Kratom is a substance many Americans are recently becoming aware of, especially following the tragic deaths of two college students. The substance has both stimulating and sedative properties, depending on the dose. This summary will outline what kratom is, its regulation, and the recent incidents associated with it.
Recent Deaths: Two University of Mississippi students, Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang, were found dead on September 21, 2023. Both deaths are linked to products described as kratom-like. They were reportedly purchased from local stores shortly before the students' deaths.
Circumstances of Investigation: Although products were found with the students, authorities have yet to confirm a direct connection between the deaths and kratom. Two employees from a store where kratom was sold have been arrested, but officials state their arrests may not be related to the student deaths.
What is Kratom?: Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree found in Southeast Asia. It can act as a stimulant at lower doses and mimic opioids at higher doses due to its main alkaloids—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
Use and Regulation: Kratom is sold in various forms (powder, capsules, gummies) in convenience stores and online. While natural kratom is legal in most states, some have outright bans or regulations on its sale. The FDA does not approve kratom for any medical uses and warns of its potential dangers, including seizures and dependence.
Kratom Products: There is a distinction between natural kratom and its synthetic versions, which can be much more potent and have been implicated in dangerous side effects. The products linked to the recent deaths are allegedly synthetic variants like “Pseudo-DHM,” which have higher potency and can have opioid-like effects.
Legal Landscape: The legality of kratom is complex and varies by state. While most states allow natural kratom, around 10 outright ban it, and some cities have local regulations. Synthetic forms such as MGM-15 are being targeted for stricter control by federal agencies.
Cultural Context: Historically, kratom has been used for both energy and pain relief in Southeast Asia. Its popularity surged in the U.S. in recent years, leading to widespread use, with an estimated 1.7 million Americans having used kratom in 2021.
Kratom is a substance with varying legal status and significant health risks, especially in its synthetic forms. The recent deaths of two college students have highlighted the potential dangers of kratom, prompting investigations and discussions about its regulation. As authorities continue to look into these cases and the nature of kratom, understanding its properties and differences between its natural and synthetic forms becomes crucial for public safety.
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