02/24/2026
Panhandle Health District has issued a district-wide warning for kratom, a drug with addictive and overdose potential.
"Kratom, and in particular 7-OH, appears to be a growing problem in Northern Idaho and the rest of the nation,” said Panhandle Health District’s Medical Director, Gregory Pennock, MD. “Deaths associated with kratom use have occurred in Northern Idaho per my communications with the Kootenai County Coroner. The health district wants to increase local awareness of these potentially dangerous products for individuals, parents, educators, healthcare workers, government officials and retailers."
Panhandle Health District has issued a district-wide warning for kratom, a drug with addictive and overdose potential. Street names include, “Thang, Kakuam, Ketum, Krathom, Madat, Mambog, Thom, Krypton, Herbal Speedball and Gas Station Heroin.” Kratom is derived from the leaves of an evergre...