MARQUETTE — The Marquette County Health Department issued a press release on Tuesday warning residents to take precautions when using kratom products currently for sale in Marquette County.

“Though pure leaf kratom products have a long history of safe use for treating pain and as a harm reduction option, kratom derivative, extract and concentrate products pose a significant risk to public health,” said the statement. “Marquette County has experienced a recent overdose death associated with the use of kratom derivative products available for legal retail sale within our communities.”

Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia which is often used as an herbal medicine. According to the National Institute of Health, “Much is still unknown about chemical compounds related to kratom, the short- and long-term health and safety impacts of kratom use and kratom’s potential therapeutic uses.

“While kratom or its related compounds have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective for any medical use, people report using kratom products to alleviate drug withdrawal symptoms and cravings (particularly for opioids), to alleviate pain and to help manage mental health problems.”

Kratom can be legally purchased by consumers of any age in the state of Michigan, though House Bill 5537, which passed the Michigan House of Representatives and was referred to the Committee on Government Operations in March, would ban it in the state outright.

The Marquette County Health Department also gave a list of important facts to consider regarding kratom derivatives, extracts and concentrates:

“Kratom derivative products containing 7-hydroxy mitragynine (7-OH) or mitragynins pseudoindooxul (MP) can be up to 13 times more potent than morphine.”

“Kratom products interfere with many prescription medications, such as anti-depressants, and potentially cause severe adverse outcomes.”

“Kratom derivative, extract and concentrate products can cause death by respiratory depression.”

“Naloxone is effective in reversing an overdose caused by kratom products.”

“Naloxone is widely available within Marquette County free of charge, including at the Marquette County Health Department.”

Those interested in information regarding free Naloxone distribution locations can call the New Points program at the Marquette County Health Department at 906-464-0064.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.