Kratom and 7-OH concentrations raise addiction and safety concerns

Health officials and addiction specialists are raising concerns regarding the rising use of concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a compound found in the kratom plant. While kratom is derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree and contains naturally occurring compounds that interact with opioid receptors, new products such as tablets, gummies, and extracts contain much higher concentrations of 7-OH than what is found in nature.

The FDA has warned that these concentrated products can produce potent opioid-like effects, potentially leading to dependence and withdrawal. As reports of 7-OH use increase, federal health and drug enforcement agencies have heightened their scrutiny of these concentrated substances.

Due to the prevalence of kratom in smoke shops, gas stations, and convenience stores, consumers face challenges regarding product safety. Many local retailers lack the documentation to confirm if products are fresh, correctly labeled, or free of contaminants. Experts suggest that online vendors providing Certificates of Analysis (COAs) offer greater transparency regarding lab testing and batch-specific safety compared to many local retail options.