When Joe Rogan first discussed kratom on his show six years ago, he described it as a legal, plant-based supplement that could “alleviate the symptoms of opiates.”

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner—a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, addiction scientist, and researcher—breaks down what science now tells us about kratom’s true effects, risks, and addiction potential. Drawing from decades of research and her own clinical practice, Dr. Glasner explains how kratom acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, why people use it for withdrawal, and how unregulated extracts like 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) have contributed to new patterns of dependence and overdose.

From Joe Rogan’s early impressions to what clinicians are seeing today, this episode explores how “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe,” and why public conversations about addiction need to stay grounded in evidence—not hype.

💡 In This Episode

What Joe Rogan got right—and wrong—about kratom

How kratom mimics opioid effects and why it can become addictive

The science behind kratom use disorder and emerging treatment insights

Why “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe,” especially for people with addiction risk

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