Kratom and its potent synthetic 7‑OH form produce opioid-like effects, carry severe risks including addiction, liver toxicity, seizures, psychosis, and difficult opioid-like withdrawal.
Kratom was linked to 6 L.A. deaths and banned in the county. But the supplement's actual health risks remain a mystery
Los Angeles County linked six deaths to kratom and 7-OH, prompting officials to remove kratom products, amid seller concerns, calls for regulation, and contamination risks.
What to know about synthetic kratom, the supplement being banned in SoCal and across the U.S.
Communities and health officials are banning or restricting kratom products, especially concentrated hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), due to opioid-like abuse potential and lack of FDA approval.