Georgia Battles Surge of Dangerous Synthetic Opioids Sold as 'Natural' Products

As of November 15, 2025, Georgia's Attorney General Chris Carr has issued a stark warning about the growing threat of a synthetic opioid-like substance called '7-OH'. This chemical compound, formally known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, is derived from the kratom plant but becomes significantly more potent and dangerous when isolated or concentrated.

Carr reports that 7-OH products are flooding gas stations, vape shops, and convenience stores across the state, often falsely marketed as natural kratom. These products pose severe health risks, including seizures, substance abuse disorder, withdrawal, overdose, and even death. Carr says the state is "staring down the next wave of the opioid crisis" and must take action before it's too late.

To combat this emerging threat, Georgia has passed new legislation that will take effect in the coming years. Starting in January 2025, the state's Kratom Consumer Protection Act will mandate that kratom products can only be sold to individuals over 21 and must be kept behind store counters. Additionally, a new law effective July 2025 will set strict limits on the concentration of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in kratom products, and prohibit the sale of adulterated or synthetic kratom.

The Attorney General's office is also warning consumers about tianeptine, a substance known as "gas station heroin" that is widely available and falsely marketed as beneficial for brain function and various disorders. Tianeptine is not FDA-approved and can cause serious side effects, including hypertension, respiratory depression, and death.