Short answer: 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) is a potent opioid compound found in trace amounts in kratom and sold in concentrated tablets, gummies, and shots in gas stations and vape shops. It binds opioid receptors more strongly than morphine in lab studies. In 2025 the FDA recommended scheduling it, and in 2026 the DEA moved to place it in Schedule I.
Key takeaways
- What it is: 7-OH is a concentrated kratom-derived opioid and not a federally controlled substance.
- Medical use: none accepted in the US.
- Timing: effects start in 15 to 30 minutes and last 3 to 6 hours.
- Most dangerous mix: Alcohol, which can cause stronger sedation and slowed breathing.
- Naloxone: it reverses an overdose.
- Dependence risk: High.
- Legal route: 7-OH is not federally scheduled as of October 2026, but state bans, FDA restrictions, and pending federal action can apply; check current status.
What is 7-OH?
Natural kratom leaf contains very little 7-OH. Concentrated products sold since about 2023 contain far higher amounts, often made by converting mitragynine, and act like strong opioids.
7-OH causes opioid effects: pain relief, euphoria, sedation, constricted pupils, nausea, itching, and constipation. Many users start with it to manage pain or opioid withdrawal, or after using kratom.
Quick facts
| Fact | 7-OH |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | 7-hydroxymitragynine |
| Source | Minor alkaloid in kratom leaf; also made semi-synthetically from mitragynine |
| Drug class | Mu-opioid receptor agonist |
| US legal status | DEA notice of intent to temporarily place it in Schedule I (July 2026); three related synthetic compounds Schedule I since August 2026 |
| Forms | Tablets, gummies, drink shots, chewables |
| Potency | Up to about 13 times morphine at the mu receptor in lab studies |
| Reversal agent | Naloxone |
How long does 7-OH last?
- Starts working: 15 to 30 minutes
- Effects last: 3 to 6 hours
Timing varies with the dose, the form, how it is taken, liver and kidney function, age, and other drugs taken at the same time.
What are the biggest risks of 7-OH?
Dependence: daily use quickly leads to opioid dependence and withdrawal, often more severe than with kratom leaf.
Overdose: slowed breathing is possible, especially at high doses or with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids.
Unregulated products: doses vary widely and labels are often inaccurate; candy-like products appeal to children.
Warning: 7-OH is an opioid. Keep naloxone at hand, never mix it with alcohol or sedatives, and store products away from children.
What should you never mix with 7-OH?
| Combined with | What happens | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Stronger sedation and slowed breathing | Avoid |
| Benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, sleep medicines | Profound sedation and breathing problems | Dangerous |
| Other opioids or kratom | Stacked opioid effects | Dangerous |
| Buprenorphine or naltrexone | Sudden withdrawal | Use only under medical care |
Check any combination with the DoseUses combination checker or ask a pharmacist.
What are the signs of a 7-OH overdose, and what should you do?
7-OH overdose looks like opioid overdose: extreme sleepiness, pinpoint pupils, and slow or stopped breathing. Naloxone is expected to reverse it.
If someone may have overdosed
- Call 911 if the person is unresponsive, cannot be woken, has blue or gray lips, or is breathing slowly or not at all.
- Give naloxone (Narcan or a generic nasal spray, sold without a prescription) into one nostril. If there is no response after 2 to 3 minutes, give another dose.
- If you are trained, give rescue breaths. Otherwise place the person on their side so they do not choke.
- Stay with them. Naloxone can wear off before 7-OH does, so the overdose can return even after the person wakes up.
- Most states have Good Samaritan laws that protect people who call 911 for an overdose from some drug charges.
What is 7-OH withdrawal like, and how long does it last?
Regular 7-OH use causes opioid-type physical dependence. Withdrawal can be intense.
- 12 to 24 hoursEarly symptomsAnxiety, restlessness, sweating, runny nose, yawning, and muscle aches.
- Days 2 to 4Peak withdrawalDiarrhea, cramps, vomiting, goosebumps, insomnia, and strong cravings.
- 1 to 2 weeksLingering symptomsLow mood, poor sleep, and cravings.
See the withdrawal timelines and the full 7-OH withdrawal guide.
Is 7-OH legal?
- DEA action: on July 1, 2026, the DEA announced it intends to temporarily place 7-OH above a set concentration, and three related synthetic compounds, in Schedule I. The three related compounds (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16) became Schedule I on August 26, 2026. Check the current status of 7-OH itself, which remained pending in early autumn 2026.
- FDA: 7-OH is not approved as a drug or dietary supplement and cannot be lawfully added to food.
- State law: many states have banned 7-OH products or set potency limits, including through kratom consumer protection laws.
Outside the United States
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| Thailand | Kratom legal and regulated; concentrated extracts restricted |
| International | Not under UN control |
Frequently asked questions about 7-OH
Is 7-OH the same as kratom?
No. Kratom leaf contains only trace amounts of 7-OH. Concentrated 7-OH products are much stronger opioids.
Is 7-OH legal?
The DEA announced in July 2026 that it intends to place 7-OH in Schedule I; related synthetic compounds became Schedule I in August 2026. Many states already ban it.
Does naloxone work on 7-OH?
It is an opioid agonist, so naloxone is expected to reverse an overdose.
Is 7-OH addictive?
Yes. Daily use causes opioid dependence and withdrawal.
How is 7-OH addiction treated?
With the same medicines used for opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine.
Sources
- HHS and FDA recommend scheduling of 7-OH, US Department of Health and Human Services, July 2025.
- Information about naloxone and nalmefene, US Food and Drug Administration.
- DEA to temporarily schedule 7-OH and related substances to protect public safety, US Drug Enforcement Administration, July 2026.
- National Helpline, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- FindTreatment.gov, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- International drug control conventions, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
This guide summarizes the sourced DoseUses 7-OH profile, written from FDA labels, DEA rules, and federal health agencies. It is educational and is not medical advice. Last updated October 5, 2026.
