James Uthmeier
JACKSONVILLE — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says a statewide crackdown on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products has resulted in the seizure of nearly 18,000 products.
Uthmeier held a press conference September 18 in Jacksonville to make the announcement. Last month, Uthmeier filed an emergency rule to classify isolated and/or concentrated 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance in Florida.
“Thanks to our emergency rule and the hard work of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, nearly 18,000 dangerous 7-OH products have been wiped off the shelves,” Uthmeier said. “We will continue to protect our kids from this poison that carries a high risk for abuse and death.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson also spoke.
“Florida is leading the nation in cracking down on dangerous kratom-derived 7-OH,” he said. “We’ve already taken nearly 18,000 of these illegal products off the shelves, and we’re not stopping. Our new emergency rule also forces manufacturers and retailers to show exactly how much 7-OH is in their products.
“No more vague labels, no more hiding. Working with Attorney General Uthmeier and Sheriff Waters, we’re making it clear: Florida will always protect our kids, families, and communities from dangerous drugs like 7-OH.”
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said the impact of 7-OH “has been loud and destructive.”
“This dangerous substance has threatened the health and well-being of Jacksonville families, and it has no place on our streets,” Waters said. “I commend our leaders for taking swift action to remove this poison from store shelves, demonstrating true leadership in protecting Floridians and keeping our communities safe.”
7-OH is a chemical compound found naturally in the kratom plant. While naturally occurring, levels are low in whole kratom leaves. Isolated or concentrated forms of 7-OH — often found in extracts, shots, powders, or capsules — are much more potent. These products are frequently marketed as natural or wellness supplements but can lead to addiction, overdose, and other serious health effects.
Since the emergency ruling was filed on August 13, there have been 17,895 seizures of packages containing a variety of 7-OH products including gummies, energy drinks, vapes, pills, powders, and more. These products will be taken by the proper authorities to be incinerated.
