What is 7-OH? Experts Warn of Emerging Opioid Threat
Summary
Federal regulators and health experts are warning about new opioid-like drugs made from concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a chemical derived from kratom leaves. These products, sold online and in stores, can be much stronger than natural kratom and have been linked to recent overdoses and deaths in the U.S.Key Facts
- 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a compound found in small amounts in kratom leaves from Southeast Asia.
- Naturally, 7-OH makes up less than 2% of the total alkaloid content in kratom leaves.
- Concentrated 7-OH products, sometimes containing up to 96% pure 7-OH, are sold in forms like tablets, gummies, and drinks.
- The FDA and other federal agencies have raised concerns because these concentrated products act like opioids and may cause addiction and breathing problems.
- There have been at least three confirmed deaths from 7-OH overdoses in Los Angeles County.
- In Pennsylvania, more than 10 people needed medical help after breathing problems linked to 7-OH use.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the DEA are working on rules to control these synthetic and concentrated 7-OH products.
- Experts warn that traditional kratom products are less potent and should be distinguished from these synthetic concentrates.
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