The FDA’s latest bogeyman: 7-OH

The FDA has found a new target: 7-hydroxymitragynine — better known as 7-OH, an alkaloid from the kratom plant. History shows that regulated markets for cannabis, nicotine, opiates, and alcohol are far safer than illicit ones. Effective legal frameworks protect public health, enable oversight, and reinforce sound science—an approach equally vital for novel products with potential for abuse. The FDA’s proposal to classify 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a kratom alkaloid, as a Schedule 1 drug would undermine research, drive 1.7 million U.S. users toward illicit and more dangerous alternatives, and exacerbate the drug crisis. Instead, regulators should adopt a harm reduction framework that ensures control, safety, and scientific progress. In 2025, the FDA recommended classifying 7-OH as a Schedule One drug — the same category as heroin and LSD — instantly sparking bans in states like Florida and the seizure of thousands of products. But what does that really mean for consumers, public health, and scientific research? In this video, we break down: What 7-OH actually is and how it works Why the FDA and state governments are pushing bans How this could spark a new War on Drugs Why smart regulation — not prohibition — might be the real solution From consumer choice to drug policy reform, this deep dive explores the tension between innovation, safety, and freedom. 🎯 Watch to learn why banning 7-OH could backfire — and what a smarter path forward looks like. --- Learn more here: https://consumerchoicecenter.org/a-ro...