Kansas City Moves to Regulate Kratom and 7OH Amid Warnings

Signs for 7OH and Kratom products are common sights in Kansas City shops and gas stations, but their sale has largely been unregulated across Kansas, Missouri, and at the federal level. This is set to change in Kansas City, Missouri, as the City Council unanimously passed an ordinance to explore new regulations following a stern warning from the FDA.

The Rise of Kratom and its Derivative, 7OH

Kratom, a plant used for centuries, and its synthetic derivative, 7OH, are now widely available in the metro, sold in forms like tablets, gummies, and liquids. One prominent local retailer, American Shaman, began producing 7OH tablets two years ago. According to American Shaman Founder Vince Sanders, 7OH is derived from mitragynine, a main alkaloid in kratom that the liver converts into 7OH, making their product a mirror of what the body naturally does. Sanders claims thousands have purchased it for pain management, describing the feeling it provides as “good.”

Conflicting Views on Addiction and Safety

While 7OH is marketed as a painkiller alternative, American Shaman requires customers (who must be over 21) to sign a form acknowledging addiction risks if taken incorrectly. Vince Sanders equates 7OH addiction more to caffeine than traditional opioids, despite the FDA issuing warning letters to companies illegally marketing the product due to potential addiction.

However, those in addiction recovery tell a different story. Joey Thomas, a recovering housing manager at Healing House KC, voiced severe concerns. He struggles to differentiate between someone under the influence of 7OH and someone on fentanyl, pointing to its widespread availability and low cost (around $10 for pills) as significant dangers. This ease of access has earned 7OH the street name “gas station heroin,” a term Sanders dismisses as attention-grabbing.

Kansas City Council Takes Action

Acknowledging the growing concern, the Kansas City, Missouri, City Council has begun the process to regulate kratom and 7OH sales within city limits. Councilman Johnathan Duncan starkly described the current situation as “the wild, wild west out here,” likening the unregulated market to “legal cocaine, legal heroin, and legal weed.” The council’s unanimous vote orders the city manager to research regulation plans implemented in other communities and report back with findings within 30 days.

This move indicates a critical turning point for the local market of these products. While manufacturers like American Shaman express openness to regulation, fearing a complete ban more than controlled sales, addiction recovery specialists emphasize the urgent need for oversight to protect the community.

• What are Kratom and 7OH?
  Kratom is a tropical tree, and 7OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) is a synthetic derivative of its main alkaloid. Both are marketed for various effects, including pain management.
• Why is Kansas City regulating these products?
  Following an FDA warning about 7OH and concerns from addiction recovery experts regarding its accessibility and addictive potential, the Kansas City Council is seeking to control its sale.
• Where can you currently buy Kratom and 7OH in KC?
  These products are sold in various forms (tablets, gummies, liquids) at gas stations and smoke shops throughout the metro area.
• What are the main risks associated with 7OH?
  While marketed for pain relief, both manufacturers and addiction specialists acknowledge the risk of addiction, with some comparing its effects to opioids.
• Where can I find help for addiction in Kansas City?
  If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, resources like Healing House KC are available to provide support.

As Kansas City navigates this complex issue, staying informed about local ordinances and understanding the risks associated with unregulated substances like 7OH is crucial for community health and safety.

Kansas City to regulate Kratom and 7OH after FDA warning