Mississippi’s drug task force issued an urgent advisory on Tuesday urging residents to steer clear of kratom after the tragic deaths of two University of Mississippi students. While the task force emphasized that there is no “confirmed information” tying kratom to either death, the warning reflects growing concern over the herbal supplement’s safety.
State officials respond
Governor Tate Reeves released a statement on Wednesday, saying, “Mississippi is praying for the families and friends of the two Ole Miss students during this incredibly difficult time.” He also noted that two state agencies are fast‑tracking toxicology reports to determine the exact causes of death.
The task force’s release added, “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 advisory comes despite the fact that investigators have not found evidence linking the deaths directly to kratom.
What is kratom?
Kratom is an herbal extract that acts as a stimulant at low doses and a sedative at higher doses. It is legal at the federal level, though several states and localities have imposed bans or age restrictions. The substance is commonly sold in capsules, powders, and liquids at gas stations, smoke shops, and other retail outlets.
Proponents argue that kratom can help manage pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid withdrawal. However, doctors who treat addiction warn that users can quickly develop dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bluntly advises, “Don’t use it,” citing risks such as liver toxicity, seizures, and substance‑use disorder.
Regulation and recent trends
Mississippi already requires purchasers to be 21 or older, and both the city of Oxford and Lafayette County have enacted bans on kratom sales. Other states are taking similar steps; for example, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong recently signed legislation restricting kratom after declaring it a public‑health crisis.
Despite these restrictions, use of kratom appears to be rising nationwide. Researchers at the University of Michigan and Texas State University reported that more than 5 million Americans have tried kratom in their lifetime, including over 100,000 youths aged 12‑17. The study’s lead researcher, Sean McCabe, called for policy changes to protect children.
Industry perspective
Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association, criticized the FDA and state bans, saying they often conflate natural kratom with synthetic, chemically altered variants that carry higher risks. Haddow noted that many individuals have told lawmakers that kratom helped them wean off opioids.
High‑profile users such as podcast host Joe Rogan and the late Presley Gerber have spoken publicly about their experiences with kratom, adding to the public debate.
Looking ahead
Mississippi Poison Control’s managing director, Mallory Pullman, warned that concentrated kratom products—those with higher levels of the chemical 7‑hydroxymitragynine—are becoming more common and can be difficult for consumers to identify. She urged caution when purchasing any kratom‑derived product.
As the toxicology results are pending, state officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage residents to seek safe, regulated alternatives for pain and mental‑health management.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
