Image Source: University of Florida College of Pharmacy.
The world of kratom research took a significant leap forward at the Fourth International Kratom Symposium, held February 4-7 at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s Orlando campus. This invitation-only event gathered nearly 100 leading researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, highlighting the global momentum behind kratom research and policy discussions.
For more details, visit the full report here: University of Florida – Kratom Science and Policy Symposium.
A Global Effort to Advance Kratom Science
The symposium provided a platform for experts to share groundbreaking studies on kratom’s effects, its potential therapeutic benefits, and the latest regulatory developments. The University of Florida has been at the forefront of kratom research, with faculty members conducting National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded studies that shed light on the plant’s alkaloid composition, safety profile, and possible medicinal applications.
Dr. Oliver Grundmann, a key organizer of the symposium, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach:
“The kratom symposium offers a global perspective on both the scientific and the regulatory progress of kratom. By hosting this symposium, UF strengthens collaboration within the research community and helps advance our collective understanding of kratom.”
Rising Interest and Expanding Research
One of the most striking takeaways from the event was the rapid growth in kratom research. Dr. Jack Henningfield, a prominent expert on kratom safety and addiction from Johns Hopkins University, noted that kratom-related publications on PubMed have surged from 22 in 2015 to over 140 by 2024. This increase is largely attributed to funding from institutions like NIDA, which has accelerated studies into kratom’s potential benefits and risks.
“Kratom research has thrived through interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and global collaborations that embrace new ideas and approaches,” Henningfield stated.”
More than 40 presentations were delivered, covering pre-clinical and clinical research, quality standards, regulatory frameworks, and supply safety. Notably, the symposium also focused on mentorship, encouraging junior scientists and trainees to present their findings and participate in discussions.
Regulatory Conversations Take Center Stage
With kratom widely available across the U.S., its regulation remains a hotly debated issue. Researchers are working to provide evidence-based insights that can guide responsible policies, ensuring consumer safety while preserving access to this plant. Dr. Kirsten Smith of Johns Hopkins University highlighted kratom’s complexity, stating:
“Kratom is a very dynamic area of research that requires scientists from different disciplines to learn from each other.”
Honoring Industry Contributions to Science
The symposium also recognized those making significant contributions to kratom research. The inaugural Champion for Kratom Science Award was presented to Kelly Dunn, CEO of Urban Ice Botanicals. Dunn was acknowledged for his role in supporting kratom studies, including his donation of raw kratom leaf material for research and funding the documentary A Leaf of Faith, which has helped raise awareness and generate crucial research funding.
What This Means for Kratom Consumers
For kratom consumers and advocates, this symposium represents an important milestone. As research progresses, the industry moves closer to establishing clear safety guidelines, quality standards, and well-informed regulatory policies. The growing body of scientific evidence supports kratom’s potential therapeutic uses, reinforcing the need for responsible access rather than prohibition.
At Canada Kratom Express, we remain committed to providing high-quality kratom products while staying informed on the latest scientific and policy developments. As kratom research continues to evolve, we will keep our community updated with the latest findings, ensuring that our customers have access to trusted, science-backed information.
Stay tuned for more updates, and join the conversation on responsible kratom use by following our blog!
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