7-OH in Kratom Products:

Hidden Risks You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

  • Feel Free and similar products contain synthetic kratom compounds like 7-OH, which act like opioids but are not federally regulated.
  • Social media users report withdrawal symptoms after stopping kratom products.
  • The FDA plans to classify 7-OH as a Schedule I drug.

What Is 7-OH?

7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a powerful byproduct of the herb kratom. It binds to the brain’s opioid receptors, producing effects similar to opioids.
  • At low doses → stimulant-like boost in energy and focus.
  • At high doses → feelings of euphoria and pain relief, similar to opioids like heroin or OxyContin.
  • Studies show 7-OH can be up to 13x stronger than morphine.

    🚨 New kratom products often contain extremely high levels of 7-OH (sometimes 98%), far beyond what occurs naturally in kratom leaves.

What Is Kratom?

  • Derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia.
  • Sold in the U.S. as pills, powders, drinks, gummies, teas, and extracts.

    Used for:
  • Boosting energy and endurance
  • Managing anxiety and depression
  • Pain relief

Risks include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset
  • Rapid heartbeat, seizures
  • In severe cases: coma or death

⚠️ According to the FDA, kratom is not approved as a safe drug, supplement, or food additive.

FDA’s Concerns and Regulation Efforts

  • In July 2024, the FDA warned that 7-OH products are an emerging public health threat.
  • Plan to classify 7-OH as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin, LSD, and MDMA.
  • Currently, 24 states + D.C. regulate kratom, with some fully banning it.

How to Reduce Risk If You Use Kratom

If you still choose to use kratom:
✅ Check the Label for:

  • Amount of mitragynine
  • Serving size
  • Warnings (pregnancy, medications, etc.)
  • Age restrictions (18+)

✅ Prefer whole-leaf kratom → harder to overconsume due to its bitter taste.
✅ Be cautious with extracts, gummies, and drinks → easier to overdose due to added flavors and higher potency.
✅ Ask for a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the manufacturer:

  • Should list mitragynine levels
  • Heavy metals & microbial contaminants

What This Means for You

  • Kratom-based supplements may contain dangerously high concentrations of 7-OH.
  • They can cause opioid-like effects and carry serious health risks.
  • Since these products are not federally regulated, always:
  • Stay within recommended doses
  • Choose products with third-party safety testing

📞 If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP

Sources

  • FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) – Updates on kratom & 7-OH
  • SAMHSA – Kratom usage data in the U.S.
  • LAPPA – State-level kratom regulations
  • Oliver Grundmann, PhD – University of Florida research insights
  • Reddit “Quitting Kratom” – Community experiences
📌 A Note from Care for Being Healthy:

This content is for knowledge and awareness purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.