business
This plant extract can make a lethal drug cocktail. Can it also treat opioid addiction?
By Karen Garcia at Los Angeles Times - California
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
The U.S. will begin to test kratom for its potential to treat opioid disorder. In California, a complaint targets a business accused of violating kratom restrictions.
Key takeaway In California, a complaint targets a business accused of violating kratom restrictions.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
As the US prepares to test kratom for its potential to treat opioid disorder, Los Angeles businesses and residents should be aware of the local implications. The complaint targeting a business in California for violating kratom restrictions suggests that the state is already grappling with the complexities of regulating this plant extract. If kratom is found to be effective in treating opioid addiction, it could have significant benefits for Los Angeles, where opioid-related deaths and overdoses have been a major concern. However, the fact that kratom can also be used to make a lethal drug cocktail raises concerns about its potential for misuse. As the testing and regulation of kratom move forward, Los Angeles will need to balance the potential benefits of this treatment with the need to prevent its abuse, and local authorities will play a crucial role in ensuring that any new treatments are safe and effective.
About this story
Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Los Angeles Times - California . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: Los Angeles Times - California ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The U.S. will begin to test kratom for its potential to treat opioid disorder. In California, a complaint targets a business accused of violating kratom restrictions.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Karen Garcia at Los Angeles Times - California. To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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