Florida Bans “Highly Addictive” Synthetic Drug 7-OH Amid Public Safety Concerns: Kratom Injury Claims in Florida

Florida authorities have issued an emergency ban on a potent synthetic compound known as 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), a concentrated byproduct of kratom, following growing concerns about its addictive properties and potential health risks. The Florida Attorney General, citing an “immediate danger to public health, safety, and welfare,” announced the ban Wednesday, effective immediately.

7-OH is an alkaloid found in kratom, a plant often marketed as a natural supplement to improve mood or energy. While kratom leaves contain low levels of 7-OH, concentrated forms of the compound, sold in powders, gummies, or drinks, are highly potent and act on the same areas of the brain as opioids. Medical experts warn that 7-OH can be highly addictive and pose significant overdose risks.

Federal authorities have also highlighted the dangers of 7-OH. U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials have categorized the compound as a potential opioid, noting that it can produce effects similar to prescription opioids, despite being sold freely in retail stores.

Retailers across Florida are being urged to immediately remove all products containing 7-OH from shelves. The Department of Agriculture has been tasked with enforcing the ban, and officials warn that seized products may be confiscated from gas stations, vape shops, and other retail outlets.

Authorities also emphasized that the ban is intended to protect minors, as concentrated 7-OH products are attractive and easily accessible to children, despite state restrictions on kratom sales to individuals under 21.

Over the past several years, multiple wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against kratom distributors and manufacturers after individuals died due to contaminated or misbranded kratom products. Plaintiffs in these cases alleged:

• Failure to warn: The product did not include adequate safety warnings about overdose risk or interactions with other medications.
• Defective design or adulteration: The kratom was contaminated with harmful substances or improperly processed.
• Negligent marketing: Companies marketed kratom as “safe” despite known health risks.

Courts have recognized that, when a product directly contributes to a death or severe injury, the manufacturer or distributor can be held legally accountable, and families may recover damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and pain and suffering.

Retailers who sold 7-OH despite knowing, or reasonably being able to know, about its dangerous effects may face civil liability, especially in cases where consumers were harmed due to improper handling, packaging, or sale to underage buyers.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a 7-OH product, it is crucial to document injuries, medical treatment, and product information immediately. Retaining all purchase records, packaging, and receipts can strengthen any potential claims. Consulting a qualified Florida attorney experienced in product liability and personal injury law is essential to understand your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.