A trio of Florida representatives introduced federal legislation on Thursday aimed at stripping a potent synthetic compound off store shelves, following warnings from law enforcement that the substance is a “dangerous” loophole in current drug laws.
Reps. Vern Buchanan, Gus Bilirakis, and Laurel Lee introduced the END 7-OH Act, which seeks to classify concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I substance. This classification would label it as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, effectively banning its sale across the United States.
The substance is a highly concentrated derivative often found in kratom-based products, though lawmakers and health officials distinguish these synthetic concentrates from traditional botanical kratom.
Currently, 7-OH is sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops with minimal regulation.
“We cannot allow unregulated substances with opioid-like effects, such as synthetic 7-OH, to be marketed and sold in ways that endanger our children,” Congressman Buchanan said in a statement. He noted that while Florida has attempted to address the issue locally, a “nationwide standard” is necessary to prevent manufacturers from exploiting legal gaps between states.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has previously issued warnings regarding the compound, stating that these products have not been proven safe and possess opioid-like qualities. Law enforcement officials testified during a House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on Thursday, arguing that the lack of federal oversight has led to inconsistent dosing and increased risks of overdose.
Congresswoman Laurel Lee highlighted that these products are often marketed toward younger populations. “Unregulated kratom products are being sold without basic safeguards, despite containing compounds that act like powerful opioids,” Lee said.
Local law enforcement leaders from the Gulf Coast region joined the representatives in backing the bill. Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco pointed to the “inherent risk of overdosing” due to the inconsistent strength of products currently on the market.
Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis added that a federal standard would allow police to act more decisively, replacing the current “patchwork” of state rules that he says complicates enforcement.
If passed, the END 7-OH Act would give federal agencies the authority to seize these products and prosecute distributors under the Controlled Substances Act.
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