Florida Bans Dangerous 7-OH Kratom Extract, Citing Public Health Crisis

In a proactive move to combat a looming public health crisis, the state of Florida has banned the sale, possession, and distribution of 7-OH, a highly concentrated and dangerous kratom extract. This decision comes as public health experts and officials warn that 7-OH, a synthetic opioid-like compound, could spur the next wave of the opioid epidemic.

Just last week, the FDA made a formal proposal to the DEA to classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 substance, placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD. While natural kratom contains only trace amounts of 7-OH, manufacturers have begun isolating and concentrating the compound, creating products that are estimated to be 10 to 13 times more potent than morphine.

These ultra-potent 7-OH extracts, often sold as gummies, shots, and pills, have been flooding gas stations and vape shops across the country, with little regulation or age restrictions. Citing the FDA's findings that 7-OH acts like a full opioid agonist, Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier has taken swift action, designating the compound as an "immediate danger to public health and safety."

By banning 7-OH, Florida has become the first state to take such a decisive step, a move that could set off a nationwide domino effect as more states follow suit. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary has praised the decision, calling on other states to "act now and use common sense regulation to safeguard the well-being of our youth."

With the growing threat of 7-OH in vape shops and gas stations, public health experts fear this could potentially be the next wave of the opioid epidemic. As the federal government works to address this emerging crisis, Florida's bold action serves as a warning to other states and a call to action to protect their communities from the dangers of this potent synthetic opioid.