L.A. County Orders Kratom, 7‑OH Off Shelves as Kansas City Launches 30‑Day Review

Overview

• Los Angeles County directed retailers to immediately halt sales of kratom and 7‑hydroxymitragynine, with inspectors set to red‑tag noncompliant items next week and levy penalties for violations.
• The county cited six recent kratom‑related deaths but noted alcohol was present in all cases, leaving the specific role of kratom or 7‑OH unresolved pending coroner reports.
• The FDA says kratom and 7‑OH are not lawfully marketed in the U.S. as drugs, dietary supplements or approved food additives, and California treats them as adulterants in such products.
• Kansas City’s council unanimously ordered a study of regulatory options for kratom and 7‑OH, requiring a report back from the city manager in 30 days.
• 7‑OH, a concentrated form of kratom’s psychoactive compound, is sold in tablets, gummies and liquids, as California communities expand restrictions and producers urge regulation over bans.