The FDA is cracking down on a potent compound in kratom supplements that can be found across Richmond.
Why it matters: Products with 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH — which acts like an opioid and has been dubbed “legal morphine” by researchers — have surged in popularity.
The big picture: Last week, the FDA recommended more regulation of 7-OH products and warned consumers about their risks.
- The agency said it’s specifically targeting the concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant, adding that some forms, like “fruit-flavored gummies and ice cream cones,” have become especially appealing to children.
- Those products have also become readily available nationwide in gas stations, corner stores and vape shops, which the FDA noted have proliferated in recent years.
Zoom in: Virginia is one of a handful of states that have tried to restrict kratom.
- The state adopted regulations for the product in 2023, prohibiting its sale to anyone under 21 and requiring manufacturers to add a warning label.
Yes, but: For Virginians 21 and older, kratom remains readily available in the commonwealth and is often clearly advertised in neon in store windows…