The kratom market is widely expanding globally, with the availability of a wide variety of products. A key factor in increasing this market size is consumers’ shift towards natural and herbal alternatives. The Kratom plant and its derived products are of great interest among clinicians, researchers, and consumers due to their analgesic and stimulatory properties.
The evolution of the Kratom plant from botanical to wellness industry marked a shift towards responsible, informed purchasing. Consumers expect clarity, convenience, and quality from the kratom products. Continue reading to explore the latest consumer demands for kratom in the wellness industry.
Kratom Market Trend 2025
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. The kratom market size in 2024 was $2.19 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.2% over the next 8 years, reaching $7.80 billion by 2032. The kratom tree is found in Southeast Asian regions; its use is evident in both the West and Southeast Asia.
Why is Kratom Popular?
In history, kratom was used in cultural and medicinal practices in Southeast Asia. The first users of kratom in the scientific literature were Malays in 1836, who used kratom as an affordable substitute for opium. Manual laborers, such as farmers and rubber tappers, chewed kratom plant leaves or brewed them in tea to reduce fatigue, boost energy, and increase endurance during long working days.
Local households used kratom to treat minor ailments, like cough, diarrhoea, pain, hypertension, and fever. In some small villages, men used it as a social drink in small gatherings or ceremonies. Kratom has become popular in Western culture, mainly in the United States and Europe, over the last two decades. The denial of access to prescription opioids in 2015 led to the use of street opioids, such as illicit fentanyl and heroin.
People suffering from chronic conditions and opioid-use disorders were denied medical treatment. According to the World Drug Report 2025, among 64 million people globally in 2023, had substance use disorder, and only 1 in 12 people received some drug-related treatment. A primary reason for its popularity is its self-treatment for chronic pain, mood disorders, and substance use disorder symptoms.
Kratom and Consumer Behavior
Kratom has now been widely used for medical and recreational purposes in both West and Southeast Asia. Kratom gives stimulant effects in low doses and sedative effects in high doses. The worldwide shift towards botanical and natural remedies for mood enhancement and pain management predicts the increasing consumer interest in kratom products. Explore some of the consumers’ behavior regarding kratom consumption.
Consumer Profile
An online survey conducted in the United States showed the consumer profile of kratom users. They were middle-aged (31-50 years) from middle-income backgrounds, using kratom for self-treatment of pain, emotional, and mental conditions.
Reason for Consumption
Studies suggest that consumers primarily use kratom for pain relief and mood-related issues, including depression and anxiety. Subgroups of the sample population reported that using kratom for post-traumatic stress and bipolar mood have high efficacy (60.2 and 51.4, respectively, on a scale of 100). A significant number of people also used kratom to reduce the use of prescription opioids, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Some users also reported kratom use for mood enhancement and increased productivity.
Consumption Patterns
The traditional method of kratom consumption was chewing kratom plant leaves or brewing. In the U.S., the common consumption method is swallowing kratom powder or taking capsules and extracts. Regular consumers consume it daily in a typical dosage of 1-6 grams per occasion. Consumers perceive kratoms as a safe, accessible, affordable, and healthy alternative to conventional drugs. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate any kratom product, posing potential health and safety risks, particularly with high doses and polysubstance use.
Key Kratom Consumer Trends 2025
As per the 2025 trends, consumer demand for kratom is increasing due to the shift towards natural plant-based solutions for pain management. Consumers are seeking quality, transparency, convenience, product diversification, and easy access to e-commerce channels.
Preferences for Natural Solutions
Consumers are actively looking for natural, plant-based alternatives for chronic pain management, anxiety issues, and substance use withdrawal symptoms, considering kratom as a safer option.
Product Diversification & Convenience
Unlike conventional medicines, kratom provides a convenient and standardized dosing that appeals to consumers looking for a reliable herbal alternative. Consumers demand a diverse range of products, shifting from traditional powders to capsules, tablets, softgels, and drinks. Manufacturers are investing in product diversification to capture market share. In 2024, the global kratom capsule market was valued $218 million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% reaching $376 million by 2032. Moreover, innovations like improved bioavailability formulas and organic-certified capsules attract wellness-conscious consumers.
Quality and Transparency
Consumers are demanding greater transparency and product quality due to regulatory uncertainty and quality control issues. Laboratory analysis indicates that alkanoid concentrations can vary by up to 300% between different regions and harvests. Brands providing transparent information about batch testing, alkanoid content, cGMP compliance, and ethical sourcing are gaining market share and consumer trust.
E-Commerce Dominance
Availability of e-commerce channels has significantly increased sales of kratom capsules, with online retail contributing 45% of total revenue. Online purchasing offers accessibility, convenience, discreet packaging, and competitive pricing options crucial for kratom consumers. Leading kratom brands utilize SEO and social media marketing to target a diverse range of audiences. The e-commerce market is challenging in certain regions due to regulatory scrutiny on online purchases.
Consumer Education & Compliance
In 2025, clear and accurate consumer education is crucial for setting realistic consumer expectations and promoting responsible use. Industry stakeholders are actively collaborating to promote balanced, fact-based information for consumers and policymakers.
Regulatory Landscape of Kratom 2025
The regulatory landscape of kratom 2025 is complex. The federal legislation does not categorize or regulate kratom under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), and it is unregulated at the federal level. However, in July 2025, the FDA announced its intention to schedule the highly potent alkaloid 7-OH-mitragynine as a Schedule I substance.
A total of 24 states and the District of Columbia have regulated kratom as of April 2025. As the latest regulatory highlights of 2025, kratom faces increasing regulatory scrutiny. Mississippi increased the minimum age to 21 years and banned the synthetic extracts by enacting a law in July 2025. Louisiana implemented a statewide ban effective on August 01, 2025.
Future Growth Opportunities
In 2025, future growth opportunities in the kratom market are primarily driven by product diversification and the development of a standardized regulatory framework. The safe conduct of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) creates a safer and more stable market environment.
Want the latest updates on the evolving regulatory landscape of the kratom industry? Subscribe to CBHD’s newsletter and receive up-to-date information on market trends, consumer behavior, and future market opportunities to grow your business.
