INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The FDA is calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration to classify 7-OH, 7-hydroxymitragynine, as a Schedule I controlled substance with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
What is 7-OH, 7-hydroxymitragynine?
It is a naturally occurring substance found in the kratom plant, a tropical evergreen tree, with opioid-like properties. Products sold under the name 7-OH contain a synthetic concentrated version of the compound. Reports state it binds to mu-opioid receptors in our body and is stronger than morphine. It is commonly sold in convenience stores, gas stations and online in the form of tablets, gummies and drink mixes. There are also widely available supplements containing trace amounts of natural kratom whose creators have been calling for the ban of the synthetic compound…