The death of former Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has placed kratom, a plant-based substance that remains controversial in the United States, under greater public scrutiny. Before his death, Clarke had been arrested in Arkansas in April 2026 after authorities allegedly found more than 200 grams of kratom during a traffic stop, according to multiple reports.
Kratom has long divided health experts, lawmakers, and advocates. Supporters argue that it can help with pain management and opioid withdrawal, while critics warn that it carries addiction and safety risks.
