Kratom 7-OH: The Truth Behind "Legal Morphine"

The FDA Takes Action Against Potent Kratom Compound

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a significant step in addressing the growing concerns surrounding kratom supplements, particularly those containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly referred to as 7-OH. This compound, which functions similarly to opioids, has gained popularity for its effects, leading to increased scrutiny from health authorities.

Why It Matters

7-OH is often described as "legal morphine" by researchers due to its opioid-like properties. Its rising popularity has prompted the FDA to recommend stricter regulations on products containing this substance. The agency has also issued warnings to consumers about the potential risks associated with these products.

In recent months, the FDA has sent letters to companies involved in the marketing of 7-OH products, labeling them as potentially dangerous and lacking proven safety or efficacy. This comes amid a surge in the availability and use of kratom-based products across the country.

Usage Trends and Data

According to federal survey data from 2021, approximately 0.7% of Americans aged 12 and older reported using kratom products. However, more recent estimates from the American Kratom Association and the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs suggest that usage rates have climbed significantly, reaching 9.1%—equivalent to over 20 million people.

This dramatic increase in usage has raised alarms among health professionals and regulatory agencies alike. The rise in kratom consumption coincides with the introduction of kratom extracts to the market in September 2023, five years after the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initially announced its intention to ban kratom.

The Evolution of Kratom Products

Since the DEA’s announcement, there has been an intense competition among manufacturers to create the most potent kratom extracts. Chris McCurdy, a professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Florida and a long-time researcher on kratom, notes that this period has felt like an "unofficial war" between companies aiming to develop the strongest formulations.

Understanding Kratom

Kratom refers to both the plant itself and its derived products, such as powdered leaves, tablets, gummies, drink mixes, and shots. These products are available in various retail locations, including smoke shops and gas stations. In the United States, the supplement is typically pronounced "kray-tom," while the plant native to Southeast Asia is called "kruh-TOM."

Kratom has been marketed as a mood booster, pain reliever, and aid for individuals trying to quit opioids. However, the Mayo Clinic cautions that not all kratom products are "natural and safe," emphasizing the need for caution and further research.

Risks and Concerns

While kratom leaf products are considered relatively mild—comparable to "a light beer" in potency—concentrated forms of the compound, such as 7-OH, can be far more potent. McCurdy compares these concentrated versions to Everclear, a high-proof grain spirit, highlighting the potential dangers of consuming highly concentrated substances.

The presence of 7-OH, which acts as a pure opioid, raises concerns about addiction and dependency. Research indicates that 7-OH may be more effective than morphine in treating pain in animal studies, making its availability without a prescription a significant issue.

Another critical concern is the presence of residual oxidants and other contaminants in concentrated kratom products produced in unregulated laboratories. These impurities can pose serious health risks to consumers.

State Regulations and Age Restrictions

As of March, 24 states have implemented some form of regulation on kratom or its components. According to the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association, seven states set the minimum age for purchasing kratom at 18, while 11 require buyers to be 21 or older. McCurdy supports these restrictions, especially given the uncertainty surrounding how kratom affects young individuals.

With the continued rise in kratom use and the associated health risks, ongoing monitoring and regulation remain essential to ensure consumer safety and public health.