Kratom Derivative 7-OH Faces Growing Regulation Amid Health Concerns
A synthesized compound from the kratom plant, 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), is under scrutiny, gaining traction at the national level. In July, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), backed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., proposed classifying 7-OH as a Schedule I substance, effectively criminalizing its sale. Florida has responded swiftly, with its Attorney General issuing an emergency order to categorize 7-OH accordingly.
In Utah, where the Kratom Consumer Protection Act was enacted in 2019, regulations prohibit substances with over 2% 7-OH while allowing plant-based kratom products to thrive. Yet, unauthorized sales of synthesized 7-OH continue in numerous retail outlets. Arizona’s Brandon Forsyth cautioned that 7-OH is highly addictive and behaves similarly to opioids.
Former Utah State Senator Curtis Bramble, an advocate for balanced kratom regulation, noted that incidents linked to kratom-related fatalities often involve synthetic derivatives like 7-OH, not the plant itself. He expressed support for the FDA’s initiative, emphasizing the essential distinction between natural kratom and synthesized chemicals. As states ramp up regulation, advocacy for responsible kratom use continues.
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