In the wake of recent deaths at the University of Mississippi, as well as suspicions surrounding the presence of the potent synthetic opioid cychlorphine in the drug supply, University officials, medical leaders and student organizations across the country have begun urging students to exercise increased caution around controlled substances.
The University of Mississippi confirmed the deaths of two students Sept. 22. Shortly after, the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit announced that they had no evidence to indicate that the two deaths were connected, but the Unit did caution the public to avoid kratom and reported that packaged kratom had been found during both investigations.
Kratom is a plant-derived substance that in low doses acts as a stimulant, but in high doses can act as a sedative and have opioid-like properties. In some states and counties — including Virginia — kratom is legal to buy, possess and use for adults aged 21 and older and is commonly sold in convenience stores and gas stations…