Nationwide health advisory issued over hazardous commodity available in retail outlets nationwide
In a significant move, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent opioid-like compound derived from the tropical tree kratom, be classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. This would make the sale and possession of 7-OH illegal under federal law.
7-OH, often referred to as "legal morphine" due to its ability to bind to brain receptors similarly to morphine, producing opioid effects, has been a subject of concern due to its high potency and unregulated sale in synthetic forms. The FDA's focus is on synthetic, concentrated extracts of 7-OH in kratom products, not the natural kratom leaf itself, which remains largely unregulated.
These 7-OH products are commonly found in the form of flavored gummies, vapes, and shots at convenience stores and smoke shops. The FDA's position is that there are no approved medical uses for 7-OH-containing products, making their marketing for pain relief or anxiety unlawful.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is expected to review the FDA's recommendation over the next several months, including a public comment period, before deciding on the final scheduling.
The move to classify 7-OH as a controlled substance has garnered support from various quarters. Dr. Marc Siegel, FOX News Senior Medical Analyst, and Sen. Markwayne Mullin have voiced their support for the FDA's decision, citing concerns about addiction and personal experiences with addiction in their families.
However, there is opposition arguing that no overdose deaths have been linked to 7-OH and that it might have potential in helping opioid addiction recovery. This reflects a debate within regulatory and advocacy communities.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2024, with 80,391 deaths compared to the estimated 110,037 in 2023. The CDC did not provide specific details about the causes of the decrease.
In a separate development, President Trump's brother, Fred Trump Jr., struggled with alcoholism for much of his life and died at the age of 43. Trump stated that he never had a drink due to listening to his brother's advice.
Kratom, the plant from which 7-OH is derived, is native to Southeast Asia and is often used to self-treat a variety of conditions, such as pain, anxiety, and depression. The FDA has not approved any prescription or over-the-counter drug products containing kratom or its two main chemical components: mitragynine and 7-OH.
Health officials, including HHS Secretary RFK Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, are taking action against 7-OH due to concerns about addiction. The FDA is warning that 7-OH products may not be clearly or accurately labeled as to their 7-OH content and are sometimes disguised or marketed as kratom.
7-OH is widely available and may be appealing to children and teens as it is sold in fruit-flavored gummies and ice cream cones. As the DEA reviews the FDA's recommendation, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the public.
- The FDA's proposal to classify 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance, due to concerns about its high potency and unregulated sale, has fueled a debate over its potential medical uses and potential for addiction.
- In the realm of general news, the ongoing discussion around 7-OH, often called "legal morphine," centers around its sensitivity classification under federal law and its presence in health-and-wellness products like gummies, vapes, and shots.
- As mental-health issues and policy-and-legislation concerning substances continue to evolve, the FDA's move to regulate 7-OH, a potent compound found in the kratom plant, has garnered both support and opposition, reflecting the complexity of these topics.
- In the world of politics and legislative policies, the FDA's recommendation to classify 7-OH, a component of kratom known for its potential opioid effects, as a Schedule I controlled substance is being closely observed by regulatory bodies like the DEA.
