Kratom and 7-OH

Article
Written By Kathy Reed

Photo credit: VCU Health

Kratom

A product derived from a tropical tree in Southeast Asia. It is often marketed as a mood enhancer or pain reliever.

7-OH

A compound of kratom that is artificially altered to be more potent. 7-OH is 13x more potent than morphine. Products labeled as kratom and 7-OH come in many forms, such as powders, pills, drinks, or extracts. These products are often sold in gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops, and online.

Note: As of July 1st, 2026, products containing 7-OH are illegal to sell in Virginia.

Effects of 7-OH and Kratom

In lower doses, kratom products can produce stimulant-like effects (energy, alertness, anxiety). In higher doses, kratom can produce opioid or sedative-like effects (relaxation, drowsiness, and pain relief). It is possible to overdose from both kratom and 7-OH products.

Are Kratom or 7-OH addictive?

Both kratom and 7-OH can cause physical dependence, however, products containing increased amounts of 7-OH are more often linked to dependence because they are significantly stronger than kratom in its natural form.

Can you overdose from Kratom or 7-OH?

Yes, you can overdose from both kratom and 7-OH. Fatal overdoses from kratom use alone are rare, however, even non-fatal overdoses can have lasting health impacts. Most kratom overdose reports have also involved other drugs. Using kratom or 7-OH with other substances, especially respiratory depressants like opioids, sedatives, and alcohol, can substantially increase the risk of an overdose occurring.

Are Kratom and 7-OH safe?

Long-term research on the impacts of kratom and 7-OH is limited. As of 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom or 7-OH for any purpose. If you use 7-OH regularly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like intense muscle aches, insomnia, anxiety, and chills.

Does naloxone work on 7-OH?

Yes. Because 7-OH targets the body’s opioid receptors, naloxone is an effective tool in the event of an overdose. Symptoms of a kratom or 7-OH overdose are the same as an opioid overdose; look for shallow or no breathing, unconsciousness, pinpoint pupils, and discolored skin color (especially around the lips and fingertips).

Who can buy kratom?

You must be at least 21 years old to purchase kratom. As of July 1 , 2026, 7-OH products are illegal to sell in Virginia.

For more information, visit the below resources:

Kathy Reed
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