Health authorities are taking action against a substance known as “gas station heroin.” The FDA is recommending that 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7-OH) — a derivative of the plant kratom — be classified as a Schedule I drug.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary stressed the importance of addressing a potential new wave of addiction before it spreads across the nation. Makary likened the distribution of 7-OH to the early days of opioid prescriptions, when the addictive nature of painkillers was not fully understood.
“Vape stores are popping up in every neighborhood in America, and many are selling addictive products like concentrated 7-OH. After the last wave of the opioid epidemic, we cannot get caught flat-footed again,” Makary said in an FDA statement. “7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine. We need regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic.”
During a news conference, Makary highlighted the delay in addressing dangerous substances by the public health community, citing a “disconnect between the ivory towers and the streets.” He questioned whether experts had visited vape stores, emphasizing the impact on medical practices.
According to the FDA, 7-OH is gaining recognition for its potential for abuse due to its ability to bind to opioid receptors. The substance is easily accessible and may appeal to children and teenagers as it is marketed in fruit-flavored gummies and even ice cream cones. The FDA also cautioned that 7-OH products may not be accurately labeled and are sometimes disguised as kratom.
FOX News Senior Medical Analyst Dr. Marc Siegel supported the FDA’s decision, noting the relationship between 7-OH and opioid receptors. He emphasized the need for strict regulation, stating that it should be classified as a controlled substance.
HHS Secretary Kennedy shared his personal struggle with heroin addiction, underscoring the ease of access to the drug. He also mentioned President Trump’s family history with addiction, highlighting the impact of substance abuse on individuals and families.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin expressed support for the FDA’s recommendation based on his family’s experience with addiction. He commended Kennedy for taking action against the harmful effects of the drug.
The CDC reported a decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2024, signaling progress in combating the opioid epidemic. The FDA emphasized that kratom, the plant from which 7-OH is derived, is often used for self-treatment but has not been approved for any prescription or over-the-counter drug products.
FOX News’ Serafin Gómez contributed to this report.
