MCHD shares warning about products containing 7-OH 07.29.25

July 29, 2025

MCHD shares warning about products containing 7-OH

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department is alerting healthcare providers and the community about a growing concern: 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent opioid that many clinicians may not yet recognize.

While 7-OH occurs naturally in trace amounts in kratom leaves, the real danger lies in its concentrated form. These highly potent 7-OH products are far more dangerous than traditional kratom and are increasingly being sold in everyday locations like vape shops, gas stations, and convenience stores. In Alabama, kratom and its alkaloids, including 7-hydroxy Mitragynine, are classified as Schedule I controlled substances, making possession, sale, or distribution illegal.

7-OH is showing up in products such as pills, gummies, candies, and even ice cream cones, often under alternative names like 7-OMMG, 7-Hydroxy, or 7-HMG. Some kratom products marketed as “spiked” or “enhanced” have been found to contain up to 500 percent more 7-OH than naturally occurs in the plant.

Reports of 7-OH-related poisonings are rising across the country, with increasing calls to poison control centers and documented adverse health events. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to several companies for the illegal distribution of these products.

Clinically, 7-OH presents serious challenges. It can cause addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and dangerous interactions with other substances — complicating patient care and treatment decisions.

Adding to the complexity, standard drug tests do not detect 7-OH. Identifying its use requires specialized testing protocols, making it even more difficult for healthcare providers to assess exposure.

Healthcare professionals are urged to stay informed, educate patients, and report any suspected cases or adverse reactions. The community is advised to avoid products containing 7-OH. Talk to your health care professional if you need help with opioid addiction, anxiety, mood disorders, pain, or other ailments.

Mobile County residents have access to the CredibleMind site, and there are many resources to assist individuals and families in regaining control and recovering from substance misuse. To learn more, please visit https://alabama.crediblemind.com/topics/opioid-use.