Los Angeles County Launches Formal Response After Seven Kratom and 7-OH Deaths in One Year

Why it matters

LA County's unanimous board action signals an accelerating shift toward local and county-level kratom regulation even as federal scheduling moves slowly — and its 30-day report could serve as a model for other large jurisdictions.

The big picture

Since the FDA issued warnings about 7-OH products in July 2025, enforcement has been fragmented. California has seen multiple cities and counties adopt local ordinances, while a state-level bill (AB 1088) remains in progress. LA County's action adds the nation's most populous county to a growing list of jurisdictions moving ahead of federal regulators.

Key findings

• The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion on February 3, 2026, directing experts to develop recommendations to prevent kratom and 7-OH deaths
• LA County has recorded seven fatal overdoses associated with kratom and 7-OH since January 2025
• In October 2025, the LA County Department of Public Health sent warning letters to retailers to stop selling 7-OH products and began enforcement actions
• Several California cities and counties — including San Diego, Oceanside, Newport Beach, and Orange, San Diego, and Riverside counties — have already enacted local ordinances banning or restricting kratom products
• The county's 30-day report will explore ordinance options, funding needs, and public outreach strategies

What they say

"Seven people in L.A. County died this past year because they took a substance that is being sold openly and marketed as safe," said Supervisor Janice Hahn. "I want to explore all of our options to better regulate this substance and save lives."

Bottom line

Los Angeles County's unanimous action following seven deaths in one year marks one of the most significant local government responses to the kratom and 7-OH crisis, likely setting a precedent for other large jurisdictions.