Kratom Industry Responds to Mischaracterization Amid Investigation of Student Deaths

<p>Representatives of the kratom industry have expressed concerns regarding the characterization of kratom in relation to the ongoing investigation into the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were found dead on September 21 at separate locations.</p><p>Initial reports indicated that products labeled as "packaged kratom" or "synthetic kratom" were discovered near the students. However, on September 30, investigators clarified that only "packaging associated with kratom-related products" had been recovered.</p><p>Lafayette County Metro Narcotics stated that packaging associated with kratom products was found at both locations. Toxicology results from the medical examiner are still pending.</p><p>According to court documents, packaging found near the students bore the name Modus, and the affidavit described the tablets as Smax Pseudo-DHM, listing pseudoindoxyl and MGM-15(DHM) among the ingredients found near Hamilton.</p><p>Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy at the American Kratom Association, spoke about the initial reports of packaged kratom. He expressed concern over the characterization, stating, "it is highly unlikely, if not statistically improbable, that a natural kratom leaf product would be the cause of two deaths independently, let alone one."</p><p>Haddow noted that the clarification indicated the recovered products were "chemically manipulated opioids, not kratom." He emphasized the importance of this distinction, as these products are classified as controlled substances under the Federal Controlled Substances Act.</p><p>The Mississippi Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) regulates the sale of kratom, establishing standards for sellers and labeling while prohibiting certain adulterated or high-potency products. Haddow questioned why enforcement of this law had not occurred in this case.</p><p>Haddow stated that natural kratom leaves have been used for centuries in Southeast Asia without reports of deaths linked to traditional leaf use. He argued that the introduction of chemically altered products has raised concerns among regulatory agencies like the DEA and FDA.</p><p>In 2012, the FDA issued an import alert on kratom products, and in 2016, the DEA sought to classify kratom's primary alkaloids as Schedule I substances but withdrew the proposal after public feedback. Recent concerns have focused on concentrated and chemically modified kratom products.</p><p>Haddow highlighted that the alteration of the natural kratom plant's composition by amateur chemists has led to the emergence of synthetic opioids. He stated that the focus of the association is on banning synthetic products and protecting the natural leaf.</p><p>Haddow argued against blaming natural kratom for adverse events attributed to synthetic opioids, drawing a parallel to caffeine extraction from coffee. He stated that products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and other synthetic compounds should not be classified as kratom.</p><p>Haddow referenced a study led by the NIH that is evaluating the potential of purified mitragynine, the main alkaloid in kratom, to treat opioid use disorder. He advocated for state regulations that require testing, labeling, and age restrictions rather than outright bans.</p><p>The FDA maintains that kratom has not been approved for any medical use and has warned of risks associated with its use, including dependence and contamination, while research continues on the plant and its compounds.</p>