FDA moves to ban potent Kratom extract found in gas station products

Federal health officials say they are taking steps to ban access to a dangerous opioid by-product known as 7-OH, a concentrated extract from the kratom plant that could be more potent than morphine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it is seeing high levels of 7-OH, short for 7-hydroxymitragynine, in some over-the-counter products being sold at gas stations and convenience stores. Officials say the packaging and flavors may appear attractive to children, even though the products have not undergone any formal safety testing.

The FDA recently issued warning letters to seven companies selling products containing 7-OH, including shots, capsules, drink mixes and gummies. Regulators said the products are being illegally marketed as dietary supplements or unapproved drugs.

Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin said these substances pose serious risks, especially because they remain legal and easily accessible.

“They justify it because it’s legal, but it’s an addiction that’s ruining lives,” Mullin said. “It’s an addiction that’s truly killing people because it’s leading them down a road that sometimes they will never be able to recover from.”

The FDA said they are recommending that the compound be added to the federal list of Schedule I substances, the most restrictive drug category.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is now reviewing the FDA’s health recommendations. A national ban could take effect once that review is complete.