The death of Jeremy Cochran, a U.S. Marine and marathon athlete, has shed light on the dangers of kratom, a plant-based substance commonly sold in Mississippi convenience stores. Marie Cochran, his wife, told lawmakers that Jeremy’s addiction to kratom led to his downfall, causing him to lose his family, job, and life.
Kratom is marketed as a natural supplement, but it can have devastating effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, and anorexia. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that kratom can make users feel similar effects to opioids and stimulants, making it a highly addictive substance.
Regulations are being implemented to combat the issue. Mississippi now requires buyers to be 21 years old, and synthetic products containing kratom have been banned. A new excise tax of 25% will also be imposed on kratom products sold in the state.
Experts warn that kratom’s psychoactive component, 7-hydroxymitragynine, can build up in users’ systems, causing toxic effects. Dr. Jennifer Bryan, president of the Mississippi State Medical Association, advocates for stricter regulations, including classification as a Schedule III drug.
The DEA defines Schedule III drugs as those with moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. With kratom’s high addictive potential and lack of regulation, experts fear that users are putting their lives at risk by consuming the substance without proper medical guidance.
While some cities and counties have banned kratom altogether, more work needs to be done to address this growing public health concern.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-restricts-kratom-sales-after-pleas-from-health-leaders