- A Washington family is raising awareness about the dangers of kratom after their son, Jordan McKibban, died in 2022 from using the supplement.
- McKibban's autopsy revealed his death was caused by mitragynine, a compound found in kratom, which he had mixed with lemonade.
- Kratom, an "all-natural" supplement derived from a Southeast Asian plant, is legally available but the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has labelled it a "drug of concern" due to unproven safety and efficacy.
- Concerns are growing over 7-hydroxymitragynine, a more potent kratom offshoot, which the FDA has recommended classifying as an illicit substance due to its opioid-like effects.
- US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr has announced plans to crack down on kratom, particularly the more addictive offshoot, while Dr Robert Levy warned consumers that "all-natural" does not equate to safety.
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