Feds Target Large 7-OH Vendor
/By Pat Anson
Federal agents have seized thousands of tablets, gummies, shots and packages containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) – with an estimated value of $1 million – from a Missouri company that sells 7-OH products nationwide.
It’s part of a growing effort by federal and state regulators to crackdown on sales of 7-OH, an alkaloid that occurs naturally in kratom. When concentrated, 7-OH has opioid-like effects that can relieve pain and boost energy levels. Health officials say 7-OH can be abused and is addictive, although they have offered little evidence to support those claims.
“This enforcement action is a strong step to protect Americans from the dangers of concentrated 7-OH products, which are potent opioids,” FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, said in a press release. “We must be proactive and vigilant to address emerging threats to our communities and our kids.”
The FDA worked with the Missouri Department of Health in targeting Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman, a company that was the subject of a recent investigative series by the Kansas City Star. American Shaman sells its kratom, CBD and hemp-based Delta-8 products online and in hundreds of smoke shops, gas stations and retail stores around the country.
Missouri’s Health Department released a health advisory in October claiming 7-OH was 13 times more potent than morphine, and could cause poisoning and overdose. The advisory noted the Missouri Poison Center was aware of three cases involving 7-OH, including one person who was “evaluated in a health care facility.”
The FDA’s Adverse Events Reporting System lists 52 “serious cases” associated with 7-OH so far this year, including 6 deaths. Most of the adverse effects were for dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
Warning Letters
The FDA sent a warning letter to Shaman Botanicals, a subsidiary of American Shaman, last summer accusing it of illegally selling 7-OH in adulterated dietary supplements. Warning letters were also sent to six other companies selling 7-OH products. In response, some removed the 7-OH products from their websites, while others kept right on selling them.
American Shaman currently still offers 7-OH tablets on its website, saying the tablets provide “relief, relaxation, and focus.” Asked if the tablets are safe, a chat bot gave us this answer:
“Great question! Our Advanced Alkoloids tablets feature precise, lab-tested 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) or mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, depending on the variety. Many customers appreciate their reliable effects and controlled dosing compared to traditional kratom products.
As with any supplement, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting – especially if you have health concerns or take other medications.”
A disclaimer on the website also warns consumers not to use the tablets if they are taking pain relievers, opioids or other medications, and not to take them daily or for prolonged periods.
cbd AMERICAN SHAMAN
The FDA has recommended to the DEA that it classify 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance, which would make it illegal to sell or possess. The FDA says it is not focused on banning natural kratom leaf products, although some state and local governments have already banned kratom sales.
The DEA has yet to act on the FDA’s request, a process that could take several months once a proposed scheduling is posted in the Federal Register. Kratom and 7-OH are not even mentioned in the DEA’s 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment, an annual report on the production and distribution of illicit drugs in the United States.
