What Is Kratom? Herb Sparks Fresh Warnings in US

Quick facts

Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were the two University of Mississippi students who died on Monday.

Packaged kratom was found during the investigations into both students, though official causes of death are pending toxicology reports.

Kratom is native to Southeast Asia and entered the US supplement market around 2016.

Why it matters

The public debate over kratom highlights the regulatory challenges surrounding herbal supplements sold over the counter in the United States. While proponents maintain that the plant offers pain relief and alternative management for chronic conditions, public health officials continue to voice concerns regarding its opioid-like properties and lack of federal regulation.

Federal and local officials are issuing new warnings about kratom following the discovery of the herbal product during investigations into two recent student deaths at the University of Mississippi. While authorities have not confirmed a connection between the product and the fatalities, the case has brought renewed attention to the widely available supplement.

Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia, specifically countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. For centuries, people have consumed its leaves for their stimulant and opioid-like properties. The substance entered the US market as an over-the-counter supplement around 2016 and is typically sold in pill or liquid form.

What happened in Mississippi?

Investigators discovered packaged kratom in the possession of two University of Mississippi students who died on Monday in separate incidents. The Oxford Police Department stated there is no confirmed evidence that the deaths are connected. The victims were identified as 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton of Colorado and 20-year-old Robert Strang of Atlanta. Official causes of death for both students remain undetermined while pending toxicology reports.

Why is kratom trending?

Searches for kratom surged after news outlets reported the Oxford Police Department's findings regarding the University of Mississippi student deaths. The case highlighted ongoing debates surrounding the safety of the substance, which is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration and remains legal in some states, including Mississippi, while banned in others and illegal in countries like the UK.

What happens next?

The Oxford Police Department is continuing its active investigation into the deaths of the two students, awaiting official toxicology reports to determine the causes of death. Meanwhile, public health officials and anti-kratom advocates continue to push for stricter oversight or outright bans on the herbal product across the United States.

Frequently asked questions

What is kratom?

Kratom is an herbal product derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia. It produces opioid-like effects and is typically consumed in pill or liquid form as a dietary supplement.

Why is kratom trending right now?

Kratom is trending because investigators found packaged kratom during separate investigations into the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, prompting fresh official warnings.

Are the two student deaths linked to kratom?

Police have stated there is no confirmed evidence connecting the deaths to kratom. Official causes of death remain undetermined pending the results of toxicology reports.

Is kratom legal in the United States?

Kratom is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is illegal in some countries, such as the UK, but remains legal in several US states, including Mississippi.

Who are the students involved in the Mississippi investigation?

The students are 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton of Colorado and 20-year-old Robert Strang of Atlanta. Both were students at the University of Mississippi.

Where is kratom originally from?

Kratom is native to Southeast Asian nations including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where people have traditionally consumed its ground leaves similar to tea.