San Diego, California – An investigation has uncovered that kratom and its synthetic counterpart, 7-OH, are widely available for sale in East County cities, despite a statewide ban on their sale and manufacture. This prohibition was enacted by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) due to serious concerns about addiction, health risks, and potential fatalities associated with these substances.
Kratom, derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, is known for its opioid-like effects. Synthetic versions are reported to be even more hazardous. Recently, the CDPH issued a consumer advisory urging the public to avoid kratom products following a disturbing report from Los Angeles County. This report linked six fatalities to 7-OH over the span of six months, raising alarms among health officials.
San Diego County’s Medical Examiner has recorded 17 deaths since 2023 involving mitragynine, the primary alkaloid in kratom. However, most of these cases involved multiple substances. A review of overdose data from 2016 and 2017 found that kratom was the primary cause in many fatalities, with over 150 deaths across the country connected to its use.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearly states that kratom is not approved for sale as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive. In December, the agency escalated its efforts, seizing products containing 7-OH from retail outlets. Meanwhile, the CDPH has started to remove these banned items from store shelves. In addition, the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board issued warning letters to businesses, cautioning that failure to comply could jeopardize their operating licenses.
Despite these efforts, numerous local retailers continue to sell kratom and its synthetic variants. Shops like Cloud Chasers Smoke and Vape in La Mesa prominently advertise kratom products, while others like the Smoke Shop on Lake Murray Boulevard and the United Smoke and Vape Shop in El Cajon maintain similar displays, showcasing various kratom items online.
In Lemon Grove, the social media presence of a smoke shop highlights hydroxymitragynine, presenting it as part of a “party blend.” Tree of Life Botanicals in La Mesa promotes a range of kratom products, despite the ongoing legal restrictions. Notably, Bumblebee Botanicals in Santee falsely claims that kratom is legal in the area, ignoring California’s overarching regulations.
While a thorough search failed to uncover kratom sales in several unincorporated communities, it’s likely that additional retailers are violating the law throughout the region. Enforcement has been inconsistent, particularly in San Diego, where businesses have continued to offer kratom products despite a citywide ban enacted in 2016.
Interestingly, some proponents of kratom have voiced support for stricter regulations on synthetic versions, contending that these products tarnish the reputation of legitimate kratom. “I’ve been using kratom for 15 years. It’s not dangerous. It’s functional,” said Ted Turczyn, co-owner of Spectrum Kratom. While some advocates argue kratom can help with chronic pain and opioid withdrawal, addiction specialists often refute these claims.
Sherif Halawani, a rehab outreach worker, expressed his concerns about 7-OH, emphasizing that its high potency can lead to rapid tolerance and severe withdrawal symptoms. The lack of regulation increases the risks associated with both synthetic and natural kratom products, all of which remain illegal in California.
East County Magazine’s inquiry into local retailers resulted in multiple violations. When the La Mesa Police Department was approached for comment, they did not respond prior to publication. One local resident shared her frustration over her brother’s struggle with kratom addiction and the sustained visibility of shops selling these products. “It took all of his money,” she said, supporting the ongoing ban as a necessary measure to protect the community.