What is kratom? Risks of popular substance revealed after college students' deaths

Two University of Mississippi students died with kratom present at both locations. Kratom is a plant-based substance derived from Mitragyna speciosa trees native to Southeast Asia, containing alkaloids that produce effects similar to opioids and stimulants depending on dosage. The substance is legal in most U.S. states and sold as a dietary supplement, though the FDA has not approved it for human consumption and has issued warnings about potential contamination and health risks associated with its use.

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