7-OH Kratom Derivative Driving Life-Destroying Opioid Addiction, Available at Corner Stores

Why it matters

7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a synthetic opioid alkaloid sold openly in smoke shops and gas stations, is triggering severe opioid addiction in people who believe they are buying a harmless supplement. University of Michigan physicians report a rapidly growing caseload of patients requiring the same addiction medications used for heroin and fentanyl dependence.

The big picture

While kratom has long been debated as a harm-reduction tool, the emergence of high-potency synthetic 7-OH products—sold in colorful, candy-like packaging alongside natural kratom—has changed the risk calculus. 7-OH is lab-synthesized, 10 times more potent than kratom's primary compound mitragynine, and is not naturally present in kratom leaves in significant amounts. The federal government has proposed scheduling 7-OH as a controlled substance but has not finalized that rule, leaving a regulatory vacuum that manufacturers exploit.

Key findings

• A University of Michigan addiction physician reports seeing a rapidly growing number of patients—many previously in long-term recovery—now severely addicted to 7-OH products purchased at local stores
• Patients report spending up to $300 per day on 7-OH; withdrawal causes physical symptoms plus suicidal ideation similar to fentanyl withdrawal
• FDA-approved buprenorphine (Suboxone/Sublocade) successfully treats 7-OH and kratom addiction, but many patients lack access or insurance coverage
• Michigan researchers found that 7-OH products were involved in more U.S. poison center calls in the first six months of 2025 than all of 2024
• Kratom use is at an all-time high in the U.S., including among children, and 7-OH is frequently packaged to resemble energy drinks and candy, marketed to younger demographics
• Michigan lawmakers have introduced legislation to regulate kratom and 7-OH; a state House vote was anticipated

What they say

"This is a wolf in sheep's clothing," said Vita McCabe, M.D., director of U-M Addiction Treatment Services. "Many individuals do not understand the risks of taking kratom and 7-OH products since it is unregulated and is marketed as an energy supplement. What most people don't understand is that they may develop a kratom use disorder, which is a form of an opioid use disorder, that has the same symptoms, side effects, and treatment as all opioid use disorders. We don't sell oxycodone, heroin or fentanyl in gas stations for people to self-administer."

Bottom line

Synthetic 7-OH, sold legally at gas stations as a "kratom derivative," is causing severe opioid addiction indistinguishable from heroin dependence—and existing addiction medications can treat it, but most patients don't know to seek help.