Kratom Use Under Scrutiny After Deaths of University of Mississippi Students

A drug task force in Mississippi is urging people to avoid kratom after authorities found packages of the substance while investigating the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. The warning from the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics task force was issued Tuesday, though officials stated there was no "confirmed information" that kratom contributed to either death.

The students were discovered Monday afternoon in separate locations, one on the university's campus and another off-campus, according to a university spokesperson. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed Wednesday that two state agencies were working to expedite toxicology reports for the students.

"Mississippi is praying for the families and friends of the two Ole Miss students during this incredibly difficult time," Reeves said in a statement.

Authorities have indicated they have no evidence the deaths are connected but noted that the kratom found at the scenes was purchased from a retail store. The store was not named, and it remains unclear if any criminal charges will be filed.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage everyone to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source," the task force's news release stated. The university announced Thursday that it would not be releasing the students' names out of respect for the families' wishes.

Kratom, an herbal extract that can act as a stimulant at low doses and a sedative at higher doses, has faced increasing scrutiny from U.S. health officials and states over the past decade. While legal at the federal level, some state and local governments have implemented bans, and federal authorities have issued warnings regarding its risks. The substance is commonly sold in capsules, powders, and liquids, often found in gas stations or smoke shops.

Proponents argue that pure kratom is a safe, natural herbal supplement that can aid in managing pain, anxiety, depression, and easing opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, addiction specialists caution that dependence can develop quickly, leading to withdrawal symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against its use, citing risks of serious adverse effects such as liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder. The FDA notes that kratom has been associated with deaths in rare instances, typically when used in combination with other drugs, making the specific contribution of kratom unclear.

Mac Haddow, a senior fellow on public policy with the American Kratom Association, contends that the FDA and states banning kratom are conflating the natural product with synthetic or chemically manipulated versions, which are linked to adverse effects and fatalities. He stated that many individuals have reported to lawmakers how kratom has positively impacted their lives, with some crediting it with saving them by enabling them to stop using opioids.

Last year, the FDA recommended a ban on products containing concentrated levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, a chemical found in trace amounts in natural kratom. Mallory Pullman, managing director at Mississippi Poison Control, has observed an increase in these concentrated products, noting that consumers may not be able to differentiate them from natural kratom.

"Until you know what product you’re working with, whether it’s kratom or some of these highly concentrated derivatives, you really have to be careful about buying a product and just taking it arbitrarily," Pullman said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Other jurisdictions, including North Dakota, have implemented regulations. North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed a bill this month restricting kratom sales after declaring it a public health crisis and convening a special legislative session. The state reported 50 deaths associated with kratom since 2019.

Despite bans and restrictions, kratom use in the U.S. has reportedly increased. A study published this year by researchers from the University of Michigan and Texas State University found that kratom use in the U.S. was at an all-time high, with over 5 million individuals reporting lifetime use, including more than 100,000 children aged 12-17.

"Policy changes regarding kratom and 7-OH products are needed in all states if we are serious about protecting our children," stated Sean McCabe, the study's lead researcher, in a release from the University of Michigan News.

Both the city of Oxford and Lafayette County, where the University of Mississippi is located, have existing bans on kratom. Other regulations include requiring purchasers to be 21 or older.