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As Texas lawmakers debate a ban on the synthetic THC industry, another unregulated, but deadlier synthetic drug known as kratom is lying in wait to take over the ever-growing statewide demand for recreational drugs.

Data provided from the Texas Poison Center Network reflects a slow climb in kratom-related cases, from 83 in 2019 to 123 in 2022 and dipping to 100 in 2024. This pales in comparison to the sharp increase in marijuana-related calls during the same time period after hemp-derived THC was federally legalized, culminating in 2,592 calls in 2024 .

However, of the 602 total kratom-related calls over the six years, more than 40% of them were severe or mo

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