North Charleston – September 12, 2026 -- Federal health officials are warning consumers about concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products sold as tablets, gummies, powders, drink mixes, shots and dissolvable strips, saying they are potent opioids that have not been proven safe or effective for any use.
The FDA has logged reports of addiction and seizures tied to 7-OH
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has received adverse event reports linked to 7-OH products, including addiction, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal distress, insomnia, seizures and withdrawal symptoms. No FDA-approved drugs currently contain 7-OH.
While 7-OH occurs naturally in trace amounts in the kratom plant, the concentrated and synthetic versions sold commercially can contain significantly elevated levels, according to the agency.
The DEA moved in July 2026 to classify certain 7-OH substances as Schedule I
In July 2026, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced plans to temporarily place certain 7-OH substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, citing high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. The proposed action targets synthetic 7-OH and elevated-concentration products, not botanical kratom containing naturally occurring trace amounts.
Packaging often skips the word "kratom" entirely
Products may be labeled using terms like 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy, 7-HMG, 7-OHMG or 7-OH-mitragynine instead. The FDA has also warned that items marketed as "enhanced" or "spiked" kratom may contain far more 7-OH than occurs naturally in the leaf, making the products easy for parents and caregivers to overlook.
North Charleston urges residents to avoid assuming legality equals safety
The city is advising residents not to assume a product is safe simply because it is available for purchase, noting the FDA recommends avoiding 7-OH products altogether. Officials also cautioned against companies advertising quick-fix solutions for 7-OH dependence, stressing that no 7-OH-containing medication has been FDA-approved to treat withdrawal or addiction.
The city's Bridge2Hope app links residents to naloxone and 24/7 support
North Charleston's Bridge2Hope app connects residents in the greater Charleston and Tri-County area with naloxone locations, 24/7 recovery support through FAVOR Lowcountry, local support groups, sober living resources, veteran support and family assistance. Anyone who suspects an opioid overdose is urged to call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available.