The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recommending that the substance 7-hydroxymitragynine, known as 7-OH, become a controlled substance due to its ability to bind to opioid receptors, making it potentially addictive. 7-OH is a concentrated component of the kratom plant. The FDA is focused on regulating 7-OH and not focused on natural kratom products.
The use and availability of 7-OH products is growing at a concerning rate. The FDA has not approved any 7-OH drugs or 7-OH dietary supplements and 7-OH cannot be lawfully added to food. Fruit flavored gummies and ice cream cones that contain 7-OH are especially appealing to children and teenagers. The Drug Enforcement Administration is reviewing FDA’s recommendation to make 7-OH a controlled substance and will make a final decision later.
For more information:
FDA News Release: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products-threatening-american-consumers
VDH Kratom Factsheet: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/kratom/
FDA 7-OH Product Page: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs/hiding-plain-sight-7-oh-products