Just weeks prior to his death, Brandon Clarke was arrested for possession of kratom . The NBA player allegedly had nearly half a pound of it. But what exactly is it? According to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s launching a federal crackdown on 7-OH — the synthetic byproduct of the kratom plant — it’s dangerous. Brandon Clarke was arrested for possession of kratom in April. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con During a press conference, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ripped into sellers of kratom products as a “sinister industry.” AFP via Getty Images Available widely in gas stations and convenience stores across the US, the opioid-like substance is drawing scrutiny for its potent effects and high risk of abuse. It’s sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin.” Kratom is what? Kratom is an herbal extract made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree called Mitragyna.…