The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is advising people to not consume products that contain kratom and the synthetic kratom compound known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has warned that kratom and 7-OH are not lawfully marketed in the U.S. as a drug product, dietary supplement or food additive. Products containing 7-OH, particularly concentrated or synthetic forms, are not approved and illegal for sale in any form.

Six overdose deaths have recently occurred in Los Angeles County involving people 18-40 years old who ingested 7-OH. Public health inspectors are conducting inspections at tobacco shops and retailers countywide to ensure that kratom and 7-OH products are not being sold. If found, the illegal products will be red-tagged and must be removed. Failure to remove the products could result in fines and penalties.

“Kratom and 7-OH products are sold as natural remedies, but they are illegal and unsafe,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said. “They are sold in gas stations, smoke shops, online and other retailers. People should avoid using these products, and store owners [and] operators must remove them immediately to prevent harm. At lower doses, 7-OH acts like a stimulant and at higher doses, it acts like an opioid.

Mixing or using it with alcohol, prescription drugs or illicit substances can significantly slow breathing and lead to death. Because these are unregulated products, their strength is unpredictable, making accidental overdose more likely. The safest choice is to avoid all 7-OH products.”

The Department of Public Health said 7-OH, the psychoactive component of kratom leaves, is synthetically concentrated into various forms. The products are often labeled with terms such as “plant alkaloids” or “alkaloid” and marketed as dietary supplements. Product labels may also claim they address a broad range of issues such as pain, anxiety and mood disorders and opioid withdrawal. The products are sold as tablets, gummies, drink mixes and concentrated (“enhanced” or “super”) liquid extracts or shots for drinking, which significantly increases the adverse life-threatening effects. The safest course of action is to avoid using any 7-OH or kratom-related products.

For information, visit lacounty.gov/sapc/public/overdose-prevention.htm.