Kratom Health and Safety Information

Learn more about kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) use, health risks, safety considerations, and resources for treating kratom use disorder 

About Kratom and 7-OH

Kratom is a naturally occurring herbal substance with stimulant- and opioid-like properties that is derived from a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia.  It has been used as a pain reducer, sedative and stimulant. 7-OH is a natural compound in the kratom plant that has potent opioid-like properties. 

Over the past several years, kratom and 7-OH products have become more prevalent in retail outlets and online, often mis-labeled as something other than a food, drug or dietary supplement, or marked "not for human consumption."  

Manufacturers manipulate the 7-OH compound to create "enhanced” or “spiked” kratom products. Such products may appear to be natural leaf but can contain as much as 500% more 7-OH than would be expected naturally. 7-OH can be 13 times more potent than morphine.

Kratom, and 7-OH, acts on opioid receptors in the brain similar to how traditional opioids (e.g., fentanyl, heroin) do. Kratom products sold in stores (like gummies, candies, powders and drinks) have much higher amounts of 7-OH than naturally occurring kratom, making these products dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening.

"An infographic comparing raw Kratom powder to 7-OH extracts. It features a spectrum arrow moving from yellow to dark red labeled 'High Risk.' On the left, a pile of powder is labeled 'Crushed/Powdered Leaves with Natural 7-OH Levels.' On the right, a blister pack of tablets is labeled 'Kratom 7-OH Significantly Concentrated Extract.' Bold red text states: '7-OH is 13x more potent than morphine.'"

Health Risks

Kratom products are often labeled as "natural" or "herbal" supplements, but "natural" does not mean safe. While kratom has been marketed as a natural way to boost mood and energy and treat anxiety and pain, it is actually a potent opioid (similar to prescription opioid medications or heroin) and using it can cause serious risk to one's health.  

Kratom can cause mild side effects including nausea, vomiting, constipation, jitteriness, dizziness, drowsiness. Higher doses of Kratom use can cause severe health problems including seizures, coma, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, liver problems, and overdose. People who use kratom regularly are likely to develop dependence (or a substance use disorder). 

People who are kratom dependent and stop using Kratom are likely to experience opioid withdrawal (2024). Overdose when using kratom products can happen, especially when used in combination with other drugs or alcohol. Kratom overdoses should be treated as opioid overdoses. In the event of an overdose, administer naloxone, and immediately call 911. 

Prevention Is Key

  • Avoid buying any products with kratom or 7-OH.
  • When buying candy or other treats for you or your family, carefully read the packaging and label so you don’t accidentally buy a treat containing 7-OH.  
  • Know the signs of overdose and carry Naloxone to reverse overdose. Free naloxone is available by mail to SLO County residents at NaloxoneNowSLO.org. In person community access sites are available as well- view Naloxone pick up locations here.  
  • Talk to your health care professional if you need help with opioid addiction, anxiety, mood disorders, pain, or other ailments. 

Safety Tips

It is important if you are using kratom related products to follow safety guidelines, specifically if you are using other controlled substances, drinking alcohol, taking other medications, pregnant, breastfeeding, and/or experiencing a health condition. Other important safety tips include: 

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplements.
  • Always read the ingredients of a product before consumption. 
  • Secure medicines and supplements up and away from children and pets. Learn more safe storage tips here. 
  • Safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications by utilizing a local take back program. All pharmacies in SLO County offer a FREE disposal program by providing either a mail back envelope or in-store drop box for discarding medications.
  • Because kratom has opioid-like properties, overdose can be prevented through naloxone. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a nasal spray medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is readily available and free to SLO County residents. Learn how to administer and access naloxone near you.

Kratom Use Disorder Treatment 

While there is no definitive guideline for the treatment of kratom dependence, treatment providers can manage kratom dependence similarly to dependence of other opioids, using combinations of medications and behavioral interventions including buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Please contact the Behavioral Health Department at 1-800-838-1381 for more information on substance use treatment options.

Kratom Laws in California

Kratom and 7-OH are not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food, drug, or dietary supplement therefore is it not legal to manufacture or sell for consumption. Any food, drug or dietary supplement, and any food containing kratom or 7-OH is identified as adulterated and cannot be legally sold in California. 

Call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232 to report unlawful sales of kratom and 7-OH products.

If you have questions that aren’t answered here, please contact the Behavioral Health Department or Public Health Department.

Resources

For more information regarding the health and safety considerations related to Kratom: 


 

FAQs

Kratom is a naturally occurring herbal substance with stimulant- and opioid-like properties that is derived from a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia. 
 7-OH stands for 7-Hydroxymitragynine. Street names include 7-Hydroxy, 7-OHMG and ‘7’

7-OH is a potent opioid made from concentrating a part of the Kratom plant. It is a strong chemical found in very small amounts in the Kratom plant. Some products sold in stores (like gummies, candies, powders and drinks) have much higher amounts of 7-OH than natural Kratom.
7-OH is 13 times stronger than morphine at affecting the body’s opioid receptors. It can cause serious health problems, including addiction, poisoning and even death. Products with 7-OH are not tested for safety and are sold without restrictions. Isolated 7-OH has never been studied in humans. It can cause an overdose due to respiratory depression, or “stopped breathing.” This can be reversible with naloxone.
Most 7-OH products sold in stores and online are designed to look like everyday treats like gummies, candies, drink, and ice cream.
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(Note: Images provided by the FDA. These images are select illustrative examples and do not represent the full scope of 7-OH products on the market. Consumers should read packaging and labels carefully to determine whether a product contains 7-OH0
If someone uses 7-OH, they may experience nausea and vomiting, agitation or confusion, sweating and anxiety, trouble sleeping, stomach pain, depression, fast heartbeat and high blood pressure, trouble breathing or sleepiness, seizures, withdrawal symptoms (restlessness, body aches, irritability, cold sweats), addiction or dependence, overdose and death (especially if mixed with other alcohol or drugs).
Yes, both Kratom and 7-OH are highly addictive. 

Please contact the Behavioral Health Department at 1-800-838-1381 for more information on substance use treatment options.

 

There are several indicators for determining if someone has a kratom use disorder, including:
  • Using kratom for longer than intended
  • Using more kratom than intended
  • Having cravings for kratom
  • Continuing to use kratom despite adverse consequences (either physically or in their personal life),
  • Increasing the amount of kratom used to produce the same effect (tolerance)
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when kratom use was stopped (physical dependence).
This dangerous opioid is sitting on store shelves, making gas stations and convenience stores risky places where kids can purchase these drugs as easily as buying candy. Kratom or 7-OH products are also being sold accessibly online.

These products are marketed incorrectly for recreation, stimulation, pain relief or sedation and may even be marketed as "natural" or "herbal" supplements. Despite claims that 7-OH can boost mood and energy or treat anxiety and pain, it is actually a potent opioid and is not considered safe.

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