Recreationals

Kratom and 7-OH: Significant Risks to Health

Kratom leaves which are used in supplements
Prohibited Status
prohibited Prohibited

 

What is kratom?

  • Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain natural compounds called alkaloids, which can affect the body and mind. Two main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), are known for their mind-altering or psychoactive effects.
  • Some other names for kratom are biak, kakuam, ketum, kratum, thang, and thom.
  • In the U.S., kratom is promoted for pain relief, energy support, enhanced relaxation, improved focus, productivity, and mood. Some people might even use kratom to manage conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

What is 7-OH?

  • 7-OH is a dangerous, addictive, opioid-like substance that has 13 times higher potency than morphine.
  • 7-OH may also be referred to as 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-HMG, 7-OHMG, 7-hydroxy, or 7.
  • Although 7-OH is found in small quantities in the kratom plant, this substance can also be synthetically produced in the laboratory from kratom extract or kratom-derived mitragynine.
    • Concentrated 7-OH products and “enhanced” kratom products can contain high levels of synthetic 7-OH.
    • These products are potent opioid products.

What is the military policy on kratom and 7-OH products?

  • Kratom, mitragynine, and 7-OH are on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List.
  • On 15 September 2025, DoD issued a memorandum that establishes new policy (effective 31 December 2025) that applies to “…active duty Service members and the members of the Reserve Components.” Per the memo:
    • All kratom, mitragynine, and 7-OH products are prohibited for use by Service Members.
    • Use of products made or derived from kratom, including products containing mitragynine and 7-OH, regardless of their concentration, legality under civilian law, or method of administration, is in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Are kratom and 7-OH legal outside the military?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that, “…kratom is not lawfully marketed in the U.S. as a drug product, a dietary supplement, or a food additive in conventional food,” and also that, “…7-OH is not approved by the FDA for any medical use and is not lawful as a dietary supplement or when added to conventional foods.”

  • Kratom is not appropriate for use as a dietary supplement. Dietary supplements that are or contain kratom are adulterated.
  • Kratom, when added to food, is an unsafe food additive. Food containing an unsafe food additive, such as kratom, is adulterated.
  • “FDA has not approved any prescription or over-the-counter drug products containing kratom or its two main chemical components, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH-mitragynine).”
  • On 29 July 2025, FDA recommended scheduling certain 7-OH products under the Controlled Substances Act.

While kratom is currently not federally controlled under the Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists it as a Drug and Chemical of Concern due to its potential for abuse and adverse health effects. A number of states and other countries have regulated or banned kratom and 7-OH.

How can kratom and 7-OH harm your health?

  • Kratom and 7-OH products have been linked to a rise in fatal and non-fatal overdoses. Other harmful and potentially life-threatening health effects include:
    • seizures, cardiac arrest, shallow breathing, liver toxicity
    • chest pain, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, risk of heart failure
    • nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, weight loss
    • confusion, agitation, anxiety, depression, delusion, hallucination, mania, psychosis
    • rhabdomyolysis (“rhabdo”), skin, and kidney problems
  • Kratom and 7-OH can be addictive. Use can lead to substance use disorder, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, body aches, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, aggression, and hostility. One FDA scientific report specifically noted that, “…7-OH has a significant potential for abuse and associated harms.”
  • The potential for kratom to interact with other substances, along with the risk of contamination or adulteration with heavy metals, bacteria, unnaturally high levels of 7-OH, and other drugs, also raises significant safety concerns.

How to identify (and avoid) kratom and 7-OH products?

  • Kratom and 7-OH products are readily available online and in retail locations (including gas stations and vape shops). Some products are even marketed as dietary supplements.
  • These products come in many forms, such as:
    • powder, capsules, tablets, extract, shots, tincture
    • beverages (such as drink mixes, seltzer, and soda)
    • edibles (such as chocolate, gummies, and ice cream cones) and vapes
  • Concentrated 7-OH products may be advertised to contain “plant-based,” “advanced,” “superior,” or “complex” alkaloids. Some may also be falsely marketed as “kratom” products.
  • Products may list “kratom,” “Mitragyna speciosa,” “mitragynine,” “mitragynine pseudoindoxyl,” “7-OH mitragynine,” or “7-OH” as an ingredient.
  • They may carry warnings such as “may be habit-forming” or “lead to dependency.”

Bottom Line

  • Service Members should avoid products made or derived from kratom, including products containing mitragynine and 7-OH.
  • All kratom, mitragynine, and 7-OH products are prohibited for use by Service Members.
  • Use of kratom and 7-OH can lead to dependence and other potentially serious health risks.
  • Kratom and 7-OH are illegal dietary supplement ingredients.
  • Kratom, mitragynine, and 7-OH are not FDA-approved to treat any medical conditions.

Related Resources

 

Posted 7 October 2025