The really sinister legal supplement found at death scenes of two Ole Miss students

Two students at the University of Mississippi were found dead on Monday in separate incidents, with authorities saying that kratom was found at both scenes.However, the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics squad said it does “not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death.”Sold widely in gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops, kratom is an opioid-like substance that is legal and unregulated, but has been drawing scrutiny in recent years for its potent effects — and high risk of abuse.Kratom can be legally sold in parts of Mississippi but is restricted within Lafayette County where the university is located, according to Mississippi Today.In August of 2025, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr., announced that he was launching a federal crackdown on 7-OH, a synthetic byproduct of the kratom plant.

During a press conference, he ripped into sellers of kratom products as a “sinister industry.”Kratom is an herbal extract made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree called Mitragyna.Users chew the leaves, brew them into tea or take it in powder, capsule or extract form, according to the Mayo Clinic. “Kratom affects the brain like a stimulant at low doses — boosting energy, focus and mood,” Dr.

Joseph Volpicelli, a clinical adviser for Oar Health, told The Post.“Similar to a sedative at higher doses, it also provides pain relief and euphoria.”Its popularity has soared in the US in recent years, with many turning to it as a so-called natural fix for pain, anxiety, depression and even to kick opioid addiction.Kratom is legal for adult use at the federal level, though the FDA hasn’t approved it for any medical purpose.

Several states — including Alabama, Rhode Island and Wisconsin — have banned its sale and possession outright.“‘Natural’ doesn’t mean safe,” Volpicelli warned.Kratom can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, dry ...