Florida Department of Health Warns Public About 7-OH Opioid-Like Products Sold in Stores

Why it matters

State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo issued the warning to help parents, educators, and clinicians recognize 7-OH products increasingly sold in gas stations, vape shops, and convenience stores — often marketed with candy-like packaging that can mislead consumers.

The big picture

Florida joins a growing wave of state health agencies raising alarms specifically about 7-OH and its derivatives, distinct from natural kratom leaf. The FDA has previously recommended scheduling certain 7-OH products under the Controlled Substances Act. Poison control centers nationwide have reported rising calls involving these substances. The advisory draws a key distinction: while many Floridians use kratom without incident, the concentrated 7-OH formulations carry significantly higher addiction and overdose risks.

Key findings

• Florida poison control centers report increasing calls involving 7-OH products with symptoms including dizziness, hallucinations, respiratory depression, and seizures
• Products are commonly sold as gummies, shots, powders, and drink mixers with bright candy-like branding
• 7-OH acts on the same brain receptors as opioids, with potential for dependence and life-threatening respiratory failure
• Warning signs include product names like "7-OH," "7-Hydroxy," "MGM-15," "MGM-16," or similar designations
• Anyone experiencing adverse effects should contact Florida Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or call 911

What they say

State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo stated: "While many Floridians use kratom safely, concentrated products like 7-OH are much more dangerous, act on the same receptors as opioids and have been associated with serious adverse health effects, including respiratory depression, seizures, and addiction."

Bottom line

Florida's state health agency is drawing a clear line between natural kratom and concentrated 7-OH products — warning consumers, parents, and educators to watch for candy-like packaging that obscures serious opioid-like risks.