26-06 - Dangers of 7-Hydroxymitagynine (7-OH)
VOLUME 26 NUMBER 06 DATE: 10/13/2026
DANGERS OF 7-HYDROXYMITAGYNINE (7-OH)
Purpose
The purpose of this newsletter is to advise and update Department personnel regarding dangers of 7-Hydroxymitagynine (7-OH).
Background
7-Hydroxymitagynine, also known as “7-OH,” is an emerging synthetic concentrate widely marketed online and sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops in a variety of forms that include tablets, powders, capsules, gummies, injectables, and dissolvable strips. It is a potent opioid-like compound found in trace amounts within the leaves off the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), native to Southeast Asia. It has a high-risk of dependence, severe withdrawal and abuse that has led to at least 10 documented overdose death cases in Los Angeles County within the last year.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed synthetic 7-Hydroxymitagynine has no acceptable medical use and a high potential for abuse.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) filed its intent to temporarily place 7-Hydroxymitagynine into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The order took effect August 5th, 2026.
Signs and Symptoms
7-Hydroxymitagynine directly attaches to and activates mu-opioid receptors in the brain. The biological effects are similar to those of heroin, such as pinpoint pupils, slowed breathing, confusion, slurred speech patterns, or ataxia, etc.
Exposure
Simply touching dry 7-Hydroxymitagynine powder or tablets with your bare skin will not cause systemic symptoms or intoxication, as it does not readily absorb through healthy intact skin in quantities large enough to trigger opioid effects. However, if exposed, you should immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent any accidental ingestion.
If you or someone is exposed to and exhibit the symptoms of an overdose of 7-Hydroxymitagynine, you should administer Narcan (Naloxone) immediately and notify paramedics for medical assistance. Monitor breathing and perform CPR/Rescue Breathing utilizing a CPR mask or Bag Valve Mask (BVM), if necessary.
The procedure for overdose recognition and first aid is covered in Field Operations Directive 17-002, Deployment of Narcan Nasal Spray for Opioid Overdose. If you suspect the drug you are dealing with is 7-Hydroxymitagynine, the following safety measures are recommended:
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Wear two pairs of Nitrile gloves (preferably black in color to show any white powdery substance on them);
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Wear an N95 mask (cup or flat style) and eye protection;
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Handle the narcotic and immediately remove the first pair (outer pair) of gloves before touching anything else; and
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Wash hands with soap and water after handling the narcotic. Do not use hand sanitizers.
When packaging suspected 7-Hydroxymitagynine, never remove it from the original packaging. The substance should be stored in a zip-lock bag or heat-sealed bag. Since 7-Hydroxymitagynine is a potential hazard for all involved, label the outside of the bag as “possible 7-OH” to warn others and prevent unnecessary exposure.
In the event you are dealing with 7-Hydroxymitagynine, and depending on the circumstances, consideration should be given to contacting Los Angeles County Fire Department for rescue/medical purposes, the Department’s Narcotics Bureau and/or the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Team (LA IMPACT) Clandestine Laboratory Squad to assist in safely recovering the evidence. LA IMPACT may be contacted through the Department Operations Center (DOC), at (323) 980-2101.
If a controlled substance or 7-Hydroxymitagynine is suspected to be involved in a possible overdose-related death, Homicide Bureau shall be notified, per MPP Section, 5-09/090.00, Dead Bodies - Homicides, Suicides, Accidental and Natural. The on-call Overdose Response Task Force (ORTF) supervisor will be notified by Homicide Bureau. If you have any questions, please call or email the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau.
References
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Temporary Schedule 7-OH
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Library of Medicine
Newsletter 22-09 - Homicide Bureau Notification for Drug Overdose Death Investigations
Field Operations Directive 17-002 - Deployment of Narcan Nasal Spray for Opioid Overdose