The herbal drug kratom is on the rise among young people – sold legally online

Kratom is a tree that grows in Southeast Asia, whose leaves contain an opioid-like substance. It is used, among other things, in soap production and is therefore legal to buy in Sweden. Last year, the Customs Service saw a huge increase in the plant drug, the Swedish import of kratom has gone from 7.2 tons in 2020 to 41 tons in 2023. And interest in the plant is only increasing, especially among young people.

– Most of the people I meet who use kratom are from the age of 15 and up. They describe that it gives them a euphoric rush, a feeling of happiness, says Juan Figueroa Sepulveda to Efter fem.

Making tea instead of making soap

Recently, more and more pages have appeared on the net where kratom and kits for making soap are sold, but instead of making soap, many instead make tea on the plant, to make narcotics. Hanna Nyberg, who is a reporter at P3-Nyheter, has interviewed several young people who use kratom:

– Most of the young people I spoke to use kratom as self-medication, as anxiety relief and pain relief, she says to Efter fem.

Important that it is legal to buy

In Sweden, kratom is not yet classified as a drug and is sold via online shopping. The Public Health Agency is looking into whether in the future they should be able to investigate plants, such as kratom. But for now, it is free to buy it.

– It is seen as less dangerous than other drugs, and many deny that you can become addicted to kratom. And that it is legal to buy it has been important to everyone I spoke to, says Hanna Nyberg.

Affects the brain

In low doses, kratom produces a stimulating and euphoric effect, but in larger quantities the drug produces a pain-relieving, calming and sleep-inducing effect, says Juan Figueroa Sepulveda. It produces an opioid effect that affects the brain and is addictive. In addition, the risk of taking an overdose is high.

– Many people who take higher doses do so because they want to reduce their pain and feelings of anxiety, says Juan Figueroa Sepulveda.

Easy to get addicted

It takes up to three weeks before it leaves the body and disappears from the system. Many young people who have taken the drug a little from time to time have become addicted and come to Maria Ungdom to seek help. But it is difficult to get rid of drug addiction.

– I have been in contact with many young people since 2021, and despite enormous efforts, they are still addicted, says Juan Figueroa Sepulveda.