WDNews, Washington, D.C.Citing its potential for abuse and public health risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing new federal regulations on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant.
After a scientific and medical review revealed that the drug attaches to opioid receptors and can be more strong than morphine, the move targets 7-OH compounds rather than the native kratom leaf. According to the FDA, 7-OH is marketed in a variety of ways, such as candies, drink mixes, and even ice cream cones, and is frequently packaged in appealing ways for kids and teenagers.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the secretary of health and human services, stated that we are taking action on 7-OH as a crucial step in the battle against opioid addiction. As we work to Make America Healthy Again, we will safeguard the health of our country’s youth.
Many petrol stations, online retailers, and vape shops are peddling 7-OH products without proper labeling and occasionally passing them off as kratom, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said.
“We can’t be caught off guard again after the last wave of the opioid epidemic,” Makary stated.
In addition to sending warning letters to seven businesses that were unlawfully selling 7-OH products in June, the FDA has now written to healthcare providers about the dangers. Public education resources have also been made available by the FDA to assist consumers in identifying and avoiding hazardous 7-OH items.
The FDA’s recommendation will now be examined by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which will next choose whether to classify 7-OH as a controlled substance. Before a final decision is reached, the public will be able to comment.
