St. Petersburg, Fla. — State and federal officials are moving swiftly to ban a potent substance known as 7-OH, which has been associated with a rise in fatalities across Florida. This emergency action reflects ongoing concerns about public health and safety as the opioid crisis persists.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced at a press conference that measures are being taken to classify 7-OH as a Schedule One controlled substance. This designation signifies the substance’s high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use, intensifying efforts to combat its distribution.
7-OH is a derivative of kratom, a leaf traditionally used in Southeast Asia for its stimulant and sedative properties. However, health experts emphasize that the crackdown is focused solely on the concentrated byproduct, which is significantly more potent and poses additional risks.
Charles J. Lockwood, Executive Vice President of USF Health, expressed alarm over the drug’s strength. “Picture a teenager mistakenly consuming a gummy that is 13 times more potent than morphine,” he warned, underlining the unique dangers this substance presents.
The emergence of 7-OH in various forms—including gummies, tablets, teas, and wellness shots—has raised alarms among authorities, who note that its appeal and accessibility make it particularly attractive to young people.
While kratom products remain legal, Uthmeier clarified that the immediate ban targets specific chemically enhanced formulations. “This is not an outright ban on kratom; we are focusing on this hazardous product,” he said.
The state’s proactive stance is informed by lessons learned from previous drug epidemics, including those surrounding fentanyl and prescription medications. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary remarked, “We need to act decisively. We cannot afford to fall behind again.”
Support for the ban comes from various community members, including Caleb Grill, who owns The Zen Den Kava House in Largo. Though his establishment has never sold 7-OH products, Grill has expressed concern over the potential for addiction and the health risks associated with them. “I’ve heard many troubling stories from customers regarding addiction to these products,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of consumer safety.
With the emergency ban taking effect immediately, state officials have mandated that vendors remove 7-OH products from store shelves. Enforcement operations could start as soon as Thursday, underscoring the urgency of addressing this emerging public health crisis. Authorities are poised to act decisively to prevent further harm as they tackle this complex issue.