Kratom Deaths Spark New Fears Over 'Gas Station Heroin'

Two students at the University of Mississippi, aged 18 and 20, were recently found deceased, with packaged kratom discovered near both individuals. Authorities are investigating to determine if kratom contributed to these tragic outcomes. Kratom, an herb from Southeast Asia, can act as a stimulant in small doses and a sedative when ingested or smoked. Its use has surged dramatically, with reports of exposure increasing by 1,200% from 2015 to 2025.

Despite a blanket warning from the FDA and ongoing efforts to schedule potent synthetic compounds like 7-OH as controlled substances, the natural kratom leaf remains largely unregulated at the federal level. This has led to a fragmented legal landscape across the United States, with 11 states completely banning the substance. Other states have implemented varying levels of regulation, including age limits, labeling requirements, and restrictions on mixing kratom with other substances, often adopting versions of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.