Colorful packages, serious problem

Kratom and 7-OH are opioid-like drugs sold in fun-named products like Feel Free and Smurphs at gas stations, corner stores, and smoke shops nationwide. They are highly addictive and largely unregulated.

Found near dead students

The drugs came into the news after they were found near the bodies of two dead University of Mississippi students, raising alarm about their dangers.

What kratom does

Kratom is derived from leaves of a coffee-like plant in Southeast Asia. In small doses it causes a low-key buzz. In higher doses, the high is described as euphoric and operates like an opioid.

How kratom works in the brain

A chemical in kratom called mitragynine binds to opioid receptors in the brain, leading to euphoric highs. It can also lead to addiction and overdose, with social media full of harrowing withdrawal stories.

Seven OH is stronger

Seven OH is a highly concentrated compound derived from kratom that dials up both the high and the danger. It is extracted and concentrated by businessman Vince Saunders, described as the self-styled American shaman out of Kansas City.

Kennedy warns it targets children

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned in a press conference that seven OH was marketed for children. They come as gummy bears in bright colors and candy flavors, which he called a sinister industry.

“They're gummy bears, they're bright colors, they're candy-flavored. This is really a sinister, sinister industry.”

Federal ban announced

In August, federal agencies announced they were taking steps to effectively ban seven OH nationwide. The Department of Justice set out an emergency scheduling that is open for comments.

People are getting addicted

People are becoming addicted to kratom and seven OH. The concern originally sprung up with Feel Free tonics, a mix of kava and kratom, when people realized it was unpleasant if they did not continue drinking several per day.

Political conflict over kratom

Feel Free owner JW Ross gave five hundred thousand dollars to the MAHA PAC and has been photographed next to RFK Jr. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has a million-dollar investment in the parent company of Feel Free.

MAHA's natural medicine stance

The Make America Healthy Again movement's ethos is very natural medicines and freedom. The kratom industry is lobbying for a ban of seven OH while the movement comes out on the side of kratom.

Right seizes drug policy mantle

Trump's executive order on psychedelics and rescheduling cannabis show the right has seized the mantle on drug policy from a libertarian perspective. They are also being more business friendly than people on the left would be.

Why kratom stays legal

Seven OH will be banned but kratom will not. There is recognition that kratom does good for people recovering from opiate addictions and provides a natural off-ramp that is very unlikely to kill you even in huge amounts.

Seven OH goes underground

The kratom advocates are more eloquent and suited and booted than the seven OH folks. Seven OH will be forced underground while kratom will continue its long and illustrious ascent in American culture.

An American phenomenon

Gas station drugs are an American thing. The availability of these substances in gas stations is particularly American, reflecting the country's unique gas station culture.

“It's an American thing for sure.”