The Rise of 'Gas Station Opioids': Kratom and 7-OH Pose New Public Health Concerns

Substances marketed under playful names like "Feel Free," "Smurphs," and "Hazy Tabz," often appearing in colorful, gummy forms, are becoming widely available at gas stations, corner stores, and smoke shops nationwide. These products, identified as kratom and a more potent derivative called 7-OH, are raising significant public health concerns due to their addictive potential, lack of regulation, and, in some cases, association with serious incidents.

Kratom, derived from the leaves of a Southeast Asian plant, produces a mild buzz at low doses and a euphoric high at higher doses. Its primary active chemical, mitragynine, interacts with the brain's opioid receptors, leading to effects similar to opioids, including the risk of addiction and overdose. Social media platforms feature numerous accounts of individuals struggling with dependence and withdrawal from kratom.

7-OH is a highly concentrated compound extracted from kratom, amplifying both its psychoactive effects and its dangers. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously warned that 7-OH products, often packaged as gummies and candy-flavored, appear to be marketed toward children. In response, federal agencies announced steps in August to effectively ban 7-OH nationwide.

Freelance journalist Mattha Busby, who has reported extensively on drug policy, described kratom and 7-OH as being "definitely in the zeitgeist." He highlighted the problematic nature of their widespread availability without adequate drug education, noting that "this drug has just popped up out of nowhere."

Busby also pointed to the business interests behind these substances, noting that industry lobbyists, some with ties to former Trump administration officials, have engaged in efforts to influence regulatory decisions. This has created a complex political landscape, particularly for movements advocating for "natural medicines and freedom."

There is a distinction between kratom and 7-OH. While 7-OH is found in small quantities within kratom, one individual, Vince Saunders, has developed methods to extract and concentrate 7-OH into potent pills and other formulations. These 7-OH products, sold in forms such as gummies, shots, and capsules under brand names like "7-OHeaven," are described as significantly stronger than kratom.

Concerns about addiction to both kratom and 7-OH have grown, with users reporting habituation and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if they cease use. The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an emergency scheduling process for 7-OH, with a potential ban expected by early next year, although kratom itself is not slated for a similar ban.

The differing regulatory approaches to kratom and 7-OH appear to stem from a recognition of kratom's potential utility for individuals recovering from opioid addiction, coupled with the fact that even large doses are less likely to be fatal compared to prescription opioids. Conversely, 7-OH is considered much more dangerous.

Political dynamics have also played a role. While historically drug policy has been associated with liberal stances, figures on the right, including some who have expressed concerns about the broader opioid crisis, are also engaging with the issue. Some proponents advocate for a more libertarian approach, emphasizing personal freedom and business-friendliness, which may influence the ongoing debate and regulatory outcomes for these substances.