Long Beach Health Department Urges Community to Avoid Kratom and 7-OH Products Amid Rising Overdose Risk

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is urging community members to avoid products containing kratom and the synthetic kratom compound 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which are being concentrated into unregulated products typically marketed to adults such as gummies, tablets, drink mixes and liquid "shots" sold in gas stations, smoke shops and online. This public health advisory comes following recent reports from Los Angeles County identifying six overdose deaths among adults ages 18 to 40 tied to concentrated 7-OH products. No deaths linked to 7-OH have been confirmed in Long Beach at this time.

These items are often marketed using terms such as "plant alkaloids," "herbal supplements" or energy and mood aids. Because 7-OH levels in these products are unknown and unregulated, the risk of overdose is high.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed that foods, dietary supplements and medical drugs containing kratom and 7-OH are dangerous and illegal to sell or manufacture in California. Any food product with added kratom is considered adulterated and may be subject to impound or destruction.

The Health Department is notifying Long Beach retailers that products containing kratom or 7-OH are not lawful for sale in California. Retailers found selling illegal products may be subject to enforcement actions, including product removal, administrative penalties and potential seizure or destruction of products by regulatory agencies.

The safest thing to do is avoid using 7-OH and kratom-related products altogether. While the Health Department strongly advises against using kratom or 7-OH, people who choose to use any drug should take precautions to reduce the risk of overdose:

• Never use alone. Always have someone nearby who can respond in case of overdose.
• Stagger use in groups. This ensures at least one person is alert in emergencies.
• Avoid mixing substances. Combining drugs can increase overdose risk.
• Carry naloxone. Naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses, including those involving 7-OH. Multiple doses may be needed.

For more information about the City's harm reduction efforts, including how to request free naloxone kits, drug test strips or register for naloxone training workshops, visit longbeach.gov/harmreduction.

Additional resources include:

• Never Use Alone Hotline - A free, 24/7 peer-operated hotline at 800.484.3731 that connects people using drugs alone with a non-judgmental listener who will call emergency assistance if needed
• Poison Control Center - Get help online or at 800.222.1222 if you suspect a poisoning.
• Substance Use Services in Long Beach. A full list of local treatment and support services is available on the Community Resources tab at longbeach.gov/harmreduction.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at [email protected]

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