The death of NBA player Brandon Clarke, 29, has brought renewed attention to kratom, a plant-derived substance increasingly marketed as a wellness product and colloquially known as 'gas station heroin.' Police found a significant amount of kratom on Clarke during an arrest weeks before his death in May. While legal in most of the United States, kratom is banned in Arkansas, where the arrest occurred.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has become a $1.5 billion industry in the U.S. It is sold in smoke shops, convenience stores, and online, often disguised in packaging resembling energy drinks, vitamins, or gummies. Experts warn that despite its accessibility and natural origins, kratom carries significant risks, including severe addiction and dangerous side effects.
"Kratom is an addictive substance. It can, and does, kill," said Dr. Josef G. Thundiyil, a medical toxicologist and emergency physician. He described its addictive potential as comparable to opioids. Reports of seizures and liver failure have been linked to its use, with a notable increase in fatalities.
Poison control center calls related to kratom have surged, with a 1,200 percent increase reported in 2025, reaching 3,400 calls. Between 2015 and 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented 233 kratom-associated deaths. Many of these incidents involve the substance being mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
Dr. Zaid Fadul, founder of Bespoke Concierge MD, explained that kratom acts as a stimulant at low doses, offering pain relief, while higher doses can be sedating. Prolonged use can lead to chemical dependence and addiction. He also noted that kratom can cause dehydration and, crucially, masks pain rather than treating injuries, potentially leading athletes to push through injuries until they become more severe.
Clarke, who had been recovering from knee surgery and a calf strain, was found with 235 grams of kratom during his April arrest. He also had a THC vape pen and a prescription for Toradol, a painkiller for sporting injuries. The investigation into his death is ongoing, with drug paraphernalia found at the scene.
Clarke is not the only athlete whose name has been associated with kratom. Former UFC fighter Diego Sanchez's coach accused him of being addicted to kratom and other substances in 2021, an accusation Sanchez denied. Wrestler Sabu reportedly took kratom daily for years to help him withdraw from other substances, and died in May 2025, weeks after his final match.
The United Football League partnered with CBD Kratom in 2024, citing its potential to enhance performance and aid in chronic pain. However, the Missouri Attorney General's Office launched an investigation into CBD Kratom for alleged deception and fraud. The UFL's partnership concluded before the current season began.
Kratom is not classified as a performance-enhancing drug by the World Anti-Doping Agency, which removed it from its monitoring list in 2018. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency advises against its use due to health risks but has not banned it.
Tennessee, where Clarke played for the Grizzlies, banned kratom three months after his arrest, with the ban taking effect on July 1. The legal status and increasing use of kratom continue to be a concern for public health officials and medical professionals.