Los Angeles, California — Health officials have issued a public health alert following a concerning rise in overdose deaths linked to a synthetic compound derived from kratom. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported that three individuals aged 18 to 40 have died as a result of overdosing on 7-Hydroxymitragynine, commonly referred to as 7-OH. In all cases, alcohol was also detected, and officials noted that the deceased were otherwise healthy prior to their deaths.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that no additional substances contributed to these fatalities. “Kratom and its psychoactive component, 7-OH, are unregulated and often marketed as solutions for pain, anxiety, and depression,” health officials stated. The compound derives from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. Users typically consume it by brewing it in tea, smoking it, or ingesting it in capsule form.
Officials emphasized that 7-OH is not only present in kratom leaves but has also been synthetically produced in concentrated forms available in local markets, gas stations, and online. These products, sometimes labeled as dietary supplements, claim to alleviate various health issues ranging from opioid withdrawal to mood disorders. However, the unregulated nature of these products raises significant safety concerns, as they can come in many forms, including gummies, tablets, and liquid extracts, which may have unpredictable concentrations.
The manner of consumption can amplify the risks associated with 7-OH. At lower doses, it mimics stimulant effects, but higher doses can induce effects similar to those of opioids. Health officials warned that mixing 7-OH with alcohol or other sedatives can severely impair respiratory function, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. Due to the absence of regulation, users may unknowingly consume dangerous levels of the substance, greatly increasing their risk of overdose.
In July 2025, the Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to multiple companies for the illegal marketing of 7-OH products. The agency stated that these substances are not authorized for use in dietary supplements and should not be added to food products. There are currently no FDA-approved medications containing 7-OH, underscoring the compound’s status as potentially hazardous.
In light of these fatalities, health officials have urged residents to exercise caution when considering the use of kratom or 7-OH products. They have provided several safety tips to minimize the risk of overdose. Recommendations include never using drugs alone, avoiding the mixing of substances, and carrying naloxone, an emergency medication used to counteract opioid overdoses.
As awareness of the dangers surrounding synthetic kratom compounds grows, public health advocates continue to stress the importance of regulation and education around these substances. The emergence of 7-OH as a potent psychoactive agent highlights a critical public health issue in Los Angeles County and beyond.