CALVERT COUNTY, MD – October 20, 2026 – The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA), Calvert County Health Department, and the Calvert County Sheriff's Office are alerting residents to a concerning increase in kratom-related overdoses in Calvert County, including a reported fatality. These recent incidents are particularly concerning because they represent an emerging pattern of overdoses involving a substance that may not be recognized by the public as dangerous. Unlike overdoses commonly associated with prescription opioids, heroin and fentanyl, kratom products have been readily accessible through retail establishments and online vendors. What Is Kratom? Kratom is a plant-based substance that can produce stimulant-like and opioid-like effects. It is commonly marketed for energy, relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief or mood enhancement. Like tobacco, another plant-based substance, kratom has no known health benefits and does not cure any health conditions. Products are sold in various forms, including powders, capsules, tablets, gummies, energy drinks, and concentrated liquid extracts. Despite being marketed as a natural product, kratom is not necessarily safe. Just like opioids which are also derived from natural sources, kratom use can lead to serious health complications, including seizures or cardiac arrest, addiction, and potentially fatal overdoses. Several recent car crashes in Calvert have occurred as a result of drivers being intoxicated after using kratom. Products containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent opioid-like compound associated with kratom, pose particular concerns. In Maryland, kratom products containing more than 2% 7-OH or 1mg of 7-OH per dose are prohibited. 

Maryland Takes Action to Restrict Kratom Sales Effective July 1, 2026, Maryland enacted new restrictions on the retail sale of kratom products, including prohibitions on products that do not meet state requirements. These restrictions address product labeling and certain high-potency or synthetic compounds. Residents should understand that the availability of a product in a store or online does not mean it is safe or legally compliant. CAASA, Calvert County Health Department, and the Calvert County Sheriff's Office Encourage Residents to Take Precautions ? Avoid using kratom and concentrated 7-OH products, particularly those marketed for pain relief, energy or relaxation. ? Do not assume products labeled "natural" or "herbal" are safe. ? Never combine kratom with alcohol, prescription medications or other drugs. ? Talk with young people and family members about the dangers of kratom and products containing 7-OH. ? Recognize the warning signs of an overdose, including extreme drowsiness, unresponsiveness and slow or difficult breathing. ? Recognize the signs of an acute withdrawal, which may include restlessness, anxiety, or sleeping disturbances. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available when an opioid-related overdose is suspected. Naloxone may only temporarily help reverse opioid-like effects but does not replace emergency medical care. For immediate behavioral health support and services, contact Calvert Crisis Response at 1-877-467-5628. We encourage residents to stay informed about emerging drug trends and help protect their families and neighbors by sharing this important safety information. For local prevention, treatment and recovery resources, visit Hope4Calvert.org or contact Calvert County Behavioral Health at 410-535-3079.