Overview

• Health officials linked three recent fatal overdoses in otherwise healthy adults ages 18 to 40 to the synthetic kratom compound 7‑Hydroxymitragynine, with alcohol present and no other contributing substances identified.
• Authorities report that 7‑OH is being sold openly in gas stations, smoke shops and online in forms such as tablets, gummies, drink mixes and concentrated liquid shots, often labeled only as “plant alkaloids” or “alkaloid.”
• The FDA has issued warning letters stating 7‑OH is not lawful in dietary supplements and that no drugs containing 7‑OH are approved for any use.
• Public health guidance urges people to avoid 7‑OH and kratom products, never use them alone, avoid mixing with alcohol or other sedatives, and carry naloxone to reverse potential opioid‑type overdoses.
• Los Angeles County’s substance use director said these are the first known county deaths linked to 7‑OH, and while such products remain legal to buy in California, some nearby jurisdictions have enacted restrictions or bans.