Why It Matters
Mississippi lawmakers are weighing whether to classify traditional kratom and synthetic derivatives as controlled substances. The debate follows two University of Mississippi student deaths and renewed concerns from health and law enforcement officials.
What Happened
The House Drug Policy Committee, led by Rep. Beth Waldo, heard testimony Wednesday on further restrictions. Health officials and law enforcement representatives recommended placing all kratom forms and synthetic derivatives under controlled-substance rules.
The two University of Mississippi students died in September after being found near suspected kratom derivatives. Rebecca Strang, the Atlanta mother of Robert Strang, attributed her son’s death to failures in enforcing federal drug regulations. “My position is clear. All kratom products need to be banned,” Strang said.
Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen said Mississippi’s existing restrictions do not give law enforcement enough authority. “The law is set up for us to fail,” said McCutchen, who is also president of the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police.
Col. Phillip Pope said enforcement requires officials to purchase products and submit them to laboratories, creating costs for taxpayers. The Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association board voted unanimously to support a statewide ban on kratom sales.
Opponents of kratom described it as addictive and dangerous, citing stimulant- and opioid-like effects. Advocates said the substance can assist with opioid use disorder, chronic pain and depression. Sheldon Bradshaw said natural kratom was being unfairly linked to the student deaths, while 63-year-old Sherry Owings said it had improved her quality of life.
Wendy Bailey said the Mississippi Department of Mental Health helpline received a sharp increase in calls concerning kratom addiction over the last two months.
By the Numbers
Two — University of Mississippi students who died in September.
Over 5 million Americans — people who have used a kratom product in their lifetime.
30 states — states with laws regulating kratom or its components as of January.
Six states — states classifying kratom’s primary chemical compounds as controlled substances.
More than 30 counties and cities — Mississippi jurisdictions that restricted or banned kratom.
21 — minimum age for kratom purchases in Mississippi.
Up to $1,000 — fine for selling a restricted product.
Zoom Out
The Department of Justice temporarily scheduled some potent kratom-related compounds in August, but that action did not cover traditional botanical kratom. Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana were identified among the states classifying kratom’s primary chemical compounds as controlled substances.
Mississippi already prohibits sales of potent kratom extracts and limits purchases to people age 21 and older under restrictions signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves in 2025.
What’s Next
The House Drug Policy Committee’s consideration of broader restrictions follows recommendations from state health officials and law enforcement representatives. The testimony also places a proposed statewide sales ban alongside existing Mississippi restrictions and local bans.