Attorney General and Law Enforcement Officials Detail Success of Emergency Rule Targeting Highly Potent Kratom-Derived Compound
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a major milestone in Florida’s fight against dangerous substances, revealing that nearly 18,000 products containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) have been seized and removed from store shelves across the state.
The announcement came on Thursday during a press conference in Jacksonville, held one month after the Attorney General filed an emergency rule to classify the compound as a Schedule I controlled substance.
The emergency ruling, which took effect on August 13, 2025, has enabled a coordinated effort by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local law enforcement to target products containing isolated or concentrated 7-OH. According to officials, the seized items include a wide range of products, such as gummies, energy drinks, vapes, pills, and powders.
“Thanks to our emergency rule and the hard work of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, nearly 18,000 dangerous 7-OH products have been wiped off the shelves,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “We will continue to protect our kids from this poison that carries a high risk for abuse and death.”
7-OH is a chemical compound naturally present in the kratom plant, but in isolated or concentrated forms, it becomes significantly more potent. These products are often deceptively marketed as “natural” or “wellness” supplements, despite posing serious health risks, including addiction and potential for overdose.
Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson praised the crackdown, noting that Florida is “leading the nation” in addressing the threat posed by 7-OH. “Our new emergency rule also forces manufacturers and retailers to show exactly how much 7-OH is in their products. No more vague labels, no more hiding,” Simpson stated. “Working with Attorney General Uthmeier and Sheriff Waters, we’re making it clear: Florida will always protect our kids, families, and communities from dangerous drugs like 7-OH.”
“This dangerous substance has threatened the health and well-being of Jacksonville families, and it has no place on our streets,” Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said. “I commend our leaders for taking swift action to remove this poison from store shelves, demonstrating true leadership in protecting Floridians and keeping our communities safe.”
The 17,895 packages containing 7-OH products that have been seized since the rule’s implementation will be taken by authorities for proper incineration. The statewide effort is set to continue as officials remain committed to preventing the distribution and use of the highly potent substance.
READ: Florida Man’s Child Abuse Conviction Partially Overturned; Judge To Re-evaluate Life Sentence
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