Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has been a subject of concern in recent years due to the rise of synthetic versions of the drug. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) and advocates for kratom are warning consumers about the dangers of synthetic 7-OH, a highly concentrated form of the drug that can be found in products marketed as kratom. Synthetic 7-OH can activate the same part of the brain as opioids, causing a risk of addiction. The OBN has seen an increase in overdoses related to products claiming to be kratom, with synthetic 7-OH being a major contributor. The Global Kratom Coalition, an advocacy organization, is working to educate consumers about the differences between natural and synthetic kratom. The Kratom Protection Act, passed in 2025, aims to put more regulations on what stores can sell, with products testing over 1% 7-OH being illegal in Oklahoma. The OBN is also working to educate stores about the potential for illegal products on their shelves. The FDA has formally recommended that 7-OH be listed as a Schedule I substance, indicating its high potential for abuse and addiction. As the debate over kratom continues, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential dangers of synthetic versions of the drug and to seek out reputable sources of natural kratom.
