The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public health warning regarding the growing availability of products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and related compounds, citing concerns about their opioid-like effects and potential for serious health consequences.

According to DOH, these products are becoming increasingly common in gas stations, vape shops, convenience stores, and other retail locations throughout Florida. They are often marketed in colorful, consumer-friendly packaging and sold in forms such as gummies, drink mixers, powders, tablets, and concentrated liquid shots.

State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo warned that while many individuals use traditional kratom products without incident, concentrated 7-OH products present significantly greater risks.

“Floridians should know the risks associated with these 7-OH products,” said Dr. Ladapo. “While many Floridians use kratom safely, concentrated products like 7-OH are much more dangerous, act on the same receptors as opioids and have been associated with serious adverse health effects, including respiratory depression, seizures, and addiction.”

What Is 7-OH?

7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly referred to as 7-OH, is a compound derived from kratom that can produce opioid-like effects by acting on the same receptors in the brain targeted by opioid medications and illicit opioids.

Health officials warn that concentrated versions of the compound may be substantially more potent than traditional kratom products and can pose significant risks to users, particularly when consumed in large quantities or in combination with other substances.

Reported Health Risks

DOH noted that Poison Control Centers in Florida and across the country have reported increasing numbers of calls involving 7-OH products and related compounds.

Reported symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Decreased mental status
• Respiratory depression
• Seizures

In severe cases, use of these products may result in life-threatening respiratory failure.

Products Consumers Should Watch For

State health officials are encouraging consumers, parents, educators, health care professionals, and community leaders to familiarize themselves with these products and their associated risks.

Consumers should be cautious of products marketed under names such as 7-OH, 7-OHMZ, 7-Hydroxy, MGM-15, MGM-16, or similar names.

The Department also advises consumers to be aware of products that:

• Feature bright colors or candy-like branding
• Are marketed with sweet or fruit-flavored formulations
• Are sold as gummies, shots, powders, tablets, or drink mixers
• Are promoted as natural, safe, or risk-free alternatives

Anyone experiencing adverse effects after using a 7-OH product should seek immediate medical attention. Suspected poisonings or overdoses should be reported to the Florida Poison Control Centers at (800) 222-1222 or by calling 911 in an emergency.

According to DOH, Florida continues to monitor emerging public health threats and provide consumers with information intended to help individuals and families make informed decisions regarding potentially dangerous products.