New Colorado Legislation Aims to Balance Kratom's Benefits and Risks

In recent years, kratom—a herbal supplement derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia—has gained popularity for its potential to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and aid recovery from opioid addiction. However, concerns about its safety and the presence of potent compounds like 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which is associated with opioid-like effects and significant health risks, have led to increased scrutiny.

The tragic death of Daniel Bregger in Denver in 2021, who believed he was using a natural remedy for anxiety, underscores the dangers associated with contaminated or artificially enriched kratom products. His father, David Bregger, recounts that the product lacked clear ingredient information or warnings, especially regarding dangerous interactions with other sedatives like Benadryl. This incident sparked legislative action.

As the fourth anniversary of Daniel’s passing approaches, Colorado has enacted Senate Bill 25–072, known as the Daniel Bregger Act. The law targets deceptive marketing practices, especially concerning kratom products that are artificially enriched with 7-OH to increase potency—a chemical that the FDA has labeled as a potent opioid capable of causing death.

The new legislation emphasizes regulating kratom products by limiting their potency and restricting sales to individuals over 21. It also seeks to prevent the marketing of concentrated extracts that contain high levels of alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-OH, which are often produced in labs and sold in small bottles or energy shot formats. This approach aims to reduce misuse and overdose risks while allowing the legal use of natural kratom leaf products.

Despite these restrictions, research continues to explore kratom's potential therapeutic benefits. Studies funded by the NIH are investigating its alkaloids, which can bind to opioid receptors in ways that may manage pain and reduce the likelihood of respiratory suppression—a common cause of death in opioid overdoses. Some scientists believe that isolated compounds from kratom could serve as safer alternatives or adjuncts for opioid addiction treatment.

The ongoing debate surrounding kratom involves assessing its risks, such as addiction and overdose, against its potential as a harm-reduction tool. The recent legislative efforts reflect a move toward more science-based regulation, balancing public safety with the recognition of kratom's medicinal properties.

In conclusion, while kratom remains controversial, thoughtful regulation combined with scientific research could foster its safe use in medical contexts, preventing tragedies like Daniel Bregger's while unlocking new pathways for pain management and addiction treatment.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-kratom-potential-benefits-legislation-colorado.html