Warnings About a New Vape Shop Hazard, 7-OH

A new danger has emerged in vape shops and at gas stations and corner stores. Health officials warn that a concentrated kratom byproduct called 7-OH is being produced and marketed in ways that appeal to kids, and can be bought easily, even though it is believed to have effects and impacts similar to those of opioids. The 7-OH products are available to consumers in a range of forms and packages such as candy, fruit-flavored gummies, ice cream cones, drink mixes and shots, and tablets. Officials worry these products may represent the next stage of the opioid crisis. The FDA has  taken steps to get 7-OH restricted. If you or your child was harmed by 7-OH, you should call the seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group. Billions have been recovered in product liability lawsuits around the country with which we’ve been involved.

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On July 29, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) let consumers know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to try to stop the availability of 7-OH. There’s been a recommendation to restrict some of the products that contain 7-OH under the Controlled Substances Act, for instance. Further, the FDA has provided consumers with educational materials, health care providers with a letter, and a scientific assessment that indicates people can develop opioid addiction when they use 7-OH products repeatedly or over a long time. The FDA has also sent warning letters to various businesses for illegal marketing of products containing the addictive substance.

7-OH, which appeared in products starting around 2023, is also referred to as 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-hydroxy, 7-OHMG, 7-HMG, and 7. It is one of two psychoactive components that occurs naturally in kratom, which is a plant whose leaves were sold for medicinal and recreational purposes throughout the 2000s. There are only small quantities of 7-OH in kratom, but the products that are sold in cape shops have significant quantities of 7-OH; it’s believed that synthetic steps are taken to change another psychoactive component of kratom, one that exists in greater quantities, into 7-OH.

Those who use 7-OH experience euphoria and sedation, according to one psychiatrist, and others have observed people in chronic pain taking 7-OH, but surveillance and reporting related to 7-OH has only just gotten underway. There have been no clinical studies of 7-OH specifically, though animal studies have found that there are risks for physical dependence, respiratory depression and withdrawal. The Drug Enforcement Administration Toxicology Testing Program has noted a rise in fatal overdoses involving 7-OH and related substances in the same period that 7-OH products have been sold.

Symptoms observed include nausea, vomiting, agitation, confusion, sweating, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness and seizures. There have been concerns about the addictive potential of 7-OH, particularly since members of the public, including teens and children, have the unrestricted ability to buy 7-OH cheaply in the store.

The DEA is reviewing the FDA’s scheduling recommendation for 7-OH. This recommendation, if it goes into effect, would limit access.

If your child was injured as a result of 7-OH, call the seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group to determine whether you have a basis to sue for damages.  When our firm is able to establish a manufacturer’s liability for injuries or wrongful death, we may be able to recover economic and noneconomic damages, which vary by state law. We are dedicated to fighting for injured consumers around the country. Complete our online form or call us at 312.462.1700.