{
  "id": 10526761,
  "title": "Kratom Under Scrutiny in US as Concerns Grow Over Risks and Derivatives",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/kratom-under-scrutiny-in-us-as-concerns-grow-over-risks-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T20:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colombia One",
    "slug": "colombia-one",
    "url": "https://colombiaone.com/2026/09/28/kratom-under-scrutiny-in-us/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the United States, concerns are growing over the safety and regulation of kratom, a plant-based substance sold in various forms. The deaths of two University of Mississippi students, found to have packaged kratom products at their locations, have drawn attention to this issue. However, authorities have stressed that the presence of kratom at a scene does not confirm its role in a person's death. The investigation continues, and local police urge the public to avoid kratom during this time.\n\nKratom, derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, has been used traditionally for energy or discomfort relief. Its popularity in the U.S. has led to a wide range of products, including powder, capsules, liquid extracts, gummies, and drinks. The FDA has not approved kratom as a medication and warns of potential risks, including seizures, liver toxicity, and substance use disorder.\n\nThe plant contains alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing stimulant-like or opioid-like effects. However, this does not establish kratom as a treatment for any medical condition. The Drug Enforcement Administration notes that low doses may boost alertness and energy, while higher doses can cause sedation.\n\nKratom's appeal lies in claims of pain relief, mood improvement, anxiety reduction, and potential aid in opioid withdrawal. The FDA acknowledges some people use kratom for these reasons but emphasizes that no kratom-containing medications have FDA approval. There is insufficient clinical evidence to confirm kratom's effectiveness as a treatment.\n\nA CDC study revealed a nearly 1,200% increase in kratom exposure reports to poison centers between 2015 and 2025, with 233 deaths reported over the 11-year period. Most deaths involved multiple substances, making it difficult to determine kratom's direct role. Possible adverse effects include nausea, sedation, seizures, liver toxicity, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Given these risks and the lack of established safe dosages, health warnings are increasing for kratom use.",
  "summary": "Kratom is back in the headlines in the United States after authorities investigated the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. Packaged kratom products were found at both locations, but Lafayette County police said there is no confirmed information linking kratom or any other substance to the deaths. That distinction between a substance found at […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}