Gas-station kratom 7-OH dubbed 'gas station heroin' sparks new opioid threat

Laboratory analysis of a gas-station kratom pill revealed a potent, unlisted dose of 7-OH, an opioid-like chemical marketed as kratom and sold in gummies, drinks and even ice cream. The FDA says 7-OH could be the next wave of the opioid epidemic; CDC data link kratom to rising hospitalizations and deaths, especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Because many products don’t disclose 7-OH on labels, consumers may not know what they’re taking. While some advocates push bans on 7-OH, others call for tighter labeling and professional guidance rather than outright prohibition.