Kratom Under the Microscope with Dr. Chris McCurdy

Kara and Jennie sit down with kratom researcher and University of

Florida medicinal chemistry professor Dr. Chris McCurdy for a no‑BS look

at how a traditional Southeast Asian leaf turned into today’s potent

“gas‑station” products.

He explains where leaf‑only kratom may actually help with pain and opioid withdrawal, what changes when companies crank out 7‑OH shots and other concentrates, and why unregulated products are now tied to ER visits, deaths, and even newborns in opioid‑like withdrawal.

You’ll also hear his take on brain development, why he doesn’t want anyone using kratom, alcohol, or cannabis before around age 25, and what smart regulation, not prohibition, could look like.

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