Kratom concerns rise in Mississippi

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Recently, two students at the University of Mississippi passed away from an overdose, with the first report showing kratom being a possible cause.

Kratom is a highly addictive drug that gives users the same effects as an opioid with pain relief. However, there are also synthetic products claiming to contain it. These are non-regulated products that have seen cases of abuse and fatal overdose.

Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins presented information about the drug back in 2019, and Lowndes County, Columbus and Caledonia would go on to pass ordinances, making it illegal to possess or sell it. Starkville did the same this past April. Hawkins hopes to see the state come to an agreement over Kratom.

“Hopefully, this session coming up that the legislator will look at it again,” said Hawkins. “And we can get this passed and regulated in Mississippi and have a better outcome and make sure that we get it controlled. This is a very dangerous drug for any user that uses this product in our community.”

One of the biggest issues with kratom is the fact that there’s no age restriction, meaning anyone can go into a convenience store and purchase the substance.

“This drug is dangerous,” said Hawkins. “And that’s the message that we’re trying to send out, to parents, to be aware of what your kids are doing.”

The fight against kratom is an ongoing one to control the substance.