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LCB researchers report rising kratom exposures and launch statewide product scan
Summary
LCB research staff briefed the board on a Nov. 5 roundtable on kratom, reporting 87 attendees and poison‑center data showing 97 exposures in Washington through September 2025; staff proposed an environmental scan (photo survey) of retail products and asked partners to submit observations.
The Liquor and Cannabis Board’s research team presented findings from a Nov. 5 research roundtable on kratom and outlined next steps to better track unregulated products. Research specialist Tyler Watson and research analyst Nick Loboski said the event drew 87 attendees — roughly 60% from LCB and the remainder from academic and public‑health partners — and featured presentations by the Washington Poison Center and academic experts.
“We had 87 attendees for this meeting … a little over 60% were from LCB,” Tyler Watson said, summarizing participation and outreach. Nick Loboski described preliminary poison‑center data: “If you look at exposures by year … in 2025, just through September, there have already been 97 exposures,” and added that 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) is now being coded separately in some data streams.
The presenters emphasized product heterogeneity and emerging concentrated extracts. Watson said native kratom leaf contains low percentages of mitragynine, but “we’re seeing products containing 7‑hydroxymitragynine, which is estimated 40 times as potent,” and that concentrates may exceed natural concentrations. Because kratom is not federally regulated, states have taken varied approaches — from bans to limited regulation — and LCB staff said the roundtable’s purpose was to gather evidence and stay ahead of national trends.
As a practical next step, the research program launched an environmental scan and a photo‑submission survey to document products available in corner stores, gas stations and other retail outlets across Washington. Watson said partners can submit photos or email the research program and that results will be summarized at a future board briefing. The team also piloted a feedback survey for roundtable participants; six responses so far rated the learning value 9.2/10 and collaboration 7.7/10.
Board members asked whether poison‑center calls reflected severe medical events or transient effects; Loboski replied that calls span a range — from elevated heart rate and unexpected psychoactive effects to cases sometimes requiring medical intervention. The chair said the update is intended to inform the board should legislative or regulatory action arise.
