LA County Cracks Down on Illegal Kratom and 7-OH Sales
Los Angeles County health officials are taking swift action against the illicit sale of Kratom and its potent derivative, 7-OH. These products, often deceptively marketed as natural remedies, are being removed from local shelves due to their dangerous, addictive, and potentially fatal opioid-like effects.
What Are Kratom and 7-OH?
Kratom is an herbal medicine derived from the leaves of evergreen trees found in Southeast Asia. It possesses both opioid and stimulant effects. Its highly concentrated synthetic version, 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), amplifies these effects, making it particularly hazardous.
These substances are sold in various forms, including liquid shots (the most potent), tablets, gummies, pills, and powders. Despite often being labeled with words like “natural,” health authorities and the FDA warn against their use, highlighting their classification as illegal and unsafe dietary supplements. They are frequently marketed as pain relievers, mood boosters, and stimulants.
Side effects associated with Kratom and 7-OH use can include nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, and loss of appetite. More severe reactions reported include anorexia, insomnia, seizures, hallucinations, and, in high doses, even psychosis.
Deadly Risks: Overdoses and Addiction in LA County
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) has directly tied the ingestion of highly concentrated 7-OH to six overdose deaths among individuals aged 18 to 40 within the county. These fatalities often occur when 7-OH is mixed with other substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, a class of depressant medications. Dr. Muntu Davis, the county health officer, emphasizes that such combinations can dangerously slow breathing, leading to death.
A significant risk factor is the unregulated nature of these over-the-counter products, meaning consumers are often unaware of their true concentrations, drastically increasing the likelihood of accidental overdose. Cary Quashen, owner of Action Drug Rehab, warns that Kratom and 7-OH are “as addictive as any other opiates” and can cause “protracted withdrawals,” comparing their addictive potential to heroin. He tragically recounted a recent case where a user died after taking these over-the-counter drugs.
LA County’s Urgent Response
In response to these dangers, the LA County DPH has initiated inspections of smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas stations across the county. Dr. Muntu Davis has issued a strong directive, stating, “Kratom and 7-OH products are sold as natural remedies, but they are illegal and unsafe. People should avoid using these products, and store owners/operators must remove them immediately to prevent harm.”
This local action follows a similar move in Orange County, which, on August 26, banned the sale of synthetic Kratom products in its unincorporated areas. Violations there are punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in county jail.
A Familiar Warning: The Echoes of Fentanyl
The current crackdown on Kratom and 7-OH draws unsettling comparisons to the ongoing fentanyl crisis. While the circumstances differ—Kratom buyers generally know they are seeking a stimulant or high, whereas many fentanyl victims unknowingly consume it in counterfeit pills—the underlying danger of easily accessible, unregulated, and potent substances remains the same.
Jaime Puerta, a Santa Clarita resident whose son died from fentanyl poisoning, expressed his disbelief after learning about Kratom and 7-OH. “It is ludicrous to me that this is actually available to the public – something that is as potent as Oxycontin or Percocet. It is just unbelievable,” Puerta stated, questioning why such products are permitted for sale. Experts like Cary Quashen are calling this “the next crisis for young people.”
Kratom and 7-OH: A Snapshot of Effects and Forms
| Product/Dose | Effects | Forms Available |
|---|---|---|
| Kratom (General) | Opioid and stimulant effects, mood-boosting (high doses), addictive. | Liquid shots, tablets, gummies, pills, powders |
| 7-OH (Lower Dose) | Acts as a stimulant. | Highly concentrated, often in liquid shots. |
| 7-OH (Higher Dose) | Acts like an opioid, highly addictive, linked to overdose deaths. | Highly concentrated, often in liquid shots. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom and 7-OH
- Is Kratom legal in LA County?
No, LA County health officials classify Kratom and 7-OH products as illegal and unsafe dietary supplements that must be removed from shelves. - What makes 7-OH particularly dangerous?
7-OH is a highly concentrated, synthetic version of Kratom. Its potency makes accidental overdose more likely, especially when mixed with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines, which can significantly slow breathing and cause death. - Where are these illegal products typically sold?
They are commonly found in smoke shops, convenience stores, gas stations, and online retailers, often misleadingly marketed as “natural.” - What are the withdrawal symptoms like for Kratom and 7-OH?
Users can experience protracted withdrawals similar to other opiates, as the substances are highly addictive. - How is the Kratom crisis different from the fentanyl crisis?
While both involve dangerous unregulated substances, buyers of Kratom generally know they are seeking a stimulant or high. In contrast, many fentanyl victims unknowingly ingest it in counterfeit pills disguised as other drugs.
The crackdown on illegal Kratom and 7-OH products in Los Angeles County underscores the critical danger of unregulated substances. For your safety and the well-being of our community, remain vigilant, avoid these products, and report any illegal sales to local health authorities.
LA County Cracks Down on Illegal Kratom Sales
