Kratom is “an herbal substance collected from tropical trees native to Southeast Asia that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Advocates said kratom is used as a way to treat chronic pain, opioid addiction and alcohol cravings.

“I’ve never really had a pain reliever to take my paint away like that without giving me the high feeling. And also when it comes time for me to have my drink that day, I didn’t want it. That urge to drink it just disappeared. I didn’t go into withdrawal,” said Sherry Owings, who is a kratom advocate.

Some said kratom should be banned. They point to potential misuse, while advocates support regulations like those for alcohol and tobacco.

“The best way is by regulating it, so that we can keep it out of the hands of children through age restrictions,” said Christina Dent, the founder of End It For Good.

Cities in Mississippi determine how to regulate kratom. Many cities have banned the herbal substance.