Kratom, labeled “gas station heroin,” tied to multiple overdose deaths in Kentucky and beyond

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that he is seeking to classify kratom’s potent compound, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), as a Schedule I narcotic.

If reclassified, it would be illegal to sell, possess or distribute any form of 7-OH in the Commonwealth.

“We have marked three straight years of declines in overdose deaths in Kentucky, and that is progress we’re committed to building on as we work to protect more lives in the fight against addiction,” Beshear said. “Deadly and addictive drugs like 7-OH have no place in our communities, and this step will help us get these drugs off the streets and provide us more tools to keep Kentuckians safe.”

7-OH is a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant and is increasingly recognized for its abuse potential because it binds to opioid receptors.

“When kratom is altered to create synthetic opioids, it becomes a threat to the public’s health,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack. “It puts people at risk and undermines the strides Kentucky has made in reducing the scourge of addiction.”

Although 7-OH occurs naturally in kratom, it is present only in very small amounts. Over-the-counter products—shots, powders or capsules—can contain concentrated, potentially dangerous and addictive amounts of the substance.

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is updating regulations to classify isolated and concentrated forms of 7-OH as Schedule I substances, the same category as heroin, LSD and fentanyl analogs.

Once the rule is final, law enforcement and regulatory agencies will be able to immediately begin removing kratom products from retail shelves across the state.

This article was adapted from an original report published on whas11.com. All rights belong to the original publisher.