Today is June 23, 2026, and the air here in Jennings feels a bit heavier with the weight of recent news. Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, has taken significant steps to tackle the rising dangers associated with concentrated forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). This isn’t just a small tweak in the law; it’s an emergency rule that aims to combat a serious public health issue that’s been creeping up on us.
Uthmeier’s recent emergency ruling, which took effect immediately, expands Schedule I to include new 7-OH-related compounds. This means that products containing these chemicals are now treated similarly to heroin and LSD. Uthmeier made it clear that these concentrated products pose an imminent hazard to public safety, especially for children and teenagers. The rule caps the concentration of these chemicals at no more than 1 milligram per gram for solids or pills and per milliliter for liquids. Furthermore, any product containing 7-OH must also include at least 100 times more regular mitragynine by mass.
Ongoing Threats and Actions
It’s worth noting that Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson reported the removal of over 23,000 illegal 7-OH packages from retailers since an earlier emergency rule was enacted. Inspections and targeted sweeps are ongoing, showing a strong commitment from state officials to address this issue head-on. Health officials have sounded the alarm, warning that concentrated 7-OH products act on opioid receptors, linking them to addiction, overdose, and even seizures. Since 2013, at least 587 overdose deaths in Florida have been connected to these chemicals, which is a staggering number.
The dangers are not just theoretical. Poison control centers have reported hundreds of recent cases, with over 25% of them requiring intensive care. And this isn’t a problem limited to a particular demographic—people of all ages have been affected. The rule covers a range of related chemicals like mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and 9-hydroxycorynantheidine, all of which, while naturally occurring in kratom in trace amounts, are being sold in concentrated forms under various brand names. Some suppliers have even resorted to mislabeling tactics to evade detection, a move that further complicates the issue.
Notably, Florida is treating these substances with the seriousness they deserve. Violations of the new rule could lead to severe penalties, including up to 30 years in prison. Representative Dean Black emphasized that public safety should guide the response to these products—a sentiment echoed by hospital and poison-control physicians who have praised the state’s actions.
The Kratom Landscape
For those who may not be familiar, 7-OH is a component of kratom, a popular herbal supplement often consumed as tea or in mixed drinks. While regular kratom tea remains legal in Florida, concentrated forms are being scrutinized due to their potency and associated risks. Some local businesses, like SODO Kava in Seminole County, have made it clear they only sell natural kratom strains and do not offer any 7-OH extracts. The owners emphasize that their focus is on creating a relaxed, alcohol-free space that fosters connection—something we could all use a bit more of these days.
Toxicologist Dr. Josef Thundiyil has reported that nearly 40 deaths in Florida have been linked to kratom use, reinforcing the need for ongoing research. The concentrated forms can act on the brain similarly to opioids, raising alarms about their potential for addiction and overdose. Some smoke shop owners in Central Florida have even pulled 7-OH off their shelves after noticing troubling changes in their customers. This kind of proactive approach is crucial as we navigate the murky waters of these substances.
Moving forward, the state’s commitment to regulating these products is clear, and the hope is that continued enforcement will better protect children and families from the dangers posed by 7-OH and its related compounds. For more detailed information, check out the full report on News4Jax here.