BOISE, Idaho — Once a niche herbal product, kratom is now widely promoted on signs outside convenience stores and vape shops across the Treasure Valley, with several sellers appearing in a “kratom near me” search in Meridian alone.

Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia that's part of the coffee family. In the United States, it is sold as powders, capsules and bottled shots, and is often marketed as a natural wellness supplement.

At one Meridian storefront, The Happy Hippo, products are sold in brightly colored packaging and candy-like flavors advertised for relief, relaxation, or a boost of energy. Online listings show kratom powder for about $10 and packaged shots for $1 or $2.

WATCH: Kratom is easy to buy, but doctors say Idahoans aren’t being warned about the risks. Kratom is easy

See Full Page