Image from Tyendinaga Police Service on Facebook
Tyendinaga Police are warning residents about kratom after two medical calls involving hallucinations and erratic behaviour in October.
Police say the individual involved was taken to hospital for a psychological evaluation following both incidents. Investigators later learned the person had consumed kratom before each episode. The product was purchased at a local dispensary/gas station on the territory.
Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia and contains several compounds that can affect the body. Some consumer products contain 7-Hydroxymitragynine, known as 7-OH, a synthetic compound that produces opioid-like effects.
Health Canada has not approved 7-OH for human consumption, although it is not currently a scheduled substance under federal drug laws.
Southeast Public Health says the risks may increase when kratom or 7-OH is mixed with other substances or prescription medications. Community drug-monitoring programs have detected 7-OH, but related harms are currently believed to be relatively low.
Image from Tyendinaga Police
