A US mother is speaking out after her son died from taking kratom, a plant-based supplement marketed as “natural” that is banned in some countries but still widely available online.
According to Mayo Clinic, kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. In small doses, it acts as a stimulant, boosting mood and energy. In higher doses, it has a sedative effect similar to opioids, and some people use it to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms. Kratom can be consumed in various ways, including mixing it into drinks, taking capsules, or chewing the leaves.
What Kratom Does to the Body
American Addiction Centres states that the effects of kratom can be felt within five to 15 minutes of taking it and may last up to five hours. Depending on the dose, users can experience anything from a mild “high” to strong sedative effects.
Physical side effects can include dry mouth, nausea, muscle pain, and high blood pressure. Psychological effects may involve drowsiness, hallucinations, and delusions. The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) warns that kratom can also trigger psychosis in some users.
The Tragic Case of Jordan McKibban
The dangers became painfully real for Pam McKibban, whose son Jordan died after mixing kratom into his drink in 2022. Speaking to the New York Post, she said: "I’ve lost my son. I’ve lost my grandchildren that I could have had, I’ve lost watching him walk down that aisle, watching him have a life that I get to watch with my other kids. I’ve lost enjoying these years with him."
Pam added: "I have to go to the cemetery, and I hate going to the cemetery. He shouldn’t be there."
Legal Status and Warnings
Kratom’s legality varies around the world. While it is banned in the UK under the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, it remains legal in most parts of the US, despite a growing number of deaths linked to its use.
Experts warn that the “natural” label does not guarantee safety, and that kratom can pose serious — and sometimes fatal — health risks.
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