Kentucky moves to ban deadly kratom chemical, Gov. Beshear announces

LOUSIVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Governor Andy Beshear announced on Wednesday Kentucky will make 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, illegal.

The chemical is found in the kratom plant, a plant native to Southeast Asia. The new law will make it illegal to sell, possess, or distribute concentrated forms of 7-OH in the state.

“Deadly and addictive drugs like 7-OH have no place in our communities, and this step will help us get these drugs off the streets," Beshear said in news release.

Products like shots, powders, and capsules can contain much stronger and risky doses, even though 7-OH appears naturally in kratom in only very small amounts.

“When kratom is altered to create synthetic opioids, it becomes a threat to the public’s health," said Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Once the law takes effect, law enforcement and regulators can start removing unsafe 7-OH products from store shelves.

Kentucky has seen overdose deaths fall for three years in a row, including a 30% drop in 2024.

If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, contact the KY HELP Call Center for support.

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