WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Global Kratom Coalition today welcomed Lafayette County Metro Narcotics' updated statement distinguishing natural kratom leaf from manufactured, concentrated and chemically altered products like the "SMAX" synthetic alkaloid products found at the scenes of the two tragic Ole Miss students' deaths. The products found are not kratom products - they are dangerous synthetic novel opioids that have no place on store shelves across the country.

The agency correctly clarified that its initial public-safety warning following the tragic deaths of two University of Mississippi students "was not a declaration that kratom or any specific substance caused either death," and that investigators will await autopsy and toxicology results before drawing conclusions.

Metro Narcotics also made an essential distinction lost in the public discussion: the difference between natural kratom leaf and highly concentrated synthetic alkaloid products that are at times fraudulently marketed under the kratom name. The agency noted that the Drug Enforcement Administration's Aug. 26, 2026, Schedule I order targeted specific manufactured compounds: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), MGM-15 and MGM-16. It specifically did not target natural kratom leaf.

"Our hearts remain with the families and friends grieving these devastating losses," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. "They deserve answers based on evidence, not premature speculation. We appreciate Metro Narcotics for making clear that toxicology must guide this investigation and for recognizing that traditional botanical kratom is fundamentally different from concentrated synthetic pressed tablets that were identified."

The Global Kratom Coalition supports Metro Narcotics' call for legislative hearings on concentrated synthetic 7-OH, MGPI, MGM-15 and MGM-16 and urges Mississippi lawmakers to strengthen state law accordingly. Mississippi should align with the federal government by scheduling these novel dangerous synthetic products already targeted by the DEA, including concentrated synthetic 7-OH, while avoiding a broad ban on natural kratom that would fail to address the products driving legitimate public-safety concerns.

"Law enforcement has identified the right problem and the right path forward," Lowe added. "Mississippi can protect families by targeting the synthetic drugs being sold in tablets and other high-potency forms, holding bad actors accountable and ensuring state law aligns with federal law."

The Lafayette County statement makes it clear that both deaths remain under investigation pending toxicology, distinguishes natural kratom leaf from novel synthetic products that masquerade as natural botanicals when they are anything but, and calls for legislative review in line with the scheduling actions taken by the DEA against MGPI, MGM15 & 16 and the pending scheduling of concentrated synthetic 7-OH products.

About the Global Kratom Coalition

The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of natural kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to natural kratom leaf while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit globalkratomcoalition.org.

Media Contact Details

Global Kratom Coalition

Send Email