The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a warning to consumers about the dangers and illegality of selling or manufacturing foods, dietary supplements, and medical drugs containing kratom or 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The department continues its efforts to remove these products from retail and manufacturing locations across the state.
According to CDPH, investigative work on kratom has been ongoing for several years. The agency stated that it is actively removing products or raw materials containing kratom or 7-OH from facilities that sell to consumers and from manufacturers. When such products are found during investigations, they are embargoed or destroyed.
“CDPH has been conducting investigative work associated with kratom for many years and continues to take action to remove products or raw materials containing kratom or 7-OH from retail facilities selling to consumers and from manufacturing locations. Once these products are identified during an investigation, they are embargoed or destroyed,” the department said in a statement.
The department advises the public not to buy or consume any product containing kratom or 7-OH. These substances may be marketed as candies, treats, or “healthy” items and can be found in forms such as beverages, shots, powders, tablets, capsules, and gummies. Consumers are urged to carefully check packaging and labels before purchasing.
CDPH also recommends carrying naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses—including those related to heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids, or 7-OH. Californians have access to CalRx over-the-counter naloxone HCL for $22.50 per twin pack.
“Carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, including overdose related to heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioid medications, or 7-OH. Californians can purchase CalRx over-the-counter naloxone HCL for $22.50 per twin pack directly,” CDPH advised.
If someone experiences adverse effects after consuming kratom or 7-OH products, CDPH urges them to contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or online at www.poisonhelp.org—or consult a healthcare provider.
The department also outlined steps for responding to suspected overdoses: “Know the signs of an overdose and how to respond. If someone is unresponsive, administer naloxone and call 911 immediately, keep the person awake and breathing, lay them on their side to prevent choking and stay with the person until 911 responders arrive.”
Individuals who find kratom or 7-OH products being sold for consumption should report it by calling the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232 or submitting an electronic report through the department’s website.
