Five Georgia Middle School Students Hospitalized After Ingesting Kratom Gummies

Several eighth-grade students at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School in Walker County, Georgia, were hospitalized after ingesting kratom gummies, a plant-based substance known for its opioid-like effects. Law enforcement and school officials are investigating how the gummies were brought to the school, with efforts focused on identifying the source and distribution among students. New Georgia laws effective January 1, 2025, restrict kratom sales by increasing the minimum purchase age to 21 and requiring products to be kept behind shelves, aiming to prevent youth access. The students affected are reported to be in stable condition after receiving medical treatment. School officials held an assembly to raise awareness about the dangers of kratom, while local authorities caution parents about its risks and potential legal consequences if negligence is found. Kratom remains legal federally but is controlled or banned in various states due to its health risks, which include nausea, rapid heart rate, confusion, addiction, and overdose potential.