Vancouver study finds kratom use uncommon among people who use unregulated drugs

Why it matters

The study offers a current, community-based estimate of kratom exposure among people who use unregulated drugs and describes factors associated with reported use.

The big picture

Researchers analyzed survey data from three prospective Vancouver cohorts during an ongoing overdose crisis. The results add population-specific context, but the cross-sectional design and small number of kratom users limit causal conclusions.

Key findings

• 414 people were surveyed between 2019 and 2021.
• 30 participants (7.2%) reported ever using kratom.
• Older age was associated with lower odds of reported use (adjusted odds ratio 0.55 per five years).
• High-potency cannabis use was associated with higher odds of kratom use (adjusted odds ratio 2.82).
• Using cannabis for harm reduction was associated with higher odds of kratom use (adjusted odds ratio 4.93).

What they say

The authors concluded that few participants reported lifetime kratom use, while those who had used it described therapeutic or harm-reduction purposes; they called for further research into potential harms and benefits.

Bottom line

**In this Vancouver sample, reported lifetime kratom use was 7.2%, and the study supports further research rather than broad conclusions about all people who use drugs.**