The St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office has issued a warning regarding the use and effects of Kratom, an herbal supplement, following the August death of a 36-year-old woman attributed to polydrug toxicity involving Kratom. Dr. Christopher Tape, the coroner, emphasized the dangers of high doses of this southeast Asian herb, which can lead to serious health consequences, as reported by WGNO.
According to details provided by Dr. Tape, and echoed by WWLTV, Kratom, often sold over-the-counter in the form of pills at gas stations and convenience stores, poses a lethal risk particularly when mixed with other substances or if taken by individuals with existing health conditions, the herb itself can offer a sedative or energizing effect at varying doses, but becomes deadly at high quantities. Tape's caution comes amidst rising concerns over the supplement, which though having some potential health usage is completely unregulated by any authoritative bodies such as the FDA.
While the legal status of Kratom remains intact within Louisiana, local governments are beginning to take action; for example, Tangipahoa Parish has implemented bans on the sale of Kratom, with consequences ranging from fines to potential jail time, this was highlighted in a piece by NOLA.com. St. Tammany Parish Sen. Patrick McMath has been vocal about the risks and is campaigning for local bans as a step toward broader legislative action.
In response to the recent death and subsequent warnings, Dr. Tape has communicated the need for extreme caution when it comes to Kratom consumption; though not explicitly advocating for a ban, the serious tone and detailed description of risks in his statements underscore the potential severity of misuse, and the lack of regulation only amplifies these concerns, ultimately, the coroner's position, striving to educate and protect the public, remains clear amidst the discussions on Kratom's safety and legal status. A 2021 FDA report cited by NOLA.com estimated 1.7 million people in the U.S. used Kratom, often for self-treatment of various conditions, though they stated, "Kratom is not appropriate for use as a dietary supplement."
