What is the street name for Kratom? Understanding Its Aliases and Effects

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 1.7 million Americans used Kratom in 2021 [1.9.2]. But if you asked them, 'What is the street name for Kratom?', many might not know all its aliases, such as Thang, Kakuam, and Ketum [1.2.1, 1.2.3].

Quick Summary

Kratom is known by various street names, including Thom, Ketum, and Biak [1.2.1]. This herbal substance from the Mitragyna speciosa tree produces stimulant effects at low doses and sedative effects at high doses [1.3.2].

Key Points

Street Names: Kratom is known by many aliases, including Thom, Ketum, Biak, Kakuam, and Thang [1.2.1].
Dual Effects: It acts as a stimulant in low doses (1-5g) and a sedative with opioid-like effects in high doses (5-15g) [1.4.1].
Active Compounds: The main psychoactive alkaloids are mitragynine and the more potent 7-hydroxymitragynine, which bind to opioid receptors [1.3.2, 1.5.1].
Legal Status: Kratom is federally legal in the U.S. but is banned in six states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin) as of 2025 [1.8.1, 1.8.2].
Health Risks: The FDA warns against its use due to risks of liver toxicity, seizures, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioids [1.6.3, 1.7.3].
Lack of Regulation: As an unregulated supplement, kratom products can have inconsistent potency and may contain harmful contaminants [1.3.3].
Consumption Methods: Kratom is typically consumed by chewing leaves, brewing tea, or ingesting powders, capsules, or extracts [1.11.3, 1.11.4].

What is Kratom?

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, belonging to the same family as the coffee tree [1.2.4, 1.3.2]. For centuries, its leaves have been used in traditional medicine in countries like Thailand and Malaysia [1.3.3, 1.10.3]. Traditionally, laborers would chew the leaves to increase energy and stamina. Today, it is available in various forms, including powders, capsules, extracts, and teas [1.3.1, 1.11.3]. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has listed kratom as a "Drug and Chemical of Concern" [1.3.2].

What is the Street Name for Kratom?

Due to its widespread use and varied cultural contexts, kratom has acquired several street names and aliases. Understanding these names is crucial for identifying the substance in different settings. Common street names include:

Thang [1.2.1]
Kakuam [1.2.1]
Thom [1.2.1]
Ketum [1.2.1]
Biak or Biak-Biak [1.2.1, 1.2.5]
Herbal Speedball [1.2.4]
Krypton [1.2.5]

These names are often derived from regional dialects in Southeast Asia where the plant grows natively [1.3.2]. The variety of names reflects its long history and diverse uses before it gained popularity in Western countries.

The Pharmacology and Effects of Kratom

The effects of kratom are dose-dependent and driven by its primary psychoactive alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine [1.3.2, 1.5.1]. These compounds are considered atypical opioids because they bind to mu-opioid receptors in the brain but do so in a way that is distinct from traditional opioids like morphine [1.5.1, 1.10.4]. This unique interaction is responsible for its dual effects:

Low Doses (1–5 grams): At lower doses, kratom acts as a stimulant. Users report increased energy, alertness, and sociability [1.4.1, 1.4.4].
High Doses (5–15 grams): At higher doses, kratom exhibits sedative and opioid-like effects, leading to pain relief (analgesia), relaxation, and euphoria [1.4.1, 1.4.3]. Doses above 15 grams can lead to extreme sedation and even unconsciousness [1.4.2].

The primary alkaloid, mitragynine, is metabolized in the liver into the more potent 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is believed to be responsible for many of kratom's opioid-like effects [1.5.1, 1.5.2]. This metabolic process means the effects can be unpredictable and vary between individuals.

Health Risks, Addiction, and Withdrawal

Despite its natural origins, kratom use is not without significant risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers not to use kratom, citing risks of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder [1.6.3].

Common side effects include:

Nausea and vomiting [1.6.1]
Dizziness and drowsiness [1.6.5]
Constipation and dry mouth [1.6.2]
Sweating and itching [1.4.3]

Long-term, high-dose use can lead to more severe issues like anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, and psychosis [1.6.1, 1.6.2].

Regular use of kratom can lead to physical dependence and addiction [1.7.2]. When a dependent user stops taking kratom, they can experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioid withdrawal [1.7.3]. These symptoms can include muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, diarrhea, and intense cravings [1.7.1, 1.7.4].

