Kratom Tragedy: Man's Death Sparks Calls for Regulation

In 2022, 37-year-old Jordan McKibban tragically passed away after mixing the unregulated supplement kratom with his lemonade. His mother, Pam Mauldin, found him unconscious in his room and was unable to revive him through CPR. An autopsy later revealed that McKibban's death was caused by mitragynine, a compound found in kratom.

Kratom is marketed as an all-natural supplement that can help reduce pain, anxiety, and depression. However, it can also act as a stimulant or sedative, depending on the dosage. Despite its open availability, kratom has been linked to overdoses and addiction, with national poison control centers reporting a growing number of calls related to kratom exposure.

Now, in 2025, the U.S. government is taking action. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced plans to crack down on kratom, particularly a more potent and dangerous variant called 7-hydroxymitragynine. The FDA has recommended that this variant be classified as an illicit substance, as it can be more potent than morphine. Experts warn that many consumers are unaware of the risks associated with kratom and its variants, and they urge parents and loved ones to educate themselves and seek help for those struggling with substance abuse.