the average age of kratom users is between 35 and 40 years old, with the fastest growing demographic being 40 to 59 years old.
Another research study published by Albert Garcia-Romeu also suggested the average age of kratom users in the US is 40.
Gender Distribution
According to the research published by Hennigfield, kratom is popular among both males and females. The number of male users is slightly higher than that of females.
Another study reported that 58.76% kratom users were male, and some 41.24% were female.
Employment & Income
Most kratom users belong to the middle-income classes, with nearly 70% of them being full-time or part-time employees.
Education Level
There is a correlation between the education level of the kratom user population. A previously reported study published by Albert Garcia-Romeu suggested that 83.9 percent of kratom users have some sort of college degree or formal education. Out of all these, 33.8% are college students, and nearly 35% attended college without completing a degree.
Relationship Status
The data on kratom use and its association with relationship status is another user insight. The NSDUH 2019 analysis published by Dhanikakar suggested that 66.45% of kratom users were unmarried, and with 33.555% being married, widowed, or divorced.
Kratom Product Market Share
The kratom market offers several product formats. Each segment attracts a different consumer profile and carries different risk characteristics.
Product Format Market Share Trend
The kratom market offers several product formats. Each segment attracts a different consumer profile and carries different risk characteristics.
| Product Format | Market Share | Trend |
| Powder (loose / bulk) | Highest | Versatile product format |
| Capsules | Growing | Fastest-growing segment |
| Extracts & shots | Smaller share | Elevated safety concerns |
| Other (tinctures, resins) | Niche | Limited |
Kratom Powder:
Kratom powder is the most versatile kratom product format, known for its convenience. Powder format is the budget-friendly option, which makes it a preferable choice for users.
Kratom Capsules:
Unlike kratom powder, the capsules are a highly portable kratom format that contains pre-measured quantities of kratom powder. Available in cellulose or gelatin capsule shells, these capsules are a very convenient option for on-the-go users.
Extracts and Concentrated Shots:
These are the concentrated kratom product formats that contain the highest concentration of kratom alkaloids. These extracts are more suitable for experienced kratom users.
Kratom Legal Status by State (2025)
At the federal level, kratom is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. Moreover, the FDA has not approved kratom as a dietary ingredient.
Kratom’s legal status varies by state across the US. Kratom sale, purchase, and possession are legal in most US states. However, some US states have a strict ban on all kinds of kratom products.
States Where Kratom Is Banned
| State | Status |
| Alabama | Banned |
| Arkansas | Banned |
| Indiana | Banned |
| Rhode Island | Banned |
| Vermont | Banned |
| Wisconsin | Banned |
There are ongoing efforts in the banned states to regulate kratom under certain conditions in Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPA)
Some US states regulate the kratom products by setting criteria on product labeling, testing, and minimum age requirements rather than banning kratom. More than 15 states have regulated kratom under the Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPA). Here is a summarized detail of these regulations:
Category |
Key Rules |
States Involved |
| Age Restrictions (18+) | Ban sale to persons under 18 | Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah |
| Age Restrictions (21+) | Ban sale to persons under 21 | Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
| Possession Ban for Minors | Underage possession also prohibited | Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia |
| Online Sales Requirement | Age verification required for online sales | West Virginia |
| Marketing to Children | Ban on appealing flavors/packaging; child-safe packaging required | Utah |
| Development of child-protection standards required | West Virginia | |
| Adulteration Rules | Ban on products adulterated with harmful non-kratom substances | Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah |
| Ban on adulteration with fentanyl/controlled substances (effective July 1, 2024) | Colorado | |
| Labeling (Safe Use Directions) |
Must include directions | Texas, Nevada, Georgia, Oklahoma |
| Must include serving | Texas | |
| Labeling (Warnings) | General health warnings + FDA disclaimer | Utah, Virginia |
| Child safety & medical consultation warnings | West Virginia | |
| Prohibit sale to minors + precautionary statements | Georgia, Oklahoma | |
| Labeling (Manufacturer Info) | Must list manufacturer/distributor identity & address | Colorado (from July 1, 2024), Georgia, Oklahoma |
| Labeling (Alkaloid Content) | Must state alkaloids amounts | Arizona, Georgia, Oklahoma, Utah |
| Labeling (Ingredients) | Full ingredient list required | Colorado (from July 1, 2024), Nevada, Virginia |
| Common ingredients names required | Georgia, Oklahoma | |
| Labeling (Factual Basis) | Must justify claim that product is a kratom product | Arizona, Utah |
Reference: Kratom Regulation: Federal Status and State Approaches
A Note on Kratom Safety
Kratom safety has always been a topmost concern, drawing attention from researchers, scientists, and lawmakers. A recent MMWR report published on March 26, 2026, by the CDC reported an increase in kratom poisoning. The number rose from 258 in 2015 to a record 3,434 in 2025.
Most cases were a result of kratom combination with other substances, with some of them leading to numerous casualties. However, the number still makes 0.28% of the total users when calculated against the estimated kratom users.
Who Should Use Extra Caution
The following people should take special care while using kratom:
- People taking other medications
- Those who are suffering from various conditions
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- Anyone under 18 years of age
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people use kratom in the US?
The stats on kratom users estimate range from 1.5 to 2 million, depending on the methodology used.
What is the average age of kratom users?
The average kratom user is between 35 and 40 years old. The exact age range may vary across different studies.
Is kratom use increasing or decreasing?
The US market is growing at 17.2% CAGR and is projected to reach $7.8 billion by 2032.
Is kratom legal in the United States?
Kratom is legal in most US states as of 2025. It is banned in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Some states regulate the use of kratom products under KCPA with age, use, and exposure restrictions.
