The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion on Feb. 3 by Supervisor Janice Hahn, 4th District, directing county experts to develop recommendations to prevent deaths and serious harm linked to kratom and the chemical compound known as 7-OH. Hahn’s motion was introduced after Los Angeles County recorded seven fatal overdoses associated with kratom and 7-OH since January 2025.

Kratom is an herbal substance which can produce opioid-like and stimulant-like effects. 7-OH is the psychoactive component of kratom leaves and is synthetically concentrated into products that have become increasingly available at gas stations, smoke shops and online retailers. Kratom and 7-OH products are unregulated and often marketed as dietary supplements and to address a broad range of issues such as pain, anxiety and mood disorders, opioid withdrawal and low energy.

“Seven people in L.A. County died this past year because they took a substance that is being sold openly and marketed as safe,” Hahn said. “I want to explore all of our options to better regulate this substance and save lives.”

In July 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warnings about the growing risks of 7-OH products, citing illegal marketing practices and the need for regulation and public education. In response to local fatalities, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued warning letters to retailers in October 2025 to “immediately stop selling any 7-OH products, as these are not lawfully marketed in the U.S. as a drug product, dietary supplement, or food additive.” The department has started enforcement actions to remove kratom-related 7-OH products from stores.

Several cities including San Diego, Oceanside and Newport Beach, and the counties of San Diego, Orange and Riverside have already adopted ordinances to ban or restrict the sale or possession of kratom substances. At the state level, Assembly Bill 1088 was introduced in 2025 to establish age limits, labeling requirements, child-resistant packaging and a ban on synthetic alkaloids.

Hahn’s motion directs the Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Department of Medical Examiner and in consultation with County Counsel, to report back to the board within 30 days with recommendations to address and prevent kratom and 7-OH deaths. The report will explore potential ordinance options, funding and staffing needs, and public outreach strategies to inform future county action.

For information, visit hahn.lacounty.gov.