HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — There’s a largely-unregulated drug sold in gas stations across Harrisburg, and across Pennsylvania, that is increasingly worrying health experts due to its opioid-like tendencies and potential for addiction.
It’s called 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, which is derived from kratom and can often be purchased in pill form from behind the convenience store counter.
In the past year, health experts at both the state and federal level have been sounding the alarm over 7-OH and related kratom products as data show more people are using and abusing the products.
What is kratom & 7-OH?
Kratom is an herbal product derived from Mitragyna speciosa, which is a tree native to Southeast Asia. While kratom is often marketed as a natural alternative for managing chronic pain and opioid withdrawal, there are no FDA approved uses of the substance…