Kratom, an herbal product with opioid-like effects, was discovered in the possession of two deceased University of Mississippi students this week. While their deaths were not attributed to kratom, officials are now issuing warnings regarding its consumption.
The herb, native to Southeast Asia, has seen increased popularity in the US over the past decade. It is typically sold over-the-counter in pill or liquid form and is widely available in places like convenience stores and petrol stations.
Kratom is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration and is legal in some US states, including Mississippi. However, it is illegal in the UK and banned in 11 US states, with Massachusetts being the latest to issue a temporary emergency order in August.
Experts highlight that the lack of federal regulation means there is no way to know exactly what is in kratom products. Dr Shane Speights, dean of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, stated that higher doses of kratom can lead to euphoria, a general high, and potentially hallucinations.
Higher doses also carry a greater risk of adverse side effects, including central nervous system (CNS) depression, which Speights linked to deaths. Addiction and withdrawal symptoms are also risks associated with its use.