The deaths of two University of Mississippi students last week, both of whom were found to be in possession of kratom, has reignited the controversy over the dangers associated with this opioid-like supplement.According to ABC News, two students were found dead in separate incidents in Oxford, Mississippi, last week. The University identified the students as Aidan Hamilton, a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Robert Strang, a junior from Atlanta, Georgie. Although there is no indication that the deaths were related, a common denominator in both incidents was the presence of “packaged kratom” which was found at the scenes by investigators.
As of this writing, there is no indication that either death was caused by kratom, but the presence of the substance on the premises of both deaths has resurrected a long-standing controversy over its safety.
As the Wall Street Journal recently reported, kratom is derived from a Southeast Asian tree leaf that contains the psychoactive compound mitragynine and trace amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, both of which bind to the same brain receptors as opioids. These chemicals can increase alertness and physical energy, and can have a sedating effect at higher doses.
Once sold only in powder form, it is now available as a concentrated extract and, more recently, in more potent synthetic and semi-synthetic derivates such as 7-OH. Known as a “gas station drug” it is widely sold over-the-counter in convenience stores, gas stations, smoke shops and health food stores as an energy booster.
Because it’s derived from plants, many people mistakenly believe it’s safe to use, but Jessica Steinman, chief clinical officer at No Matter What Recovery in Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital that traditional kratom products contain lower levels of active compounds, but newer 7-OH products, known as kratom derivatives, are often enhanced to produce stronger, more stimulating effects.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports more than 5,200 deaths where kratom was detected in the person’s systems. Historically, the vast majority of kratom-involved deaths recorded by health officials involve multiple substances.
But the rapid proliferation of kratom derivatives has seen annual calls to US poison control surging over 1200% from 258 cases in 2015 to 3,434 cases in 2025. This surge is largely due to aggressive marketing, widespread retail availability and consumer demand for self-managed pain relief, mood enhancement and help with opioid withdrawal.
Although the tragic deaths of the Mississippi students will likely enhance the push for federal regulation of this product, the DEA took steps earlier this summer to place 7-OH and three related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Once this placement takes effect, the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of covered 7-OH substances – which include kratom derivatives, will become subject to criminal, civil, and administrative provisions of the Controlled Substances Act.
It goes on to specify that this action does not apply to botanical kratom products that contain naturally occurring 7-OH below the specified threshold.
“Instead, it targets synthesized products and those containing elevated concentrations of 7-OH as outlined in the temporary scheduling order. DEA believes these substances pose an imminent threat to public safety given their effects are highly unpredictable.”
As of December, 2025, the Food and Drug Administation (FDA) states that kratom cannot be lawfully sold as a dietary supplement, drug, or food additive, but its guidance relies on warning letters and voluntary compliance rather than immediate nationwide bans or seizures.
After these tragic deaths, that position is likely to change.
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