"California will not stand by while dangerous, illegal products are sold in our communities. Kratom is originally from Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries to treat pain and other health problems. The product is naturally derived from a plant related to coffee and contains dozens of active chemicals, including at least one opioid."
"Public health officials have warned about the dangers of kratom and especially a closely related product called 7-OH that has exploded in popularity in the past two years. 7-OH products are much stronger than traditional kratom - the molecule is considered more than 10 times stronger than morphine - and experts have warned they have a higher risk of addiction and fatal overdose."
"California parents have demanded a crackdown because kratom and 7-OH products have historically been sold at convenience stores, where they are sold to minors, with some teens becoming addicted to the painkillers and eventually overdosing. Newsom's news release said that 242 deaths between 2020 and 2022 have been linked to kratom, with 27 blamed solely on kratom products."
California has launched a major crackdown on kratom and 7-OH products, which have been openly sold for years. Governor Newsom's administration seized over 3,300 products worth $5 million in three weeks, citing addiction, overdose, and death risks. Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian plant related to coffee, contains opioid compounds and has become popular for pain treatment. 7-OH, a stronger variant, is considered more than ten times stronger than morphine with higher overdose risks. The crackdown responds to parent demands, as these products were sold at convenience stores to minors. Between 2020 and 2022, 242 deaths were linked to kratom, with 27 attributed solely to kratom products.
Read at SFGATE
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