Deadly 7-Hydroxymitragynine: Los Angeles Warns of Synthetic Kratom Sold at Gas Stations

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an urgent warning about 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a synthetic kratom compound sold in gas stations and online, after three otherwise healthy adults died from overdoses. Officials say the cases highlight a growing and largely hidden threat from unregulated products marketed as natural remedies.

Story Highlights

• Three overdose deaths in Los Angeles County tied to 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

• Victims aged 18 to 40, all had consumed alcohol but no other substances were detected.

• 7-OH products widely sold in gas stations and online as gummies, drinks and tablets.

• Marketed for anxiety, pain and opioid withdrawal but not approved by the FDA.

• Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse a 7-OH overdose if used promptly.

The Los Angeles deaths are the first linked to 7-Hydroxymitragynine in the county, according to Dr. Gary Tsai, director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control at the Department of Public Health.

“That’s really what represents the significant risk we are concerned about,” Dr. Tsai said.
“Particularly people combining it with alcohol and not knowing that it could be potentially life-threatening.”

Officials noted that while kratom itself is a plant-based substance, 7-Hydroxymitragynine is a potent synthetic version that acts differently in the body. It has become easy to buy in convenience stores and online marketplaces in the form of gummies, flavored drinks, and tablets, often packaged as wellness products.

Federal Concerns Over 7-Hydroxymitragynine

At a press conference in Washington, D.C., Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary displayed an example of a 7-OH product and reiterated that the FDA has not approved 7-Hydroxymitragynine for any medical use. He warned that the compound “poses a serious risk to public health” and said the agency has begun steps to limit access to these products nationwide.

Despite such warnings, 7-Hydroxymitragynine is still being promoted for conditions ranging from anxiety relief and pain management to opioid withdrawal support, even though no scientific evidence or regulatory clearance supports those claims.

What Health Officials Advise

The Department of Public Health urged residents to avoid using 7-Hydroxymitragynine products entirely. For those who do choose to use them, officials advised never using the drug alone, avoiding alcohol or other substances at the same time, and ensuring that Naloxone (Narcan) is readily available, as it can reverse an overdose if administered quickly.

Dr. Tsai also emphasized the age group at risk: while he declined to give further personal details, he confirmed one victim was “a young, relatively healthy person,” showing the drug’s potential to harm even those without underlying conditions.

A similar death tied to 7-Hydroxymitragynine has been reported in Washington state, suggesting the danger is not limited to California. Public health experts warn that as the compound’s availability spreads, so too could overdoses.

A Growing Public Health Threat

The warning from Los Angeles underscores a broader trend of synthetic or altered plant-based products entering the market without oversight. Health officials say that until more regulations or restrictions are in place, consumers face serious risks from substances they may believe are safe or natural.

“People may think because it’s sold openly it must be safe,” Dr. Tsai said.
“But in this case, it’s not — and it can be deadly.”