Cleveland stores selling synthetic kratom have tripled in number since 2023

The number of Cleveland stores carrying synthetic kratom products has more than tripled since 2023.

The products — which are unregulated but widely regarded as addictive — are now being sold in 132 convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops, up from 29 stores in 2023, according to new research from Case Western Reserve University.

Synthetic kratom can be misleadingly marketed to seem safe and natural, but in fact are very dangerous, Cleveland Public Health Director David Margolius said, citing a 2019 report in the journal Pharmacotherapy .

“It's similar to opioids," he said. "There is a concern for addiction. The challenge with this is it's completely unregulated. We don't really know what you're getting with different doses.”

While Cleveland will begin regulating smoke shops a