Concerns Grow Over Health Risks of Kratom Following Student Deaths

The recent deaths of two University of Mississippi students have sparked new concerns regarding the health hazards of kratom. Authorities recovered packaged kratom from separate locations on campus where the students died, sources indicate.

Although the role of kratom in these deaths remains unconfirmed, Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News senior medical analyst, has highlighted the risks associated with kratom use. At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant that may cause heart arrhythmia. At high doses, it mimics opioid effects and can suppress breathing, leading to potential health issues.

Jessica Steinman from No Matter What Recovery notes kratom’s widespread availability in local gas stations, smoke shops, and health food stores. Often, it is marketed as an energy booster. She warns that misuse and overconsumption can lead to dangerous health effects and even addiction. The deaths have raised questions about kratom’s potential dangers.

Steinman explains that traditional kratom products contain lower levels of active compounds, while newer versions with 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), an opioid-related compound, offer stronger effects. Such concentrations are drawing increased regulatory scrutiny.

The rise of kratom use among young individuals may be influenced by social media and peers. College students might resort to kratom for its stimulant properties to improve focus and grades or for its opioid-like effects to alleviate stress or anxiety.

Kratom’s risks escalate when combined with substances such as alcohol, marijuana, or benzodiazepines, Steinman warns.

Steinman advises seeking medical attention if kratom users experience slow or shallow breathing, excessive drowsiness, or difficulty waking.

Stopping kratom abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, necessitating emergency medical care.

Dallas Vasquez, CEO of Mitra9 Brands, differentiates botanical kratom from concentrated or synthesized 7-OH products, which face regulatory challenges. Mitra9’s products, labeled for adults 21 and older, carry warnings against overuse, drug interactions, and potential addictive behaviors.

Vasquez stresses the importance of industry responsibility and transparency, advocating for standardized testing, labeling, and regulation. He supports the scheduling of products that exceed safe potency levels and exhibit potential risks.