What is Kratom?

Kratom is the common name for the leaf of a tropical tree called Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom products are sold in many forms, including natural leaf, brewed teas, powders, capsules, gummies, and shots.

Natural kratom leaves and products with concentrated or synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are not the same. 7-OH is a potent opioid derived from the kratom plant. One of the alkaloids found in the kratom plant is metabolized to 7-OH in the human body after ingestion. Both kratom and 7-OH may lead to addiction, serious harm, overdose, and/or death.

While there are claims that kratom and 7-OH can help with pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal, these claims are not proven. Kratom and 7-OH sales have been deemed dangerous and illegal for consumption by the California Department of Public Health and several other leading health agencies.

Health Risks and Dangers

Kratom and its active compounds interact with the body in ways similar to certain opioids. This means kratom can produce opioid-like effects and carries similar risks, including the potential for addiction, withdrawal, overdose, and/or death.

Kratom and 7-OH can cause serious side effects, including:

• Withdrawal symptoms

• Trouble sleeping

• Anxiety

• Seizures

• Slow or stopped breathing, which can be fatal

Using kratom together with alcohol, opioids, or other drugs increases the risk of overdose and death.

Are Products Containing Kratom and 7-OH Legal to Sell?

No. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has declared that kratom and 7-OH products are dangerous and illegal to sell or manufacture for human consumption. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom or 7-OH as safe for use in foods, drugs, or dietary supplements. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has listed kratom as a drug and chemical of concern.

Kratom and 7-OH products are still commonly found in smoke shops, convenience stores, gas stations, and online. If you find kratom or 7-OH products being sold for consumption, call the California Department of Public Health Complaint Hotline at 1-800-495-3232 or submit an electronic report here.

Ways to Protect Yourself

• Avoid buying or consuming products with kratom or 7-OH. They may be sold as beverages, teas, powders, shots, capsules, or gummies. Examine the packaging and label so you do not accidentally buy or consume kratom or 7-OH.  Some products may not list kratom even when they contain related chemicals.

• Carry naloxone. Because kratom behaves similarly to opioids, severe intoxication may respond to naloxone, the same medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Free naloxone kits are available at Public Dispenser Locations throughout Ventura County.

• Know the signs of an overdose and how to respond. If someone is unresponsive, administer naloxone and call 911 immediately. Keep the person awake and breathing, lay them on their side to prevent choking, and stay with the person until 911 responders arrive.

Resources

To report illegal sales:

• Call the California Department of Public Health at 1-800-495-3232 or submit an electronic report here

For more kratom information:

• CDPH Warns Retailers and Public About the Dangers of Kratom-derived Products and 7-OH

• CDPH Health Advisory: Kratom and 7-OH May Lead to Addiction, Serious Harm, Overdose or Death

• CDPH Prohibition on the Sale of Kratom and 7-OH Products Letter to Licensed Tobacco Retailers 

• CDPH Prohibition on the Sale and Marketing of Kratom and 7-OH Products to PFRs and Licensees

• CDPH Advises Consumers to Avoid Using Kratom or 7-OH Products

• COAST Ventura County

  • Get the Facts About Kratom Patient Handout

  • Prescriber Information Handout

• Ventura County ACCESS Substance Use Treatment Services

  • ACCESS/Crisis Line: 1-866-998-2243

• Opioid Overdose Prevention Program

• DEA Kratom Fact Sheet

• FDA and Kratom

• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Kratom