San Francisco reports first fatal overdose involving kratom-derived opioid

The San Francisco Department of Public Health has issued a health alert following the city’s first reported fatal overdose involving MGM-15, a potent semisynthetic opioid derived from kratom. The substance, also known as dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine, was detected in the toxicology results of an adult who died in late September. The product involved in the death was branded ‘Script Botanical x Maui labs’ and featured a ‘berry punch’ flavor.

MGM-15 is currently listed as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Health officials warned that the substance is not approved for medical use and that high doses can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death. The drug is often sold in smoke shops and gas stations under misleading names such as ‘uncaria tomentosa’ or ‘cat’s claw,’ which may hide the presence of the opioid from consumers.

In response, the San Francisco Police Department has conducted raids on multiple smoke shops. During recent search warrants served in September and October, officers seized hundreds of kratom products, suspected psilocybin, flavored tobacco, and other drug paraphernalia.