America is facing a new threat in the opioid epidemic.Dangerous synthetic drugs, disguised as kratom, are spreading in communities across the country. Unlike natural kratom, these products contain 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — a lab-made, highly concentrated compound up to 13x stronger than morphine. Illegally imported. Illegally sold. Illegally marketed. They are not natural botanicals. They are…

This op-ed argues that science-based action protects children from misleadingly marketed, highly potent concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products while reaffirming the legitimacy of all-natural, whole-plant kratom.

Experts cautioned that concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products are stronger than morphine, highly addictive, and especially dangerous for teens — emphasizing that enforcement must be paired with comprehensive education and treatment efforts.

After Florida’s emergency ban on concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products, local vape shop owners quickly pulled products from shelves amid warnings about addiction risks, unregulated potency, and child safety.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued an emergency rule banning the sale, possession, and distribution of concentrated synthetic 7-OH opioid products, citing their opioid-like potency, high risk of addiction, and growing presence in vape shops and gas stations.

Michael Ames-Sikora,  Rob Verkerk, Ph.D., and Jonathan Emord, Esq. Natural kratom, a botanical derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, has long been used traditionally as a gentle stimulant and mood enhancer. Whether chewed, brewed as tea, or consumed as a water-based extract, kratom has offered centuries of safe…

Shari Barbanel On July 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took “bold steps” to protect American consumers from dangerous illegal opioids. The agency recommended a scheduling action to control certain 7-hydroxymitragyine (7-OH) products under the Controlled Substances Act.  According to FDA, 7-OH is increasingly recognized for numerous health and safety issues because of…

Kathryn Varn and Carly Mallenbaum When federal health regulators last week announced plans to control a compound found in the kratom plant, they made one big distinction: “We’re not targeting the kratom leaf or ground up kratom,” Food and Drug Administration commissioner Marty Makary told reporters. “We are targeting the concentrated synthetic byproduct that is an opioid.” Why…

Agency Finds 7-OH Products Lack Safety Data, Carry High Abuse Potential, and Risk Respiratory Failure WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition today applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s release of a new report, 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): An Assessment of the Scientific Data and Toxicological Concerns Around an Emerging Opioid Threat.  Its findings…

America’s top public health officials have made clear that natural kratom leaf products are not the real threat. Now, we must focus on what’s truly hurting our kids and communities: Synthetic 7-OH opioid products. It’s time to Stop Gas Station Heroin. See the Concentrated 7-OH Opioid Products Database