Buchanan, Bilirakis, Lee Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Dangerous Synthetic Drug

Buchanan, Bilirakis, Lee Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Dangerous Synthetic Drug

"Florida Has Led the Way in Addressing Emerging Drug Threats, But We Need a Clear, Nationwide Standard to Prevent Bad Actors from Exploiting Gaps in the Law."

Legislation Reviewed During the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing as Law Enforcement Warns of Growing Threat

WASHINGTON - Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, recently joined Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) and Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) to introduce the END 7-OH Act to address the growing threat posed by concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a dangerous substance with opioid-like effects that is being sold with little oversight across the country.

The END 7-OH Act would place concentrated synthetic 7-OH under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act(CSA), classifying it as a substance with a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.

"Protecting our children and keeping dangerous substances out of our communities must always come first," said Buchanan. "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. Florida has led the way in addressing emerging drug threats, but we need a clear, nationwide standard to prevent bad actors from exploiting gaps in the law. The END 7-OH Act will help us get ahead of this growing crisis and ensure families across the country are protected."

"Protecting the health and safety of our communities, especially our children, must remain a top priority," said Bilirakis. "When a substance is linked to hospitalization and even death, Congress has a responsibility to act. Scheduling 7-OH is a necessary step to ensure oversight, prevent abuse, and safeguard the public from dangerous and unregulated products."

"Unregulated kratom products are being sold without basic safeguards, despite containing compounds that act like powerful opioids," said Lee. "Concentrated synthetic 7-OH is a highly potent substance with opioid-like effects that is often marketed directly to young people and vulnerable individuals. The END 7-OH Act establishes clear federal standards and strong enforcement tools to address this growing threat. This legislation keeps dangerous products off our streets and gives law enforcement clear authority to stop these substances from reaching our communities."

Concentrated synthetic 7-OH is commonly found in products sold in convenience stores, smoke shops and online, often without adequate regulation or consumer warnings. Health experts and law enforcement officials have raised alarms about the substance's link to addiction, overdose and death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that products containing concentrated synthetic 7-OH are highly potent, opioid-like substances that have not been proven safe or effective for any use and should be avoided.

While some states, including Florida, have taken steps to regulate 7-OH, others have adopted inconsistent approaches, creating a patchwork of definitions, thresholds and enforcement standards. This lack of uniformity can create confusion for retailers, complicate enforcement efforts and allow dangerous products to remain accessible.

The legislation was reviewed during today's House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, where law enforcement officials underscored the urgent need for action. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis M. Lemma testified in support of the bill, and local law enforcement lauded the introduction of this public safety measure.

"I appreciate Congressman Bilirakis' leadership in addressing 7-OH in our communities," said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. "The lack of regulation of this compound leads to people consuming these items with the inherent risk of overdosing due to the inconsistency of 7-OH dosing. This legislation will protect our communities and remove this potent compound."

"We see what happens when dangerous products are sold with little oversight: families get hurt and local enforcement gets tied up in conflicting rules," said Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis. "A clear and consistent federal standard for concentrated synthetic 7-OH will help law enforcement nationwide act faster, keep retailers on the right side of the law, and better protect communities across the country."

Buchanan has been a leader in Congress on efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and strengthen public health protections. As Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, he has prioritized policies focused on prevention, early intervention and reducing the impact of substance abuse on families and communities.

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