Kratom vs. Traditional Opioids Comparison

While kratom's alkaloids interact with opioid receptors, there are key differences between kratom and traditional opioids like morphine or oxycodone.


Feature	Kratom	Traditional Opioids
Source	Natural botanical from Mitragyna speciosa tree [1.3.2]	Synthetic, semi-synthetic, or naturally derived from opium poppy
Primary Alkaloids	Mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine [1.5.1]	Morphine, Codeine, Thebaine
Mechanism	Partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors; does not recruit β-arrestin pathway, which is linked to severe side effects [1.5.1]	Full agonist at mu-opioid receptors; activates β-arrestin pathway [1.5.1]
Risk of Respiratory Depression	Significantly lower than traditional opioids [1.5.1, 1.10.4]	High, a primary cause of fatal overdose
Legal Status (U.S.)	Federally legal but banned in some states/cities [1.3.2, 1.8.1]	Strictly controlled as Schedule I or II substances
Overdose Risk	Very low when used alone, but increases with other substances; risk is estimated to be over 1,000 times less than opioids [1.10.1]	High, especially when misused or combined with other depressants

The Legal Landscape in 2025

As of 2025, kratom is not a federally controlled substance in the United States [1.8.2]. However, the legal landscape is a complex patchwork of state and local regulations. Six states have completely banned kratom: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin [1.8.1, 1.8.2]. Furthermore, Louisiana is set to ban it effective August 1, 2025 [1.8.1].

Even in states where it is legal, some counties and cities have enacted their own bans, such as San Diego, CA, and Sarasota County, FL [1.8.1]. Many states have passed or are considering the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which regulates the sale of kratom, imposing age limits (typically 21) and requiring lab testing and proper labeling [1.8.2, 1.8.4]. The rise of concentrated products with unnaturally high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is driving much of this regulatory action [1.8.2].

Conclusion

Knowing the answer to "What is the street name for Kratom?" is just the first step in understanding this complex substance. Known by aliases like Thom, Ketum, and Biak, kratom offers dose-dependent stimulant and sedative effects due to its unique alkaloids [1.2.1, 1.4.1]. While some users report benefits for pain and opioid withdrawal, it carries substantial risks, including addiction, severe side effects, and an uncertain legal status that varies significantly by location [1.6.3, 1.8.1]. Its comparison to traditional opioids reveals a lower risk profile for fatal overdose, but a lack of regulation and potential for contamination remain serious concerns [1.10.1, 1.6.3].

Authoritative Link: For more information on kratom from a public health perspective, consult the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). [1.3.3]

Frequently Asked Questions

No, but it has opioid-like effects. Its main compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are considered 'atypical opioids' because they bind to mu-opioid receptors but do so differently than traditional opioids, resulting in a lower risk of respiratory depression [1.5.1, 1.10.4].

The most common street names for Kratom include Thom, Ketum, Biak, Thang, and Kakuam. These names often originate from its native region in Southeast Asia [1.2.1, 1.2.3].

Yes, regular use of kratom can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Users may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, muscle aches, insomnia, and irritability if they stop taking it [1.7.2, 1.7.3].

Kratom is legal at the federal level but is banned in six states as of 2025: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Some cities and counties in otherwise legal states also ban it [1.8.1, 1.8.2].

The effects are dose-dependent. Low doses (1-5 grams) typically produce stimulant effects like increased energy and alertness. High doses (5-15 grams) produce sedative and opioid-like effects, including pain relief and euphoria [1.4.1, 1.4.4].

Kratom can be consumed in several ways. Traditionally, the leaves are chewed. In the U.S., it is most commonly available as a powder (mixed into drinks), in capsules, brewed as a tea, or as a concentrated liquid extract [1.11.3, 1.11.4].

The FDA has warned of serious health risks, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder. Other side effects can include nausea, constipation, dizziness, and psychosis with long-term, high-dose use [1.6.3, 1.6.1].

A fatal overdose from kratom alone is considered extremely rare, and studies suggest the risk is over 1,000 times lower than with traditional opioids [1.10.1]. However, the risk increases significantly when kratom is combined with other substances like alcohol or other drugs [1.3.3].