Know the risks about kratom & 7-OH

Kratom is a plant used in traditional medicine with naturally-occurring small amounts of 7-OH. It is:

  • Not regulated by the FDA or DEA
  • A stimulant at low doses
  • A sedative at high doses
  • Usually sold as dry leaves and powder
Kratom leaves and a bowl of kratom powder

What is 7-OH?

7-OH (7-Hydroxymitragynine) is a compound found in kratom. When concentrated and sold by itself, it’s much stronger and more dangerous than kratom.

  • The federal government is planning to classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 drug, which means it:
    • Has a high potential for abuse
    • Has no accepted medical use
  • Often sold as pills, gummies, tonics, and vapes

You can overdose on 7-OH.

  • 7-OH works similarly to opioids like morphine, heroin, and fentanyl.
  • Too much 7-OH can stop your breathing.
  • 7-OH is 10 times more potent than morphine.
  • 7-OH is not an approved treatment for opioid withdrawal or any other condition.
Examples of 7-OH products sold as gummies, tablets, drink mix packets, cones, and a bottled tonic

Note: These images are select illustrative examples and do not represent the full scope of 7-OH products on the market. Consumers should read packaging and labels carefully to determine whether a product contains 7-OH.

7-OH products aren’t FDA tested or monitored for safety. Which means:

  • The strength of each product can be very different.
  • Labels may be inaccurate.
  • Products might have substances in them that are not listed.

Visit WAtelebupe.org or call 206-289-0287 for free opioid withdrawal resources and treatment options.

If someone won’t wake up after using 7-OH:

  1. Call 911.
  2. Give naloxone (Narcan).
  3. Follow 911 instructions until help arrives.

for non-emergency help, contact the Washington Poison Center:

Call: 1-800-222-1222
Text: 206-526-2121