Summary (tl;dr)

Investigations are underway into the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, with packaged kratom discovered at the scenes, prompting warnings about the unregulated substance.

Essential Background

Kratom is an herbal substance derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, known for producing both stimulant effects at low doses and opioid-like sedative effects at higher doses. While not federally controlled, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists it as a "drug and chemical of concern," and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for medical use, warning of serious adverse effects including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder. Despite its potential dangers, kratom is legally sold in Mississippi to individuals 21 and older, often found in retail stores like gas stations, though some states and local jurisdictions have banned or regulated it. Neighboring Louisiana banned kratom during its 2025 legislative session.

The Full Story

Kratom is trending due to two separate investigations into the recent deaths of University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) students, where packaged kratom from a retail store was discovered at both investigation sites on Monday. Lafayette County Metro Narcotics officials have stated there is no evidence currently connecting the two deaths, and it remains unclear whether kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor. In response, both Ole Miss and law enforcement have urged the community to refrain from speculating about the circumstances of these deaths and to avoid unprescribed substances. The university has also made free Narcan available at vending machines on campus.

Why It Matters

These incidents at Ole Miss underscore growing concerns about the accessibility and potential dangers of kratom, which some refer to as "gas station heroin" due to its unregulated sale and opioid-like effects. The FDA has previously warned against kratom due to risks of addiction, overdose, and contamination, and a more potent compound found in kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), has been linked to overdoses and is considered more potent than morphine. The recent deaths intensify the debate around stricter regulation or outright bans, especially given that Mississippi recently banned products with high levels of 7-OH and implemented age restrictions and behind-the-counter sales for other kratom products. The trend highlights the public health challenge posed by readily available, unregulated substances with significant health risks.

Geographic Location

• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Oxford, Lafayette County, Mississippi, United States (deaths of two students under investigation)
• Lafayette County, Mississippi, United States (law enforcement investigations into student deaths)
• Starkville, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, United States (public hearings and debate over banning kratom)
• Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi, United States (Mississippi legislature considering and enacting kratom regulations)