A 39-year-old Oregon man, Matthew Torres, died after consuming a product for pain labeled as “100% pure Mitragyna speciosa leaf powder,” commonly known as kratom, sparking a legal dispute.
According to a lawsuit filed February 27, 2024, by his family’s attorneys, Torres experienced a violent seizure with convulsions and foaming at the mouth shortly after using the product, leading to his death on May 27, 2021.
Despite immediate CPR attempts by his girlfriend and first responders, Torres was declared dead at the scene. The Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office attributed his death to the “toxic effects of mitragynine,” highlighting the potential dangers associated with kratom consumption.
Kratom, a tree native to Southeast Asia, has been used for centuries for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. In the United States, kratom is often consumed for its perceived benefits, including pain management and mood enhancement, and as a purported non-addictive substitute for pharmaceuticals. However, the substance has come under scrutiny due to safety concerns, including liver toxicity, seizures, substance use disorder, and death, as noted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The lawsuit targets the House of Pipes, a chain of head shops in the Portland area where Torres regularly purchased the product known as “Real Kratom.” His mother, Mary Torres, seeks $10 million in damages, accusing the shop and its suppliers of selling dangerous kratom products without adequate safety warnings. This case underscores the growing legal challenges faced by kratom vendors and highlights the broader debate over the substance’s safety and regulatory oversight.
Despite its traditional use in Southeast Asia and some users advocating for its benefits, kratom’s legal and medical status remains controversial in the U.S. The FDA has warned against its use, citing potential health risks, including death, especially in cases involving other substances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that kratom can produce stimulant effects in small doses and effects similar to opioids in larger doses.
The Torres family’s lawsuit argues that the House of Pipes and the broader kratom industry have failed to ensure the safety of their products, leading to preventable deaths. Attorneys representing the family have called for greater transparency and accountability from kratom sellers, emphasizing the need for consumer education on the risks associated with kratom use.