Kratom and 7-OH in Oklahoma: Is the opiate-like substance dangerous?

Amid growing concerns, News 9 took an in-depth look at a substance that is widely available at Oklahoma smoke shops and convenience stores: kratom and 7-hydroxy (7-OH). 

The concern is so strong that the FDA recently issued a warning, citing risks including substance abuse, seizures, and even death. 

What is Kratom? 

Kratom comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia and is sold in many forms, including pills, liquid and powders. The main ingredient is 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is often marketed as an energy booster, relaxant and pain reliever. 

It has gained popularity in recent years. 

Although it is banned in six states and D.C., it is not illegal for adults in Oklahoma and officials said there isn’t much regulation. 

Another issue, according to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, is the synthetic versions hitting the streets. 

What is 7-OH? 

OBN said 7-OH can be 20 to 30 percent stronger than its natural form (kratom), which can cause a much more dangerous and destructive reaction for both kids and adults. 

“It’s so much stronger and the intoxicating effects can be so much more dangerous,” said OBN spokesperson Mark Woodward. “Parents have said their kids were uncontrollable – they were angry.” 

There is a law that prohibits the sale and distribution of kratom and its concentrated counterpart to minors, but News 9 found that some smoke shops in the metro will only sell to people over the age of 21. 

Experts also said there is a misconception that since it’s plant-based, it’s not addictive. 

While addiction is not a problem for everyone, some rehab centers said the potential for abuse is real. 

What are the "benefits" of kratom? 

Roman Chaparro said he was in a bad car accident five years ago. 

“I broke my T-12 in my lower back and I dislocated both my hips, and broke my pelvic area in two different spots. So, I constantly stay in pain on this side," he said gesturing toward his body. 

Chaparro said he did not like the sedating effects of prescription opiates, so he turned to Kratom, which targets the same receptors. 

“I can still feel [the pain] a little bit, but it’s a lot [more] tolerable. I can do my job and stuff like that,” he said. 

Chaparro added that Kratom is an accessible form of pain management for people without medical insurance. 

News 9 also spoke with an Oklahoma Business Owner who said he has been selling Kratom for almost six years, and 7-hydroxy for almost two. 

The business owner asked to remain confidential, but said he wanted to share his perspective because he believes there is a lot of misinformation about it. 

“You see tons of people that have returned to a normal life for years by using that instead of dope, and then several get off it. I've seen, say, less than 1% of people get addicted to it, but those are the people that get addicted to anything and everything that they come in contact with,” said the seller. 

Rehab centers see a different picture. 

A local addiction treatment center told News 9 that it sees the subset of the population whose lives have been ruined by various opiate-like substances, including kratom and 7-OH. 

“We have people calling in weekly needing to come in to detox off of kratom,” said Skylar Bradley, Director of Nursing at The Recovery Center. 

Her coworker, Bethany Folkes, who is the public relations manager for The Recovery Center, explained that the substance is “essentially a synthetic heroin that has heroin-like effects on the body, and the withdrawal from it is like you're withdrawing from heroin." 

The Recovery Center shared some of the side effects of kratom and 7-OH, including respiratory issues, which can result in death at high enough doses. 

What are the laws? 

Oklahoma lawmakers passed a law in 2021 putting regulations on the sale of kratom. 

The law made it illegal for anyone under 18 to buy the product. It also added labeling requirements—including a list of all ingredients, the amount of natural product, and the vendors and address. 

Vendors are also required to provide test results to the Department of Health. 

State legislators are now looking to take that one a step further. Lawmakers introduced a bill last legislative session that would make it illegal to use or sell synthesized kratom, which would mean anything that contains more than 1% of 7-hydroxy. 

The bill stalled in the House but will be eligible to be heard in the next legislative session.