SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah veteran says kratom has given him a natural alternative to manage chronic pain, but health experts warn the supplement comes with risks. Thor Bebout, a disabled veteran, told Fox 13 News that kratom helps him relax without relying on surgery or prescription pills.
Kratom, derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia, is legal in Utah and much of the U.S. Users turn to it for pain relief, energy, and relaxation. But experts caution that one of its compounds, 7-Hydroxymitragynine, can behave like an opioid, raising concerns about addiction.
Utah lawmakers are now weighing tighter restrictions, including retailer permits, child-safe packaging, and new warning labels. While supporters say kratom offers a lifeline, regulators remain divided over how to balance access and safety.
Read the full report at Fox 13 News.
