A seemingly harmless “all-natural” supplement sold at gas stations has claimed the lives of two men and left families shattered. Jordan McKibban, a 37-year-old organic food distributor, died after mixing kratom powder into his lemonade on April 2022. His mother, Pam Mauldin, attributes his death to kratom’s addictive nature and deadly potential.
Kratom products contain compounds like mitragynine, which can act as both stimulants and sedatives, depending on the dose. The US Food and Drug Administration says kratom is not lawfully marketed in the US as a drug product or dietary supplement. However, it is widely available online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
The FDA recently recommended classifying 7-hydroxymitragynine, a potent and highly addictive variant of kratom, as an illicit substance. Experts warn that consumers are unaware of kratom’s dangers, including agitation, psychosis, dizziness, high blood pressure, and even death.
Two recent cases highlight the risks of kratom. Jennifer Young’s son, Johnny Loring, died after taking kratom for anxiety, despite having a seizure disorder. Mauldin’s grandson had similar experiences before his own tragic death.
Critics argue that manufacturers are not required to verify product labels, leaving consumers vulnerable to potential dangers. The FDA is working to regulate kratom and educate the public about its risks.
As one advocate notes, “All-natural” does not mean safe. Parents should be aware of kratom’s addictive potential and discuss its dangers with their children. For families like Youngs’, there is no amount of money that can bring back a loved one who died from kratom use.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/08/06/health/our-sons-died-on-kratom-people-dont-realize-its-so-dangerous