Opposition to the Criminalization of 7-OH (Found in Kratom)

In California, Bill SB 758 proposes to classify 6-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in kratom, as a Schedule I substance. A Schedule I classification would prevent vital research into the safety, dosage, and therapeutic potential of 7-OH. Students for Sensible Drug Policy opposes this bill because it repeats the harmful pattern of rushing to criminalization instead of pursuing evidence-based and public-health-centered regulatory efforts.

Despite being portrayed as “synthetic and new”, 7-OH is plant-derived and has been used by people seeking alternatives to opioids in relation to pain management and withdrawal support. While there are legitimate concerns about high-concentration products and a lack of oversight. Those concerns argue for regulation, not further prohibition. Consumers will be pushed towards illicit blacks where there are greater risks of contamination and overdose.

Criminalizing 7-OH will expose thousands of people, especially children and minority communities, to arrest and incarceration without improving public health outcomes. To view SSDP’s statement of opposition to SB-758 sent to the California Senate Public Safety Committee, please visit this link.