Trend Alert: 7 OH Kratom and 7 OH Vape
There has been a recent surge in the usage of 7-OH vape pens containing the kratom extract that mimics the effects of opioids. 7-OH kratom products are the latest trend in substance use. 7-OH is a concentrated byproduct of kratom that has opioid-like effects and can be purchased legally and oftentimes without restrictions.
Now, the FDA and DEA are recommending the scheduling of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products under the Controlled Substances Act. The FDA is specifically targeting the 7-OH formulation because it is increasingly becoming recognized for having a potential for abuse due to its ability to bind to opioid receptors in the brain.
New evidence finds that the 7-OH concentrate can lead to drug dependence, withdrawal symptoms and addiction.
What is Kratom and 7-OH?
Kratom is an herb derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa trees, native to Southeast Asia. In the US, kratom leaves are commonly sold as pills, powders, gummies, teas and dried crushed leaves. Interest in this substance has become quite popular over the past decade, with estimates of 16 billion or more users and more than $2 billion in retail sales of kratom products.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 0.6% of people age 12 and older had used kratom in 2021. However, the Global Kratom Coalition estimates a much higher usage of 9%.
Kratom produces two very well-known compounds: mitragynine and 7-OH. Both are psychoactive compounds and partial agonists at the opioid receptors in the brain.
7-OH
The 7-OH compound is formed with mitragynine is metabolized in the liver by enzymes. The conversion specifically enhances the potency and effectiveness of 7-OH as a pain reliever. The compound interacts with the opioid receptors and produces similar effects at high doses. This makes 7-Oh one of the most powerful naturally occurring opioid like compounds.
It occurs naturally in trace amounts in the kratom plant. It produces potent analgesic effects, enhances mood and has sedative properties. Many users report significant pain relief, relaxation and euphoric sensations similar to those of opioid use.
The compound is so potent that it is stronger than morphine and has a higher risk of abuse than traditional forms of kratom. Users of 7-OH are more prone to rapid tolerance, dependence and severe drug withdrawal.
Common desired effects of 7-OH include pain relief, mood elevation, relaxation, sedation, temporarily reduced anxiety and euphoria. Users report the effects of the compound can last anywhere from 3-6 hours, with some lingering effects lasting 8 hours.
The onset of effects will begin 15-45 minutes after initial drug intake if the drug is in liquid form. For tablet and solid forms, effects take about 1-2 hours. The effects from a 7-OH vape are felt immediately. And the effects of 7-OH on an empty stomach can be felt within 14-20 minutes after ingestion.
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FDA pushes for Federal Regulation of 7-OH Vape and other Kratom compounds
Currently, there are no federal regulations for kratom products and kratom compounds such as 7-OH. The recent trend in the usage and availability of products that contain 7-OH has many experts worried about the effects of the drug. The ease of availability, along with the drug’s potential for dependence can be the next stage in the opioid crisis, say many drug experts.
Kratom products and 7-OH products can easily be found in vape shops, gas stations, corner shops and online. They are often marketed as wellness products in drink mixes, shots, fruit gummies and candy and in powder and tablet forms. Consumers can easily purchase products with high concentration levels of 7-OH.
There are no FDA-approved drugs that contain 7-OH. It is not a lawful ingredient in dietary supplements and cannot be lawfully added to conventional foods. In fact, no product containing 7-OH has been found safe and effective in treating ailments such as anxiety, mood disorders and pain.
FDA commissioner Marty Makray, MD, MPH, says 7-OH is an opioid that can be even more potent than morphine. Regulation and public education are necessary to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic, says the commissioner.
In June, the FDA issued warning letters to several companies for illegally distributing products containing 7-OH that included tablets, gummies and drink mixes. In July, FDA officials found an influx of products containing 7-OH and are concerned about its appeal to young children and teens.
The American Kratom Association recently issued a consumer alert warning on synthetically concentrated 7-OH products that were being deceptively labeled and marketed as kratom. 7-Oh is a more potent compound of kratom and can result in serious harm.
The push for further regulation on the substance comes when the FDA has received more and more reports of harmful effects associated with 7-OH products, which include anxiety, depression, GI distress, insomnia, seizures, withdrawal symptoms, body aches, fatigue and addiction.
Risks and Dangers of using 7-OH Vape and other 7-OH kratom products
- Super high potency – 7-OH is 13 times more potent than morphine. At concentrated levels, it is 30-40 times more potent at opioid receptors, producing a rapid onset of euphoria, respiratory depression and opioid like withdrawal.
- Produces similar effects to opioids when taken at high doses – The compound acts as a partial agonist at the opioid receptor site.
- Has the potential for abuse and can lead to self-administration of the drugs, which can lead to addiction.
- Rapid tolerance and physical dependence on the drug can develop quickly, leading to withdrawal symptoms.
- Health risks – respiratory depression, liver toxicity, seizures, cardiovascular issues and development of substance use disorder.
- There is no clear guideline – With no dosage guideline or quality control or labeled health warnings, consumers are in the dark about the product they are ingesting, making health risks more dangerous and unpredictable.
- No regulations – Because the compound is not regulated, products on the market aren’t always labeled accurately, being disguised as natural, or wellness products that contain dangerous semi-synthetic compounds.
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Treatment for Addiction to Kratom
At low doses, kratom can mimic stimulant effects on the brain and boost energy and sociability. At higher doses, kratom and 7-OH compounds can mimic the effects of opioids such as pain relief and euphoria. The 7-OH compound binds with opioid receptors in the brain but not throughout certain parts of the body. In a 2024 survey of kratom users, the study found that it resulted in feeling a boost of energy and it was used as self-medication for depression, anxiety and pain relief.
Due to the increase in popularity of 7-OH kratom, federal agencies are now requesting to classify it as a Schedule I substance. This would put 7-OH in the same category as heroin and LSD, a drug with high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Due to its potency, addiction to 7-OH kratom can be dangerous. Behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide support for those who may be dependent on kratom and its compounds like 7-OH.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We offer evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals of sobriety and overcoming their addiction.
References:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2838093
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/products-containing-7-oh-can-cause-serious-harm
https://www.verywellhealth.com/7-oh-kratom-byproducts-11788990
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/legal-morphine-rise-kratom-and-7-oh-us-2025a1000cco?form=fpf
https://www.addictioncenter.com/news/2025/07/fda-restrict-7-oh
https://refinerecovery.com/7oh/