The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health urged stores to stop selling kratom after officials linked several overdoses to the compound.
Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.
Starting next week, health officials will conduct inspections at tobacco shops and other retailers. If they find kratom or 7-OH products, the items will be red-tagged and must be removed from sale…