Kratom’s Opioid-like Dangers
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Craig Basman warns about kratom, a plant from Southeast Asia. He reports that the compound 7-OH in kratom interacts with opioid receptors, similar to drugs like fentanyl and morphine. This interaction can result in addiction, overdose, and difficult withdrawal.
Tragic Incident in Florida
A Florida couple faces charges after their 2-year-old daughter, Jonnie Jordan, died. Police state the child ingested kratom pills, leading to the incident. Jerome Jonathon Jordan and Charlene Rea O’Connell face aggravated manslaughter and child neglect charges, according to the West Melbourne Police Department.
Hospital staff pronounced Jonnie dead on May 18, shortly after arrival. Investigators indicate the child consumed several kratom pills at O’Connell’s Palm Bay home, leading to the tragedy.
Failure to Seek Medical Attention
Police allege that Jordan and O’Connell watched Jonnie’s condition worsen without seeking help. They drove her to another location instead of a hospital. Hours later, Jordan attempted to seek medical care, but it was too late.
The Brevard County Medical Examiner confirmed acute mitragynine intoxication as the cause of death. Mitragynine is a primary component of kratom.
Legal and Health Concerns
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, highlights kratom’s availability in various forms like powders and capsules. Although it is used for stimulant or analgesic effects, federal health officials regularly caution about its safety.
While kratom remains legal federally, the Drug Enforcement Administration seeks to place high-potency 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products under Schedule I due to their abuse potential. This step does not affect natural kratom leaves.
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