The mystery surrounding the deaths of two Ole Miss students from a suspected kratom overdose has sparked a social media firestorm and fears of a more widespread college campus problem.
The deaths were first confirmed on Tuesday in press releases from police and the university.
They confirmed that two students, whose identities have not been released, had died, and that packaged kratom that had been purchased at a nearby retail store as a result of the investigation.
Cops were called to Stewart Hall at Ole Miss just after 1.30pm on September 21 after responding to reports of a ‘possible overdose.’
First responders were told that a student was unresponsive and that CPR was in progress, according to Action News 5.
They subsequently passed away on campus, while another died in the City of Oxford on the same day, Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill told People.
Law enforcement is conducting two separate investigations into the circumstances, and confirmed there was no evidence that the deaths were connected. They have also not yet confirmed that kratom was the cause.
However, social media is alight with speculation that the deaths are not ‘outliers’ – and that several more students had possibly overdosed too.
Two University of Mississippi students were reported dead on September 21
What happened at Ole Miss?
Two unidentified University of Mississippi students mysteriously passed away on September 21, both on and near the campus of the college.
Cops confirmed that ‘packaged kratom sold from a retail store’ was found in both investigations into the deaths.
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics subsequently warned people to avoid consuming kratom and any other unprescribed medication or substance ‘out of an abundance of caution.’
While the Coroner’s Office confirmed that two students had died, it said that University Police were not aware of any additional student losses.
‘We do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death,’ the Narcotics agency said in a news release.
‘We ask the public to avoid speculation regarding the circumstances or cause of either death while these investigations remain ongoing,’ it said.
College police and local law enforcement said they were working together while the causes of death remained under investigation.
The university said that it was ‘heartbroken’ by the news in an emotional statement to People, and that it was ‘aware that considerable unverified information is circulating on social media and in the community regarding these recent student deaths.’
Ole Miss asked for the community ‘not to speculate’ on the circumstances regarding the student’s deaths
‘We encourage our community not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed,’ the statement continued.
‘We appreciate your understanding and support for our campus community during this difficult time.’
What is kratom and what are its effects?
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves are crushed and packaged in pill form and sold across the United States.
Kratom leaves can also be brewed as tea, or smoked.
At low doses, kratom produces stimulant effects, with users reporting increased alertness, physical energy, and talkativeness. At high doses, users experience sedative effects, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Several cases of psychosis resulting from kratom use have been reported, and regular consumption can lead to addiction.
Individuals with long term kratom use reported psychotic symptoms including hallucinations, delusion, and confusion.
Kratom users have also experienced anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, hepatotoxicity and seizures.
Kratom is sold at convenience stores across the United States
Several cases of psychosis have been reported as a result of its use
Is kratom legal?
Kratom is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act, but some states regulate or prohibit its possession and use, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin and others.
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for any medical use, and it cannot be lawfully marketed as a dietary supplement.
The DEA has listed it as a Drug and Chemical of Concern.
The agency reports that abuse of the drug, known on the streets as ‘thang, kakuam, thom, ketum, and biak,’ has increased markedly in recent years.
