Doctor warns of kratom’s addictive dangers, likens it to opioids
Dr. Craig Basman, an interventional cardiologist, is raising alarms about the potentially addictive nature of kratom, a plant indigenous to Southeast Asia. He emphasizes that 7-OH, a compound found in concentrated kratom products, has a concerning interaction with the body’s opioid receptors. This interaction can mirror the effects of powerful drugs such as fentanyl and morphine, resulting in dangerous dependence, a heightened risk of overdose, and formidable withdrawal symptoms.
In Florida, a troubling case has surfaced involving a father and the mother of his children, who now face serious charges. Authorities state they failed to seek emergency help when their 2-year-old daughter turned blue, experienced a seizure, and struggled to breathe after allegedly consuming kratom pills.
Jerome Jonathon Jordan, aged 35, and Charlene Rea O’Connell, 32, are charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child in addition to child neglect resulting in severe bodily harm. These charges are related to the tragic death of their daughter, 2-year-old Jonnie Jordan, as reported by the West Melbourne Police Department.
The incident unfolded over two months ago when Jonnie was urgently taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne on May 18.
Tragically, the medical team at the hospital declared the young girl deceased shortly after her arrival.
Jerome Jordan and Charlene O’Connell were booked into the Brevard County Jail on charges including aggravated manslaughter of a child. (West Melbourne Police Department)
Investigators said the tragedy unfolded the night before at O’Connell’s Palm Bay home, where Jonnie allegedly got into kratom pills belonging to Jordan and O’Connell.
Police said they believe the toddler consumed as many as two-and-a-half pills before both adults realized what had happened.
According to investigators, Jordan and O’Connell watched as Jonnie’s lips turned blue, she suffered a seizure and began breathing abnormally. But instead of calling 911 or taking the little girl to a hospital, police allege they failed to seek medical care.
The West Melbourne Police Department announced the arrests following its investigation into the toddler’s death. (West Melbourne Police Department)
Authorities said Jordan then drove Jonnie back to his sister’s apartment in West Melbourne and put her to bed.
Hours later, after waking up and finding the toddler unresponsive, Jordan rushed her to the hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead.
Investigators said Jordan initially urged hospital staff to administer Narcan, leading detectives to suspect an overdose early in the investigation.
An aerial view of Florida’s Space Coast near West Melbourne, where police investigated the death of a 2-year-old child. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Jonnie died of acute mitragynine intoxication, according to police.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, kratom is a herbal substance made from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and is commonly sold in powders, capsules, gummies and drinks.
Some people use it for its stimulant or pain-relieving effects, though federal health officials have repeatedly warned about its safety.
This Sept. 27, 2017 file photo shows kratom capsules in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mary Esch, File)
While kratom remains legal under federal law, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced earlier this month it had begun the process of temporarily placing high-potency 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products and certain related synthetic compounds into Schedule I, citing their high potential for abuse and opioid-like effects. The action does not apply to natural kratom leaf products.
Following the medical examiner’s findings and a months-long investigation, police arrested Jordan and O’Connell on Thursday. Both are being held without bond at the Brevard County Jail.
Police said Jordan’s sister, whose apartment Jonnie was taken to after leaving O’Connell’s home, is not facing any charges.