You might have seen kratom products in a gas station, vitamin shop, or a “CBD Kratom” store. Kratom is a plant originally from Southeast Asia that has gained attention for its alleged ability to increase energy, relieve pain, and help with mental health, though it has not been approved for any medical use. Of even greater concern is a version called kratom 7-OH that’s much more serious and potentially dangerous. Let’s break down what it is, why it’s different from “normal” kratom, and why it’s important to be aware of it.
Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia. While some people use regular kratom for energy or pain relief, kratom 7-OH is a different story.
7-OH (also called “7-Hydro” or “legal morphine”) is a very strong chemical found in the kratom plant. It’s naturally present in tiny, tiny amounts.
While 7-OH is found in the kratom plant, most 7-OH products you see are made in a lab:
These products can have bright, eye-catching packaging and kid-friendly flavors like pineapple, strawberry, and lemon, which can be especially appealing to younger people.3
People who have become addicted to 7OH report that sellers will encourage them to try it saying that it is more powerful than the kratom they were using without explaining the risks. Free samples are also commonly offered.
Because 7-OH acts like an opioid, and is even stronger than morphine, it can come with serious dangers.
High Risk of Addiction: Experts warn that 7-OH can be just as addictive as opioids. It can make people feel dependent, meaning they can’t stop using it without going through difficult withdrawal symptoms.
Opioid-Like Effects: It can cause feelings of pleasure and quickly relieve pain, which is why some call it “legal morphine.” However, it can also lead to dangerous side effects like slowed breathing and overdose.4
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms: When people stop using 7-OH products, they get sick with withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by opioids.5 Some people have shared stories about becoming strongly addicted to 7-OH tablets. They describe painful withdrawals similar to those from heroin and fentanyl.
This is especially worrisome because kratom has been reported by some to be an effective treatment for painful opioid withdrawal symptoms. So, if someone frequently uses a 7-OH product, thinking that it could help ease this pain, they could potentially develop a similar dependence – and struggle with the same withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. Some individuals even need medication and treatment, similar to what’s used for opioid use disorder (i.e., buprenorphine), to quit using kratom 7-OH.6
Harm to Babies: Sadly, there have been cases where babies born to individuals who used kratom showed withdrawal symptoms like shaking, irritability, and stiff muscles.7
Governments and health organizations are taking notice of the dangers of 7-OH. Some strategies include:
State bans: Kratom is already illegal in some states, and others are making it harder to buy by raising the age limit and improving product labeling.8
FDA warnings: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strongly advised against using 7-OH products. In July 2025, they formally recommended that all 7-OH products be restricted (and potentially banned) due to their “potential for abuse,” issuing a letter to healthcare providers and sending formal warnings to 7-OH distributors.9 They have additionally warned about products sold as “black liquid” kratom, which have caused deaths and serious health problems.
Crackdown on falsely labeled products: In early 2025, the American Kratom Association warned people about “deceptively labeled” 7-OH products, which they say are falsely marketed as kratom. The Association states that real kratom products should only have small amounts of 7-OH (less than 2% of all the plant chemicals). But some pills found in Texas and Colorado, labeled as “kratom extract,” contained over 40% of this chemical.10 This makes it confusing and dangerous for consumers.
Read labels carefully: Look for ingredients like “7-hydroxymitragynine,” “7-OH,” or “7-hydro.” If you see these, it’s best to avoid the product.
Choose reliable sources: If you or someone you know uses kratom, try to get it from trusted places and always check the ingredients.
Don’t mix substances: Avoid mixing kratom with other alcohol or other drugs.
Consider safe alternatives: If you or someone you know is dealing with chronic pain or opioid withdrawal, there are safe and approved medical treatments available. Talk to a doctor about these options or learn more about alternative pain management here.
Carry naloxone (Narcan): Because 7-OH acts like an opioid, and is so powerful, naloxone can help reverse an overdose.
If your loved one is experiencing chronic pain, opioid withdrawal, or other symptoms that can potentially be alleviated with kratom, remember that there are many safe, approved treatment methods that can be used, such as medications to treat opioid use disorder.
If you’re concerned about your loved one and need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Click here to connect with one of our trained helpline specialists.