7-OH, a dangerous synthetic product that is marketed as kratom. It is not kratom and it is highly addictive.
Make others aware of this dangerous legal product.
7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a dangerous synthetic product that is marketed as kratom. It is not kratom, and it is highly addictive.
This post may not apply to many of my readers. Still, it is a quick read that may be very important to know if you have family members in their 20s and 30s, primarily, as it appears that this is the age group that is abusing this legal but dangerous drug.
This abused, legal, synthetic compound came to my attention recently. People who are looking for more energy often start out buying kratom at smoke shops. Before long, 7-OH is marketed to them as kratom, only more potent. The 7-OH user notices instant feelings of euphoria, leading to a sense of calmness, free of anxiety. Much like other drugs, that euphoric feeling wears off, and instead the individual needs to increase the dose and frequency to stave off the withdrawal side effects.
Additionally, they can walk into any gas station (depending on the state) and purchase it (if 21 years of age and older). It is widely sold online.
Kratom
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. In this region, people have been chewing the kratom leaf for centuries to manage fatigue or mild pain. Agricultural workers often chew the leaves to help them endure long hours of hard labor outside.
Kratom is sold in most states in the U.S, usually as a tincture or as capsules with the dried powder of the plant. Kratom has helped people get off opioids and manage pain.
However, there are no controlled studies indicating the benefits or safety of kratom.
Kratom leaves contain compounds called 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine. Mitragynine makes up 1-2% of the dry leaf mass, whereas 7-OH makes up much less at 0.05%. There are other alkaloids in kratom, but not much is known about them currently.
The natural kratom plant used on occasion is not the issue.
The addictive product is the synthetic compounds sold in gas stations to people 21 years old and up.
Kraton contains 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine). The 7-OH products sold online, in gas stations, and smoke shops have been created synthetically and are often falsely marketed as kratom leaf extract. Additionally, without regulation, the amount of 7-OH in each tablet can vary by milligram, making tapering the dose challenging.
7-OH is NOT kratom. There is nothing natural about this product. In reality, 7-OH is a potent, unregulated chemical that gives the false illusion that it is natural.
7-OH is 30 times more potent than morphine at opioid receptors and thus increases the risk of dependence and overdosing.
Known risks include respiratory depression, toxicity, and addiction, which means that this product, which lacks clinical safety data, can be deadly with increased risks if combined with other drugs such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Currently, since 7-OH does not meet the guidelines of a food or a dietary ingredient, it is considered an unapproved drug.
States that have outright banned 7-OH include Alabama, Indiana, Arkansas, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Some other states, such as Arizona, Utah, and Oklahoma, have banned 7-OH that exceeds 2% of total alkaloids.
Others will argue that 7-OH has helped them with other addictions or with pain. The suggested dose on the label is small, and if a person can manage it and use 7-OH only on occasion, it may not be harmful.
But the packaging is deceptive. A dose is typically one-quarter to one-half a tablet, but you need to read the back label to know not to take a whole tablet. Some 7-OH products contain as much as 50 mg per tablet. However, they can get away with this because the package directions state the dose is 1/4 of a tablet. If you were to chew on a kratom leaf, the amount of 7-Oh would be minuscule.
The tablets are often chewable, flavored tablets to make the dose more appetizing. Due to its highly addictive properties, a person can find themselves spending $80 or more daily on this addiction.
People have reported that the euphoria and energized feelings do not last, and before they know it, they lose motivation and zest for life. Others have reported that they do not “feel well” once they have become addicted, with sleep difficulties and a racing heartbeat.
These are serious concerns, albeit based on anecdotal information, but that is because we currently have no other reliable source to rely on. The abuse dangers get compounded when combined with alcohol or anti-anxiety medications, resulting in breathing difficulties.
Bottom line
The only thing you should purchase at a gas station is gas. Warn young people in your life about the dangers of 7-OH. Many young people seek a product that can give them a competitive edge and long-lasting energy. In the end, they may lose everything by using a product that they can justify as safe because it is sold legally.
My earlier posts may not accurately reflect my current views, as I have since questioned much of what I learned about health and the world around me.
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Thank you for reading!
I have been making long road trips lately so lots of gas station stops (Mavericks have the cleanest restrooms!), and have seen the signs for Kratom and have wondered what it was but my curiosity didn’t go any further. Shame on me. Thank you so much for the short detailed explanation. I will ask my 20 year old daughter if she’s familiar with this product.