SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) – The California Department of Public Health is sounding the alarm on Kratom and a potent derivative of the plant called 7-OH, following six recent overdose deaths in Los Angeles County.
“It’s terrifying how highly addictive this is,” said Michelle Leopold, whose son Trevor died of an accidental opioid overdose in 2019 while a freshman at Sonoma State University. Since then, she has become a fierce advocate and educator, partnering with local health departments.
“The fact that now I am getting phone calls from people who have loved ones very concerned about being addicted to it,” Leopold added.
**Kratom and 7-OH Products: Not FDA-Approved and Illegal for Retail Sale**
Despite not being FDA-approved or legal for retailers to sell, Kratom and 7-OH are widely available in smoke shops and gas stations. These products are often labeled as dietary supplements aimed at relieving chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid withdrawal. When used in small doses, some people believe they may be effective.
“There are no age restrictions, no warnings about what it is, or that you can get addicted to it and that it can cause big problems,” explained Micah Sawyer, founder of Micah’s Hugs, a nonprofit established in memory of his son who died of a fentanyl overdose.
“I think what we need to do is figure out how to educate people. We need to do something similar to what we do with cigarettes, alcohol, or cannabis. At this point, it needs to be about warning labels that explain what it is and what it does,” Sawyer added.
**Enforcement and Awareness**
The California Alcoholic Beverage Control Department is warning business owners that it will “begin taking enforcement actions” against those selling these products illegally.
In the meantime, it is important to be aware that these products are often marketed using bright, colorful packaging designed to mimic regulated products. They are typically sold as beverages, pills, powders, and gummies, making them easily accessible.
For more information, readers can follow updates on the ongoing efforts to address the fentanyl and Kratom crises impacting communities across California.
https://abc7news.com/post/cdph-warns-potentially-deadly-herbal-substance-kratom-7-6-recent-overdose-deaths-los-angeles-county/18419738/
