The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and the Utah Poison Control Center issued an urgent warning Thursday after investigations linked a recent death and several severe health incidents to Buzzers-brand Cat's Claw tablets found to contain illegal kratom alkaloids. Officials confirmed the tablets were mislabeled and contained potent, opioid-acting compounds that are classified as Schedule I drugs in the state.
Illegal Alkaloids Found in Tablets
According to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, the Buzzers-brand tablets were found to contain both mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and MGM-15. Both are opioid-acting compounds derived from the kratom plant and are classified as Schedule I drugs in Utah under Title 58-37-2. The state has implemented strict regulations for kratom, having banned all kratom products other than pure-leaf varieties during the 2026 legislative session.
While cat's claw is a woody vine and herbal supplement not expected to cause adverse effects, these specific tablets were found to contain psychoactive compounds derived from kratom. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food warned that the mislabeled products were identified in several overdose cases in recent weeks. The agency is currently working with retailers and law enforcement to ensure the products are removed from shelves and unavailable to the public.
Opioid-Like Health Risks
The Utah Poison Control Center reported that the presence of these illegal substances has led to multiple overdose cases in recent weeks. The agency recommends that if an overdose is suspected involving these products, naloxone should be administered. Medical providers can treat patients experiencing opioid withdrawal from these products using standard addiction management protocols.
Health experts have noted that kratom's unique pharmacology makes it particularly dangerous. While kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia whose leaves provide mild stimulant effects similar to caffeine, higher doses act like an opioid, affecting the same receptors as drugs like morphine or oxycodone. Michael Moss, the director of the Utah Poison Control Center and an associate professor at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, noted that while kratom is not as potent as a stimulant, its ability to act as an opioid at higher doses makes it a significant health risk.
Potency and Addiction Risks
The danger of these products is compounded by the rise of highly potent, purified compounds. University of Utah Health experts have warned that a new, purified form of kratom called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is now being sold in pill form. This compound is significantly more potent than morphine at opioid receptors and has led to an increase in overdoses requiring Narcan.
Dr. Moss warned that even though 7-OH is present in only 1% or less of the plant, its potency is high enough that users are developing significant tolerance and experiencing overdoses. The Utah Poison Control Center has reported a rise in calls related to kratom, with callers seeking help for managing symptoms like extreme anxiety and delirium, navigating overdose situations, or dealing with suicide attempts.
Utah Kratom Regulations
Utah's regulatory framework for specialized products is designed to ensure safety and accountability. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food's Specialized Products Division oversees the manufacturing and sale of products intended to have psychoactive, euphoric, or sedative effects, including tobacco, nicotine, cannabinoids, and kratom. The Kratom Program specifically works to protect consumer health by enforcing standards set by the Utah Kratom Registration Act.
Under current Utah regulations, kratom can only be sold from a Specialty Tobacco Retail Business that holds a license covering kratom. Furthermore, only pure leaf kratom products are permitted for sale. The state prohibits products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine at a concentration greater than 0.4% of the alkaloid fraction, as well as any products containing synthetic alkaloids like synthetic mitragynine or synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Consumer Protection Measures
Consumers are urged to be vigilant when purchasing kratom, as the market can be inconsistent. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food advises buyers to only purchase products on the official Registered Product List, as these items have had their testing results checked for compliance. Additionally, consumers should look for labels that specify the amount of Mitragynine and 7-OH in the product.
Retailers are also cautioned to ensure that kratom items are clearly labeled on receipts. The department noted that some companies may use the same raw material for different products or attempt to misidentify items on receipts to conceal their true contents. If a consumer encounters a product or retailer that they believe violates state requirements, they are encouraged to file a complaint with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
Safe Disposal and Emergency Help
For individuals who have already purchased Buzzers Cat's Claw tablets, officials recommend safe destruction of the product. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that if a drug cannot be taken to a take-back location, it should be disposed of in the household trash by mixing the medication with an unappealing substance like dirt or used coffee grounds in a sealed container.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an adverse reaction or an overdose from a kratom product, the Utah Poison Control Center provides free, confidential, 24/7 expert advice at 1-800-222-1222. In the event of a medical emergency or suspected overdose, call 911 immediately.
